BridgeCo Processor and Software Chosen for New Pioneer High-Quality Mini Audio Systems.

Leading Audio Brand Combines BridgeCo and Pioneer Corporation Technology to Add Home Networking, Internet Radio and USB Connectivity Features to Latest Consumer Products

LOS ANGELES -- BridgeCo Inc. (www.bridgeco.com), a leading provider of entertainment networking solutions, announced that Pioneer has selected BridgeCo processor IC and software technology for Pioneer's new X-Z7 and X-Z9 high-quality audio systems, which were released in Japan. Pioneer's new "Z-series" products incorporate Ethernet networking capability, which enables sharing of audio files with computers over home networks, and the systems offer Internet access, allowing consumers to enjoy Internet radio stations, podcasts and Web music services. The Z-series also includes a USB port, allowing connection of memory sticks and portable music devices as audio sources.

"The audio consumer today enjoys a multitude of content sources and storage options," according to a Pioneer spokesperson. "Our new Z-series gives consumers the flexibility to choose any audio source. Whether listening to a favorite radio station over the Web, playing a song stored on a mobile MP3 player, or streaming music from a computer hard drive over a home network, Pioneer's new audio offerings collect all of the popular music sources for high-quality playback in the living room. BridgeCo offers technology for adding these functions to our audio products. The Z-series is the first of several Pioneer products that will incorporate BridgeCo networking technology."

A globally recognized name in audio innovation, Pioneer has been developing leading audio products for more than 70 years. Pioneer's Z-series products are fully integrated audio systems that include an AM/FM tuner, CD receiver and speakers. The new Z-series is DLNA[TM] Certified, indicating that it is network compatible with any other consumer electronics component that has achieved DLNA certification. The systems support MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, WAV and FLAC digital file formats. The X-Z7 and X-Z9 are currently available in Japan.

"Pioneer has built a global reputation as an innovative market leader," said BridgeCo CEO Gene Sheridan. "BridgeCo is excited to be working with Pioneer on these high-quality audio systems."

BridgeCo Processor and Firmware Technology

The BridgeCo eDMP (embedded Digital Media Player) is a complete networking reference design that includes a proprietary ARM-based DSP processor, a RTOS (real-time operating system) and a proprietary application software stack. The processor/firmware combination handles TCP/IP and USB protocols; decompression processing for MP3, M3U, PLS, VORBIS, WMA-9, AAC and other digital audio file formats; MMS and MP3 audio streaming, and Microsoft Windows Media DRM for Network Devices copy protection and many other popular digital rights management (DRM) encryption/decryption processing and authentication protocols.

About BridgeCo

BridgeCo, a digital entertainment networking pioneer, offers the world's most comprehensive, cost-effective and highly integrated processor and software platforms for connecting Internet media sources, computers and consumer electronics throughout the home. BridgeCo platforms are used in a wide range of innovative products produced by the multi-billion dollar global consumer electronics industry, including digital media players, audio adapters, AVRs, audio systems, Internet radios, musical instruments and breakout boxes. Its silicon and software platforms were among the first anywhere to be DLNA[TM] Certified. Leading consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide use the company's solutions.

Using BridgeCo's processor and bundled software, OEMs can offer stand-alone media network products, or embed networking capabilities directly into consumer products, at competitive retail price points. The company also offers market-leading solutions for FireWire[TM] audio interface systems used by musicians and other content creators.

BridgeCo is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company with operations in Los Angeles, California and Zurich, Switzerland. Its key investors include Advent Venture Partners, Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe), Cipio Partners, Earlybird Venture Capital, ETV Capital, Fidelity Ventures, Intel Capital and Wellington Partners.

About Pioneer

Pioneer Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is a leading global manufacturer of consumer and business-use electronics products such as audio, video and car electronics. Its shares are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

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