BridgeCo Unveils Three New Networked Audio Platforms Enabling Compelling Features in 2007 Consumer Product Designs.Processor and Software Reference Designs Combine Traditional Audio Functions With New Connectivity and User Interface Options for Digital Music in the Home LAS VEGAS -- BridgeCo Inc. (www.bridgeco.com), a leading provider of entertainment networking solutions, revealed three networked audio reference platforms at the Consumer Electronics Show today. Based on BridgeCo's audio processor and software technology, the three reference platforms enable consumer electronics OEMs and ODMs to rapidly create a new generation of audio products that allow users to network iPods and other portable music players, combine Internet radio with FM radio capabilities, add clock-radio functionality and manage all of their digital audio content through a new full-color graphical user interface graphical user interface (GUI) Computer display format that allows the user to select commands, call up files, start programs, and do other routine tasks by using a mouse to point to pictorial symbols (icons) or lists of menu choices on the screen as opposed to having to (UI). "The mass market adoption of digital music continues at a fast pace," said BridgeCo CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Gene Sheridan. "Audio electronics OEMs and ODMs are moving rapidly to combine traditional audio sources and functionality with new wired and wireless connectivity options to tap into the massive digital music collections and radio stations that are now available from the Internet. We designed our new trio of reference designs to allow our customers to quickly combine their targeted set of features and functions so that they can introduce fresh products with minimal incremental investment, fastest time-to-market and the lowest development risk." The three BridgeCo reference platforms incorporate a WiFi[R] wireless audio player with integrated iPod dock and USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. interfaces along with various UI options. The basic platform (aDMP-002) enables users to connect any audio system over a home network to stream music from a computer or directly from the Internet, and also play tracks from an iPod or a USB storage device. The second platform (aDMP-003) adds a traditional FM radio tuner and clock / alarm functionality to the wireless audio, iPod and USB player. The third platform (aDMP-005) integrates a full-color graphical UI to offer consumers a simple and intuitive way to manage their digital music collections and control audio equipment functionality. The initial implementation of this new graphical UI utilizes an external display so users can browse music libraries and Internet audio services on their TV while listening to Internet, iPod or USB-stored audio on their stereo. Comprehensive Reference Designs Speed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and Time to Market Each of the new BridgeCo reference designs is offered with a hardware evaluation board, detailed schematic, bill-of-materials, recommended PCB PCB: see polychlorinated biphenyl. PCB in full polychlorinated biphenyl Any of a class of highly stable organic compounds prepared by the reaction of chlorine with biphenyl, a two-ring compound. layout and important design guidelines, along with the full middleware and application software stack, and a software/hardware customization kit. The reference designs are available immediately for US$10,000, which includes customization and design support and also includes a BridgeCo software license. The BridgeCo DMP DMP Dossier Médical Personnel (France) DMP Debt Management Plan DMP Debt Management Program DMP Digital Media Project DMP Dot Matrix Printer DMP Designated Mailer Protocol DMP Dynamic Multi-Pathing software stack and audio processor ICs are currently available and priced as bundled platforms that incorporate both the processor IC and DMP firmware. The combined firmware/processor platform is priced from US$15 in 1K unit volumes to sub-US$10 in high volume, depending on selected processor and included firmware modules. BridgeCo Processor and Firmware Technology All three reference designs are based on BridgeCo's proprietary ARM-based, DSP-enhanced dual core processors, a RTOS (1) (RealTime Operating System) An operating system designed for use in a real time computer system. See real time system, embedded system, process control and OS-9. (real-time operating system (operating system) Real-Time Operating System - (RTOS) Any operating system where interrupts are guaranteed to be handled within a certain specified maximum time, thereby making it suitable for control of hardware in embedded systems and other time-critical applications. ) and a proprietary application software stack. The BridgeCo processor interfaces directly to 802.11/Wi-Fi[R], HomePlug[TM] powerline, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, www.ieee.org) A membership organization that includes engineers, scientists and students in electronics and allied fields. 1394, USB and Ethernet PHY See physical layer and physical. chips, and it drives both digital and analog outputs that connect directly to any audio system. The processor/firmware combination handles TCP/IP TCP/IP in full Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Standard Internet communications protocols that allow digital computers to communicate over long distances. and USB protocols; MP3, M3U, PLS, VORBIS, WMA-9, AAC and other digital audio file formats, MMS and MP3 audio streaming, Microsoft Windows Media DRM for Network Devices copy protection and many other popular digital rights management (DRM) encryption/decryption processing and authentication. The processor with embedded firmware also supports UPnP interoperability along with infrared remote control See IR remote control. functionality and interfaces to both embedded and external LCD options. 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 and legacy products produced by the multi-billion dollar global consumer electronics industry, including digital audio adapters, clock radios, iPod-docking stations, AVRs, musical instruments and breakout boxes. Its silicon and middleware platforms were among the first anywhere to be DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) A coalition of computer and consumer electronics companies that was formed to ensure interoperability in home networks. [TM] CERTIFIED, and its solutions are used by leading consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide. 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 (1) See ISO speed. (2) (International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland, www.iso.ch) An organization that sets international standards, founded in 1946. The U.S. member body is ANSI. 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company with headquarters in Los Angeles, California and operations in Zurich, Switzerland. Its key investors include Advent Venture Partners, Benchmark Capital, Cipio Partners (formerly Infineon Ventures), Earlybird Venture Capital, Fidelity Ventures, Intel Capital and Wellington Partners. All trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. |
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