LINUX-BASED IP-STB UTILIZES TI'S DSP AND SOFTIER LINUX TOOLS.

X-Digital Systems Inc. (XDS) introduced a Linux-based IP-Set Top Box utilizing the Texas Instruments (TI) TMS320DM64x digital media processors and Softier's Linux operating system and development tools.

The FlikIt IP-STBs (http://www.flikit.com) allows the distribution of video, music, pictures and data via Ethernet or Wireless LAN to multiple TVs in a home, school, airport-terminal or other setting.

XDS exhibited two versions of their product: Stand-alone IP-STB connected to a standard TV via composite video or S-Video connections and an IP-STB built into a large screen display, creating a Network-Ready display.

The XDS' low cost and high volume consumer products make it possible to broadcast the same content to multiple displays or to view specific content on-demand on each display.

XDS selected Softier's Linux operating system (MediaLinux) and development tools to create a multitasking application with audio-video streaming over IP network, A/V decoding and playback, graphic on-screen-display, remote control and more.

"The Softier technology allows system designers to rapidly develop networked multimedia products utilizing open-source Linux software. We are committed to working with TI and its customers to create exciting and innovative networked multimedia consumer products," said Josef Berger, Softier's CEO.

XDS selected the TI DM64x media processor because of its low power, low cost, 4800 MIPS of processing power, and its excellent ability to process audio, video and communication simultaneously. As a result, XDS can support MPEG2, MPEG4, WMV for video. MP3 (MPEG1 or 2 layer III) and WMA for audio.

"XDS goals are to create low cost products allowing the distribution of multimedia content over home and businesses networks. Softier's Linux OS running on a single TI DSP allowed us to reduce the development time, cost and risk associated with these complex products," said Ian Lerner, the president of X-Digital Systems.

"The XDS products exploit the multi-faceted abilities and high performance of the DM64x media processors to simultaneously run the Softier Linux OS while performing audio, video and communication processing. In addition, the programmability and flexibility of our digital media processors enables quick integration of development tools such as Softier's Linux software development tools and speeds time-to-market," said Henry Wiechman, manager, Streaming Media Group, Texas Instruments.

About X-Digital Systems

XDS is a technology development company with over 10 years of expertise in the IP networking and data distribution fields. XDS has developed and licensed communications products in the US and Japan. XDS provides its customers complete solutions including back office systems in addition to the remote client systems.

About Softier

Softier is a provider of Linux Operating System and development tools (LDDK- Linux DSP Development Kit) for TI's media processors. Softier's solutions offer compatibility with existing media processing algorithms as well as the ability to utilize the vast selection of open-source Linux applications.

Softier can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.softier.com.

About the Texas Instruments Third Party Program

Softier, Inc. is a member of the TI TMS320 third party program, the most extensive collection of global DSP development support in the industry. With more than 650 independent companies and consultants, TI's customers have easy access to a broad range of application software, development hardware and software and consulting services.

The TI third party program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com/3p.

For more information, call [phone] or 858/452-2010.