Magnum Semiconductor Demonstrates Wireless Digital Media Center Solutions.

SonataNet[TM] Platform Plays, Records, and Streams Audio and Video Without the Need for Cables or Wires

LAS VEGAS -- Magnum Semiconductor (Milpitas, CA) has begun demonstrating a reference design for Ultra Wide Band (UWB)-based wireless digital media centers. Built on the company's recently introduced SonataNet[TM] platform, Magnum is now showing a wireless media center solution working with its partners ASTRI (Hong Kong) for wireless networking to PCs, and Tzero Technologies (Sunnyvale, CA) for a wireless interface to HD TVs. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can quickly bring innovative home entertainment systems platform into the digital living room now without the need for consumers to string cables and wires.

"Working with our partners, Magnum has extended the SonataNet reference platform, to schedule and record TV broadcasts, stream recorded TV programs to PCs, stream Internet-based audio and video to TVs, and download TV contents to portable media players, all in a consumer-friendly environment that no longer requires a jumble of wires, cables and plugs," said Brian Heuckroth, vice president of solutions marketing for Magnum Semiconductor.

Peter Diu, vice president of wireless multimedia technologies at ASTRI, said: "This is a design solution developed to replace existing audio/video and networking cables, providing user mobility and flexibility. It enables robust, high-speed wireless communications between devices in the home."

According to Dan Karr, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Tzero Technologies, "We're eliminating the hassles and the wires associated with installing audio/video products thanks to our UWB technology. Consumers want simple and straightforward connections to their new flat panel TVs. When OEMs build this capability into their products, they help consumers achieve their vision of a wireless digital living room."

SonataNet is based on Magnum's MS9400 line of advanced video processing chips for DVD and hard disk-based personal video recorders, A/V jukeboxes, portable video recorders and intelligent digital TVs. The MS9400 incorporates high-performance 108MHz video DACs for improved visual quality, unified memory architecture and the new Video Content Protection System (VCPS) copy protection scheme that may soon be required to support the broadcast flag in the United States and other countries.

The SonataNet reference design includes a complete working system, with case and connectors, as well as software. It is available immediately for qualified Original Equipment Manufacturers and contract design firms, and is priced at $2,500. Optional extras include software development tools and source code licensing.

ASTRI's MB-OFDM based WiMedia UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology core delivers high data rate (up to 480Mbps), low power, and secure transmissions at close range (up to 20 meters) delivering high quality-of-service while co-existing with other wireless systems. An excellent solution for digital living room multimedia applications, this platform includes all the hardware, software, and interfaces for audio and video files to be transferred and streamed between consumer electronics devices and PCs. The platform features support for multiple A/V formats, USB, and Ethernet interfaces with customized antenna, a compact PCB, and embedded software for radio modem control, security, and WVS (Wireless Video Streaming) channel management.

Tzero is a leading supplier of UWB solutions including those for high-definition video applications. The company's advanced technology can connect a range of A/V Magnum Demonstrates Wireless Digital Media Center Solutions components - displays, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, media center PCs, residential gateways and more. Tzero's platform is based on standards from the WiMedia Alliance and is guaranteed to coexist with other WiMedia-compliant devices.

About ASTRI

ASTRI, the Applied Science & Technology Research Institute Company Ltd. of Hong Kong, was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR (special administrative region) in 2001 to capture the promises of technological advances. ASTRI's R&D activities focus on four closely interrelated, technological domains -- IC Designs, Communications Technologies, Enterprise & Consumer Electronics, and Material & Packaging Technologies. ASTRI's Wireless Multimedia Technologies Group develops UWB wireless communication technology and has introduced UWB/WUSB Host/Device Wired Adaptor and UWB Mini-PCI module designs and products. For more information, visit www.astri.org/big5/comm.php.

About Tzero Technologies, Inc.

Tzero Technologies is the leader in wireless video. The company's advanced ultra wideband technology can connect a range of A/V components -- displays, set-top boxes, digital video recorders and more -- without cabling throughout the home. Founded in 2003, Tzero is backed by tier-one venture partners, including August Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Miven Venture Partners, OVP, USVP and VentureTech Alliance. Tzero is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. For more information, visit www.tzerotech.com.

About Magnum Semiconductor

Magnum Semiconductor is a premier provider of chips, software, reference platforms and engineering support for recording, viewing and managing high-quality audio/video content. Magnum Semiconductor is headquartered in Milpitas, Calif. with sales and engineering offices in Korea, Taiwan, Japan and China. Further information is available at www.magnumsemi.com.

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