Siano, Huaqi, and CMBSat join forces to deliver mobile TV in China
Launch of joint MDTV solution timed for Olympic Games 2008
Beijing, China — December 11 2007 - Siano Mobile Silicon, a leading supplier of semiconductor solutions for Mobile Digital TV (MDTV), announced today that it has signed a collaboration agreement with CMB Satellite, the Hong Kong based affiliate of EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH), and Huaqi, a leading manufacturer of consumer multimedia products in China branded "aigo" to provide advanced solutions for China's up-coming mobile TV service known as CMMB, or S-TIMI, starting at the 2008 Olympics.
CMMB (or S-TIMI) is the technology developed in China and selected by the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) as the main platform for delivering TV services to mobile devices. The CMMB network will use both satellite and terrestrial signals to obtain effective coverage both in densely populated cities, including indoor reception, as well as in sparsely populated rural areas. The commercial launch of mobile TV in China is anticipated to coincide with the Beijing Olympic Games.
CMB Satellite, a Hong Kong-based affiliate of EchoStar, is the primary provider of S-band satellite capacity for China’s CMMB mobile video system.
Dave Shull, CEO of CMB Satellite, commented on the collaboration: “The Chinese mobile TV market represents a huge commercial potential. In order to secure the successful launch of CMMB, it is imperative that consumers will be able to receive the signal at extremely high quality, both indoors and out, using low power and inexpensive handheld devices. Siano is a mobile TV chip maker that can provide leading MDTV solutions with excellent performance. Huaqi, with their aigo line of handheld devices, are experts in cost effective yet high quality mobile entertainment. They are an excellent partner for slim, user-friendly devices for CMMB users."
Huaqi is the largest supplier of MP3/MP4 handheld devices in China. Its brand aigo holds 35 percent of the domestic market.
"We view CMMB as a major area of growth for Huaqi in the near future," said Weiyong, General Manager of Mobile Video and audio department, from Huaqi. "This new collaboration with CMB Satellite and Siano will help Huaqi fulfill its commitment to lead the market of CMMB-enabled devices."
Siano is already a leader in the mobile TV receiver chip arena. Its SMS1010 receiver is the industry's only low-cost, ultra-low-power, quad-band, multi-standard receiver chip in mass production. In addition, Siano offers the SMS8021, a chip-antenna that introduces a technology breakthrough, as it exhibits high performance reception over the entire UHF range, with a device that is sized only 10 x 15 x 1 mm.
“As the global mobile TV market ramps up, all eyes are set on China as the economic powerhouse of tomorrow, "said Siano’s CEO, Alon Ironi. “The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing represent a major catalyst in terms of consumer adoption of MDTV in China. Through our collaboration with CMB Satellite and Huaqi, Siano is firmly committed to expanding its technology leadership into China and becoming the leading supplier of CMMB silicon."
Siano is a member of the CMMB Working Group.
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About Siano Mobile Silicon
Siano Mobile Silicon provides integrated silicon receivers for the mobile digital TV (MDTV) market. Tailored specifically for handheld and mobile devices, the company’s all-CMOS multi-standard solution overcomes formidable engineering challenges such as mobility reception, hand-offs, power consumption, form factor and small antenna. Since its establishment in June 2004 Siano raised $34.5M from JVP, Walden Israel, Star Ventures, and Bessemer Venture Partners. The company has 75 employees and is headquartered in Israel, with business development offices in Beijing, Taipei, Seoul and the Silicon Valley.
For additional information on Siano Mobile Silicon’s solutions, please visit: www.siano-ms.com.
About Huaqi
Beijing Huaqi Information Digital Technology Co., Ltd provides Mobile TV handheld terminal, personal storage, DSC, MP3, PMP, MP5 player and other consumer electronics products. Its brand, aigo has been cognizanced ‘the national famous trademark’. Huaqi’s subsidiary companies and regional offices have over 400 aigo stores and approx. 3000 agents covering more than 200 cities in China, as well as distant sales in North America, Europe, and south-East Aisa. Since its establishment is October 1993, Huaqi sales revenue has been growing at 60% or more annually or more for over a decade. The company has about 1800 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with R&D center in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
For additional information on Huaqi’s products, please visit www.aigo.com
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About China Mobile Broadcasting Satellite, Limited
CMBSat is a Hong Kong-based affiliate of EchoStar Communications Corporation with offices in Beijing and Hong Kong.
For more information on EchoStar, please visit www.echostar.com.
