CyberLink, Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Siano Introduce Slim ExpressCard for Mobile TV
SuwonExpress targets notebook makers and accessory card OEMs; Offers multi-mode mobile TV, including built-in antennas
December 11, 2006: Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEM), Korea's leading maker of electronic parts and components, CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a world leader in digital home solutions, and Siano Mobile Silicon, a fabless semiconductor maker of solutions for Mobile Digital TV (MDTV), announced today the launch of their joint solution for bringing MDTV to notebooks - the SuwonExpress.
The SuwonExpress will be demonstrated in Siano's meeting room (#68544, Sands Meeting Place) at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show, taking place January 8-11 in Las Vegas.
The SuwonExpress is an ExpressCard accessory aimed at notebook OEMs and ODMs, accessory card OEMs and accessory card retailers. ExpressCard is a new type of module that slots into a computer system to allow the addition of hardware capabilities. Introduced by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) in 2003, it constitutes a thin, light and fast modular expansion for users of desktop and especially notebook computers.
The SuwonExpress is based on Siano's MDTV receiver chipset, the SMS1000, and ejectable antenna technology from SEM. It supports four spectrum bands that are commonly used for mobile TV and five modes (or standards) of mobile TV: DAB, DAB-IP, T-DMB, DVB-T, and DVB-H. It is bundled with a complete multi-standard mobile TV software suite from CyberLink, that includes Electronic Service Guide, a TV player, and a recorder.
Introducing the lowest bill-of-materials (BOM) and lowest power consumption in the market, the SuwonExpress is a step forward in PC TV technology from the human interface engineering standpoint. Instead of having the end user connect external antennas to the card, the SuwonExpress comes with built-in antennas for all supported spectrum bands. Furthermore, when the card is not in use, the antennas are "buried" inside the ExpressCard slot, making the card flush with the side panel of the host notebook. In addition, its ultra-low power consumption eliminates heat dissipation problems even in long usage scenarios.
The SuwonExpress is offered bundled with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Linux application software from CyberLink.
Rethink, a research group that publishes forecasts for mobile TV to notebooks and other non-handset devices, estimates that this market will rise to a minimum of 40 million devices over the next 5 years. "In some territories there is a case to be made that mobile TV penetration on laptops will be far higher than in handsets," said Peter White, managing director, Rethink Research Associates Ltd. "Multi-spectrum devices like the SuwonExpress card mean that a single device will work in many territories, driving economies of scale for laptop based mobile TV."
"Siano's SMS1000 is the only mobile TV silicon that enables global reception," said TaeHo Kwon, Vice President, Wireless Solution module division, Samsung Electro-Mechanics. "Furthermore, its high sensitivity, combined with SEM's antenna front end technology, allows solid reception both indoors and outdoors."
"The consumer market needs comfortable, attractive, cost-effective ways to integrate mobile TV," said Alon Ironi, CEO, Siano. "In the SuwonExpress SEM has harnessed its rich experience in modules and TV tuners to create the slimmest, most comfortable solution for bringing mobile TV to notebooks."
"Featuring support for DVB-H and DVB-T, CyberLink PowerCinema offers an advanced player for enjoying digital TV on notebook PCs anywhere and anytime," said Alice Chang, CEO, CyberLink. "In collaborating with Samsung and Siano, we've brought our expertise at developing TV software to the partnership, ensuring a completely integrated entertainment platform for receiving, decoding, and playing DTV."
About CyberLink
CyberLink Corp. is the maker of award-winning applications PowerDVD, PowerDirector, PowerCinema, and DVD Solution. CyberLink has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality, competitive products that add value to OEM customers and end-users alike. Business partners include leaders in the PC hardware industry: drive manufacturers, graphics card makers, and top desktop and notebook brands. CyberLink's digital multimedia range includes software for capturing and editing videos, authoring and playing DVDs, and burning Blu-ray Discs and HD DVDs. CyberLink's digital home products offer complete solutions for accessing, sharing, and enjoying content within the digital home: TV, video, photos, music, and DVDs. These include advanced connectivity solutions that enable the anytime, anywhere entertainment experience across PC, CE, and mobile devices. CyberLink's eHRD solutions provide tools for developing and managing human resources. CyberLink listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (5203.TW) in 2000 and has posted positive year-on-year results ever since. CyberLink has operations in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific including Japan, with its worldwide headquarters located in Taipei. For more information, please visit: http://www.cyberlink.com/ or our Press Room.
About Samsung Electro-Mechanics
Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEM) was established in 1973 as a manufacturer of key electronic components, and the company has grown into one of the industry leaders, thanks to cutting-edge technology and top product quality.
SEM pioneered the technological framework for Korean production of A/V components in the 1970s, and in the 1980s the company diversified into materials and computer parts. In the early 1990s, the focus was on manufacturing chip components, multi-layer circuit boards, and mobile communication components. In the late 1990s, operations expanded into the production of digital products with applied high-frequency, software, engineering and design technologies.
These changes, combined with uncompromising quality, helped Samsung Electro-Mechanics to become the leading electronic parts maker in a major world player. Sales for FY 2005 reached approximately US $2.5 billion
Samsung Electro-Mechanics, which directly sells over 80 percent of its own products, operates manufacturing facilities, R&D distribution and sales centers, and offices in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China and Southeast Asia. As a Global Supplier, we guarantee distribution of our high quality products in any corner of the world.
For additional information on Samsung Electro-Mechanics, please visit www.sem.samsung.com
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 more than 60 employees. It is based in Israel, with business development offices in Beijing, Taipei, and Seoul. In May 2006 Siano was selected to the prestigious Red Herring 100 Europe, a list of the most promising start-ups in the EMEA area.
For additional information on Siano Mobile Silicon's solutions, please visit www.siano-ms.com.
