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Sigma Designs acquires Gennum's VXP image processing business
It was pretty much a done deal already, but now the final bit of paperwork has apparently been pushed. Sigma Designs has finally completed its acquisition of Gennum's VXP image processing business, which will enable it to "acquire assets of the VXP group including, but not limited to, products and intellectual property." As part of the deal, some 46 employees will be joining Sigma Designs -- oh, and Sigma's pocket book will be getting $18 million lighter, too.[Via Widescreen Review]
Fujitsu, Sigma Designs collaborate on Wireless HDAV
Yeah, we've certainly seen Sigma Designs pick up partners for WiMedia-based UWB HD streaming before, but this go 'round it's managed to solicit the help of Fujitsu. Apparently, the duo is planning to showcase its wireless HDAV technology at CES, which was designed to transport HD content over ultra-wideband and rely on Fujitsu's H.264-compliant codec. The setup can purportedly transmit signals at distances of up to ten meters, and will combine Fujitsu's MB86H51 codec with Sigma Designs' SMP8634 Secure Media Processor decoder and UWB Windeo chipset. Granted, we've witnessed similar songs / dances before, but here's to hoping one of these wireless concoctions actually takes off in 2008.
TransTechnology's DVX-700 WiFi media player supports Google Video
Japan's TransTechnology is back and ready to loose their latest all-media streamer, the DVX-700. The box will ship in two flavors -- the tethered M10, or wireless 802.11b/g M20 -- and comes packing a DVD player and removable 3.5-inch HDD (optional) for sneakernetting your data back-and-forth to an optional USB or IDE enclosure for your PC. Otherwise, you can push your media around via DLNA support with like-spec'd devices on the home network. The unit touts a Sigma Designs' EM8620L media processor like the newer AVeL LinkPlayers we've already seen from I-O Data. As such, you can expect support for WMV HD, MPEG-1/2/4, XviD, WMV9 video; DVD-ripped ISO image files; and MP3, AAC, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, and WAV (PCM) audio. It even supports direct Google Video browsing and playback with the help of a USB keyboard and/or remote control. Video outs include DVI and Japan's digital D4 both supporting up to 1080i. Yours in Japan starting tomorrow for ¥27,800 ($237) with wires or ¥30,800 ($264) without. [Via Impress]
Taiyo Yuden and Sigma Designs showcase WiMedia-based UWB HD streaming
If you're looking to pick up any UWB device to stream high definition video / audio around your crib anytime soon, chances are it might have a little Taiyo Yuden and Sigma Designs beneath the shell. The two firms are showcasing a WiMedia Alliance-based UWB wireless HD streaming solution here at CES, which highlights "Taiyo Yuden's antenna array on its mini-PCI reference design module with Sigma Designs' Windeo chipset." The unique three-antenna array offered on Yuden's solution supposedly offers up extended range possibilities, and fully supports Sigma's "Intelligent Array Radio" technology. Unfortunately there's no word on any end product uses just yet, nor any expected dates for this newfangled system to hit the mainstream, but with the ginormous pressures being felt around here to get wireless HD streaming out to consumer, we're sure it's pretty high up there on each company's priority list.
Microsoft shows off IPTV plans, partners
As the convergence race heats up, Microsoft is not sitting on the sidelines, as last week at the IBC show in Amsterdam they shed more light on their plans for IPTV devices with SBC, Intel, Motorola, Linksys and others. Among the announcements made for NTSC markets were:Previously announced Scientific Atlanta set top boxes including SD and HD receivers and DVRs, as well as IP-over-coax and DVB supportA Thomson/Intel box that is said to be commercially available, supporting Microsoft's IPTV Edition platform. Expandable to include DVR features, it also supports Windows Media 9, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 encoded sources.A system-on-a-chip developed with Sigma Designs specifically intended to support all IPTV edition features and lower cost so that it can be included in set top boxes, TV's, DVD players and gaming consoles. I don't think this nearly answers the question of where the Media Center Edition platform's future lies, but Microsoft is clearly doing everything they can to make sure they have their devices at the heart of your digital entertainment center of the future.
