On2 Technologies, Inc., a leader in video compression technologies, announced that Infineon Technologies AG has signed a multiple use license agreement for integrating the On2’s latest Hantro video accelerators. Configurable to support popular standard and proprietary video formats in resolutions from QCIF up to 720p High Definition, the encoder and the decoder RTL designs will be integrated to several Infineon baseband chipsets targeted for high volume mobile handsets.
Under the terms of the agreement On2 will provide Infineon with several configurations of the codec solution; the format and resolution support are specified during the system integration phase of the chip projects thus providing Infineon with maximum flexibility to ensure they achieve an optimum combination of silicon area utilization and functionality for their target markets.
“Infineon have shipped more than a billion wireless chipsets and is expected to gain significant market share in 2G and 3G markets” says Bill Joll, President and CEO of On2. “This kind of success is testament to their consistent ability to competitively deliver leading edge products of the highest quality. We are extremely proud to be chosen as the video technology provider for their next generation chipsets”
By using On2 RTL designs, Infineon is able to offload the complex calculations needed for video compression and decompression from the chip’s processor core. This makes full motion video record and playback possible, without having high CPU load for video processing. In addition, the solution is extremely power efficient which means that consumers with handsets built on the Infineon chipset can enjoy longer video capture and playback time on a single charge.
“High quality video capability is virtually a pre-requisite for all feature-phone handsets, and integrating support into the baseband chipset is the best way to marry the performance consumers expect with the price they are willing to pay.” said Clemens Jargon, Infineon’s Vice President and General Manager of the Feature Phone Business Unit. “With the On2’s video accelerators, we are able to provide device manufacturers with highly competitive leading edge solutions for entry level through to high-end multimedia handset designs.”
Infineon is using the On2 video accelerators in the 3G and higher end 2.5G variants of their 65nm baseband family. First products of this family are sampling now. Infineon has been shipping its communication ICs for more than 15 years to all major companies in the mobile phone segment, including Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG.
Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, communications, and security. Infineon operates through its subsidiaries in the U.S. from Milpitas, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore, and in Japan from Tokyo.
On2 Technologies ensures a compelling video experience for any video application anywhere. From low bit rate to high definition, On2 provides optimized video compression technology enabling innovative solutions for application developers, content and service providers, chip vendors, device manufacturers, digital signage companies and beyond.
10-2-08
March ’07 Sennheiser Communications
Using proprietary new technology that both increases user mobility while improving the clarity of telephone conversations, Sennheiser Communications has clearly positioned itself at the forefront of digitally enhanced wireless headset development and production.
Unveiled at CeBIT 2007, the BW 900 for office users and the VMX 100 for mobile phone users compliment Sennheiser Communications’ current range of call centre and office, PC and mobile phone headsets.
With the new BW 900 wireless office headset, synergy between the office phone and any Bluetooth® enabled device used for calling, such as mobile phones and computers, is easy to achieve.
The BW 900 is the first wireless office headset to combine multi-connectivity with 100-meter range. It gives users the freedom to make and receive calls on any phone from practically anywhere in the office hands free. And switching between calls on the office phone, mobile phone or PC can be done effortlessly at the touch of a button.
In addition, the BW 900 features Adaptive Intelligence technology specifically developed by Sennheiser Communications to filter out distracting background noises for personalized comfort and high quality speech transmission.
Adaptive Intelligence allows you to walk and talk from one sound environment to another, while it intelligently adjusts the headset settings. It also remembers the personal comfort levels of the user in particular situations and adapts to these preferences in similar sound environments.
Regardless of whether you’re in your office, the copy room, the conference room or the company cafeteria, the BW 900 automatically adjusts to personal sound preferences so you and the person you talk with are able to hear with excellent clarity.
The BW 900 is easy to use, sleek, stylish and comfortable to wear at only 26 grams. And with both hands free, the workday is more productive for everyone in the office whose hands are usually tied up on the phone. The BW 900 will be available from May 2007.
The VMX 100 is the first Bluetooth® headset designed with revolutionary VoiceMax dual microphone technology. VoiceMax employs a unique directional system using two microphones and advanced digital signal processing to distinguish speech from other noises. Distracting sounds such as wind, noise from traffic or machinery, or the murmur of a crowd are effectively eliminated for clearer, more easily understood conversations.
The advanced features of the VMX 100 enhance speech understanding for the person wearing it, as well as the party on the other end of the line. Just as its dual microphone technology makes it easier for the voice of the user to be understood, the VoiceMax system also intelligently filters background noises from incoming calls, enabling users to better hear what is being said to them.
“From a technological perspective, the VMX 100 is an industry marvel,” said Andreas Bach, General Manager of Sennheiser Communications. “It effectively improves the quality of mobile phone conversations and adapts to user behavior in most call situations. This eliminates the need for constant manual adjustments making it as easy to use as it is to wear,” said Mr. Bach.
Monumental improvements in speech clarity and noise reduction are complimented by the extremely lightweight ergonomic design of the VMX 100. At 15 grams, it not only fits the contour of your ear, superior personalized wearing comfort is achieved thanks to a unique 3D ball joint. This enables adjustment of the microphone boom to personal preferences. The boom is also designed to automatically turn the power on or off, depending on whether or not it is opened or closed.
Discreet, durable and sophisticated, the VMX 100 has a two-way speaker unit allowing it to be worn on either the left or right ear. Discerning business users will also be happy with the packaging that includes a compact storage case and multiple charging options.
The VMX 100 is compatible with all Bluetooth® mobile telephones and will be available from June 2007.
The Danish-based headset manufacturer is a powerful joint venture between the highly successful electro acoustics specialist Sennheiser and internationally renowned hearing health care company William Demant Holding Group.
By combining the high-end audio and sound reproduction quality with the leading hearing aid and advanced digital signal processing technology of its parent companies, Sennheiser Communications creates state of the art headsets that improve speech understanding and listening comfort for all types of telecommunications.
“Our new wireless headset platform is a prime example of how we combine the best from our parent companies to develop innovative headset solutions,” said Andreas Bach, General Manager of Sennheiser Communications.
“And the new platform offers a range of features to the benefit of both office phone and mobile phone users. It also supports traditional single microphone as well as more complex dual microphone systems, enabling us to create adaptive and speech/voice optimized noise reduction and speech clarity systems,” added Mr. Bach.
Sennheiser Communications A/S is a joint venture between the Danish company William Demant Holding A/S and the German company Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG. Based in Copenhagen, the joint venture develops telecommunications products for contact centers, office applications and private users, and markets them worldwide. Sennheiser Communications A/S excels in state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding customer service. The joint venture draws on the experience of two companies that are both global market leaders in their respective sectors. •
Fujitsu Media Devices Limited (FMD) has developed the T0311QZ1950 (Band I), T0311QZ0836 (Band V), and T0312QZ1880 (Band II) -- compact, high-performance transmitter modules with the world's highest power efficiency for W-CDMA mobile phones. FMD will begin supplying successive samples of the modules from September.
FMD is also planning to develop transmitter modules for Bands IV and VIII in an effort to further strengthen its product line-up. FMD is a pioneer in developing CDMA transmitter modules with built-in power amps for transmitting data to reduce the electrical connect and space requirements of RF parts in mobile phones.
1. The use of a proprietary duplexer and filter enables an optimal design and the world's highest level of power efficiency (27%). The transmitter modules support three output power modes: High power, Middle power, and Low power.
2. The transmitting circuit components of the mobile phone -- the power amplifier, SAW filter, and SAW duplexer -- are built into a single unit, thus the transmitter modules can achieve a compact size of 7.0 mm x 4.0 mm (with a maximum height of 1.2 mm). This enables a nearly 30 percent decrease in the circuit area when compared to modules configured using conventional discrete components.
3. These transmitter modules support High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which serves as the base for 3GPP Release 5, for downlink speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps.
FMD has set a sales target of 1.5 million units per month from January 2008.
March ’07 - Binatone Electronics
Binatone Electronics International Ltd, the world’s second largest DECT designer and manufacturer, announced at CeBIT 2007 the launch of the world’s first CAT-iq compliant telecommunication device in the 3rd quarter of 2007.
CAT-iq is the new global technology for broadband home connectivity, which is based on the mature and reliable DECT technology and brings broadband Internet and telephony together it supports wideband voice, Internet data and audio streaming. The technology also delivers brilliant voice quality, enables interoperability and makes intelligent networking possible.
Binatone will be bringing HD “High-Definition” sound experience to the consumer market, the intelligent device integrates a wireless futuristic disc-shaped 360۫° full-duplex speakerphone handset and digital cordless handset:
Features:
“Binatone’s conference phone launch represents the start of a comprehensive range of CAT-iq compliant products in line with the rollout of the CAT-iq standard,” said Stephane Derrien, Group Sales & Marketing Director of Binatone. “Wideband Audio which supports enhanced applications such as multimedia advertising, high-definition audio streaming and Internet radio, is bringing new and exciting experiences to the consumers. Telecommunication at home has never been that versatile.”
“We want to make CAT-iq products the “3rd screen” in the home after TV and PC. Currently home telephones are used mainly for voice application and we want to change this.” Stephane Derrien added.
Binatone Electronics International is a privately owned company engaged in the design, manufacturing and marketing of corded and digital telephones together with Internet phones and broadband services. The company markets the product under the brands Binatone, Binatone Internet Phones, iDECT and Voxtel and is also an OEM manufacturer for major telecommunication operators. Established in 1958 Binatone is headquartered in Hong Kong and sells its award winning products in over 50 countries worldwide and is a market leader in several European countries, including UK. •