Sigma Designs' Media Processors Power The First Microsoft Extenders For Windows Media Center Inside An HDTV
Milpitas, CA - Sigma Designs -- Sigma Designs, a leading provider of highly integrated systems-on-a-chip solutions, recently announced that its Sigma Secure Media Processors are powering the Extender for Windows Media Center functionality of the recently launched HP MediaSmart LCD HDTV. Powered by Sigma's SMP8622, the product is the first high-definition TV to have media extenders built-in and available from the TV itself to offer consumers a high-quality, low-cost solution for delivering digital content to every room in a home.
"Sigma provides the core processing power to Extenders for Microsoft Media Center products that makes it possible for consumer electronics and PC manufacturers to distribute digital content everywhere via a home's wired or wireless network," said Ken Lowe, vice president, strategic marketing at Sigma Designs. "We are excited to work with HP, the first company to provide consumers an HDTV with built-in extenders for sharing digital content seamlessly with other electronics, or PCs in a home."
The HP MediaSmart LCD HDTV, currently available in 42-inch and 47-inch sizes, will support Extender for Windows Media Center technology through an optional software download, expected to be available in early 2008. The MediaSmart TVs support 1080p video, 802.11n wireless, and DivX, XVid, WMV and other video formats — delivering all the compelling features of the Media Center Extender platform incorporated directly into a TV.
"Existing MediaSmart users can already access photos, music, videos and movies by simply connecting their TV to their wired or wireless home network," said Alex Thatcher, senior product manager, Digital TV Business, Personal Systems Group, HP. "Incorporating Microsoft Media Extender functionality powered by Sigma Secure Media Processors will enable a new set of enhanced features — such as controlling live TV and accessing Windows Media Center Internet TV — all easily accessible using their MediaSmart TV remote control."
Extenders for Windows Media Center allow seamless content transitions between home computers, TVs and other home media devices. Extenders brings all of a consumer's digital content, from live TV to pictures, music and movies as well as online content to any television – allowing the enjoyment of digital entertainment in every room of a house. New extenders may support a variety of formats, including enhanced wireless-N technology, HD subscription cable TV, DIVX and XVid.
Sigma Designs, Microsoft and HP are focusing on the emerging "digital bridge" category in order to give consumers the ability to view their digital content where they want it, when they want it. The market opportunity for media center PCs and digital media adapters is substantial. IDC Research expects worldwide shipments for media center PCs with tuners to reach 27.5 million units per year in 2010, generating a worldwide revenue opportunity of $29.4 billion.
SOURCE: Sigma Designs, Inc.