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Realtek and Legerity Announce High-Definition Audio Solution for Phone-Ready PCs; Solution Provides Traditional Phone Connectivity for Next-Generation PC Motherboards

Posted on: Sunday, 9 April 2006, 21:00 CDT

Realtek Semiconductor Corp. and Legerity, Inc., the "V" in VoIP(TM), today announced a turnkey Phone-Ready PC solution that combines a high-performance 7.1+2 channel High Definition Audio Codec with a high-voltage ringing SLIC for VoIP applications. The Phone-Ready PC provides a convenient and economic solution for user-friendly VoIP by supporting phone connectivity.

The solution enables PC vendors to market new platforms that offer extended communications capabilities to consumers, as well as small to medium businesses (SMBs). New users simply plug their current phone into a pre-configured VoIP-enabled PC and begin using a VoIP service. A traditional phone can be connected to a PC through a high-voltage voice interface implemented using the Legerity Le9501 SLIC. The Realtek ALC888 Telecom High Definition Audio codec, which can simultaneously support 7.1 sound playback and 2 independent channels of voice, and Windows(R) driver software provide a standard audio interface to the system and support extended calling features.

"This is an effective incremental solution for the PC motherboard," said Brian Jaroszewski, product marketing manager at Legerity. "The addition of a SLIC interface extends the ability of the existing audio codec to support simplified and high-quality VoIP communications and enhanced collaboration in PC systems bundling VoIP applications."

Realtek will be demonstrating the solution at the IDF Taipei using a Skype connection through a traditional analog phone. The Realtek ALC888 Telecom supports auto-switching from a Skype connection to the traditional PSTN in the event of a power failure, and can continue to provide functions and services, e.g., emergency call (911) access. A user has the flexibility to designate a preferred connection at anytime and can conveniently access enhanced calling features, such as call waiting, caller ID and conference calling.

The Realtek ALC888 Telecom provides 10 DAC channels that simultaneously support 7.1 sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming). The ALC888 Telecom integrates two stereo ADCs that feature Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), Beam Forming (BF), and Noise Suppression (NS) technology for an enhanced VoIP experience. The ALC888 Telecom was recently awarded with "Technology Innovation Accelerated Award" for the "Digital Office" platform at IDF Spring 2006, San Francisco.

The Legerity VE950 series was introduced in 2004 and is currently shipping into consumer VoIP gateway products such as cable modems and multimedia adaptors. The series consists of SLIC devices optimized for short loop, power sensitive applications and provides the complete set of line interface functionality needed to interface to a subscriber loop. The Le9501 device works directly from the standard power supply voltages available in a PC by leveraging a built-in boost switching power supply that tracks line voltage, thereby, minimizing power dissipation and reducing costs. The programmable SLIC supports five SLIC device states, including a low power standby state. The high-integration of the Le9501 device results in a dense voice interface design with minimal external components.

The turnkey solution offers a high-performance and modular solution for motherboard vendors interested in participating in the Phone-Ready PC market. Ultimately, the new PC will come pre-configured with Voice over IP service allowing consumers to simply plug in their current phone into the new Phone-Ready PC and start using the VoIP service.

For additional information, please contact a local Realtek sales contact. The Realtek and Legerity solution will be demonstrated in the Realtek booth #A32 at IDF Taipei starting April 10th in Taiwan. Legerity will be at booth #A30.

About Legerity, Inc.

Legerity is the world's most trusted name in voice integrated circuits (ICs) for high-voltage, analog/mixed signal semiconductor and software technologies. Legerity has years of demonstrated expertise in multiple voice technologies, world-class factory and field engineering support with a "high touch" customer philosophy, and consistent, reliable, high volume supply of premium quality IC components. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Legerity supports the needs of a global customer base through proprietary semiconductor technologies, superior manufacturing processes, and more than 650 U.S. and international patents. Visit Legerity on the Web at www.legerity.com.

Legerity, the Legerity logo and combinations thereof are registered trademarks, and BatteryDirect, PhonePort, SLAC, VoiceEdge, VoicePort, VoicePath, "the 'V' in VoIP" and WinSLAC are trademarks of Legerity, Inc. Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

About Realtek Semiconductor Corp.

Realtek Semiconductor Corp. is one of the world's leading IC providers. It designs and develops a wide range of IC products for communications network, computer peripheral, and multimedia applications. Products include 10/100/1000M Ethernet Controllers, 10/100/1000M Ethernet Switch/Gateway Controllers, 10/100/1000M Ethernet PHYceivers, Wireless LAN Controllers & AP/Router SoCs, ADSL Chips, VoIP Solutions, Ultra-Wideband Chips, AC'97/High Definition Audio Codecs, Clock Generators, Card Reader Controllers, and LCD Monitor/LCD TV/DTV Controllers. With advanced design expertise in RF, analog, and mixed signal circuits, and with strong manufacturing and system knowledge, Realtek offers full-featured, high-performance, and competitive total solutions. More information on Realtek can be found on the website: http://www.realtek.com.tw/.

Source: Business Wire

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