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Micronas Supports Microsoft Media Center Edition With Introduction of Network-Attached Tuner Card Reference Design

Posted on: Tuesday, 23 May 2006, 16:55 CDT

Micronas (Zurich, Switzerland, SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a leading supplier of innovative application-specific IC system solutions for consumer electronics, today announced its support for Microsoft's upcoming release of Windows Vista. Micronas has created a reference design for a Network-Attached Tuner Card that works with Windows Vista. The wireless TV tuner solution allows OEMs to provide customers with the ability to upgrade a Windows Vista PC purchased without a TV tuner to add TV-viewing/recording capabilities by connecting a TV tuner card over the home network.

"Although Windows Media Center will be included in Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions, it is expected that only 20% of Windows Vista machines will be purchased with TV-tuner cards pre-installed. The Micronas Network-Attached Tuner Card provides a way to quickly and easily unlock the huge potential of a Windows Vista PC as a TV-viewing, recording, and time-shifting platform," said Rainer Hoffmann, President and CEO at Micronas USA. "Without opening the PC or even having to connect a USB cable, a customer can add the functionality, using home networking connectivity, in a few minutes."

As a global provider of digital video and audio semiconductor solutions, Micronas continues to develop innovative solutions enabling new classes of powerful multimedia products. The Network-Attached Tuner Card is based upon Micronas Cypher 7108, a real-time streaming media encoder and system on a chip (SoC). The Cypher 7108 offers a unique, high-performance system-on-chip solution that allows system developers to quickly bring leading-edge, high-definition consumer electronics products to market.

The tuner is designed to connect to the PC via a wired or wireless home network, allowing a simpler installation than the addition of a PCI card. This comprehensive development kit, which includes the necessary software stack and all drivers, allows OEMs to speed product evaluation and design.

The reference design is the result of Micronas' recognition of the leadership position of Windows Vista and Windows Media Center. "We feel that Windows is the standard for efficient, dependable computing. Windows Media Center builds on the momentum of the Internet and digital media with improvements that increase productivity and provide both business and home users with an easy-to-use and exciting PC experience," said Rainer Hoffmann, President and CEO at Micronas USA.

"Microsoft is pleased to be working with Micronas USA to deliver their innovative solution to our customers," said Arvind Mishra, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft Corp. "The Micronas Network-Attached Tuner Card will allow Windows Vista and Windows XP Media Center Edition PC owners to easily and affordably add TV viewing capabilities to their systems in a convenient and intuitive way."

Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

About Micronas

Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a semiconductor designer and manufacturer with worldwide operations, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge IC and sensor system solutions for consumer and automotive electronics. As a market leader in innovative global TV system solutions, Micronas leverages its expertise into new markets emerging through the digitization of audio and video content. Micronas serves all major consumer brands worldwide, many of them in continuous partnerships seeking joint success. While the holding company is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), operational headquarters are based in Freiburg (Germany). Currently, the Micronas Group employs about 2000 people. In 2005 it generated CHF 845/USD 676/EUR 545 million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.com as well as www.micronasusa.com.

Press Information No. PRUS03

Press photo enclosed

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=272073

 For information, contact:  Annie Headley Micronas USA Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=F2EEFFC317705119 (408) 625-1405  Donna Candelori Candelori Communications Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=822A53384F13E462 (408) 774-3414  

SOURCE: Micronas USA

Source: MARKET WIRE

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