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BridgeCo Upgrades Media Player Technology to Tune into Expanding Internet Radio Wave

Posted on: Monday, 31 July 2006, 15:00 CDT

BridgeCo Inc. (www.bridgeco.com), a leading provider of entertainment networking solutions, announced that its popular digital media player (DMP) processor and middleware technology has been upgraded to incorporate the latest Internet radio standards. BridgeCo DMP technology now supports Windows Media Streaming (WMS) and Real-time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), technologies that are increasingly being used by web-based radio stations to offer streaming audio services with advanced QoS (quality-of-service) performance guarantees. The company's middleware upgrade also includes support for Radio Station Data Base (RSDB) functions, which give users better access to the thousands of individual Internet radio stations that are assembled by popular Internet radio aggregation sites.

"These technology upgrades come at a critical time for the market. Internet radio is rapidly gaining traction, and BridgeCo is maintaining its leadership in networked audio by supporting the latest streaming protocols and standards," said BridgeCo CEO Gene Sheridan. "Our processors and middleware are being designed in to a broad range of networked audio devices for the home, including stereo components, integrated HiFi systems, clock radios and stand-alone digital media players that allow legacy stereo equipment to become a node on the home network and receive internet radio streams."

Evidence of the growing popularity of Internet radio was confirmed by a recent market study conducted by research firm Arbitron, a recognized leader in audience measurement since the dawn of the radio age. According to the Arbitron Radio Listening Report, more than 52 million Americans now listen to Internet radio on a regular basis, a 50% increase since last year.

The latest BridgeCo technology makes it easier for all these new listeners to find the music they want. RSDB functionality helps users select Internet radio stations that are aggregated by sites like vTuner, which offers access to as many as 10,000 online radio stations. Aggregation sites webcast a vast array of musical genres, from hip-hop, trance and funk, to blues, classical and folk. With built-in RSDB features, products built on BridgeCo's processor and middleware technology enable users to quickly identify the content they want from a world of audio possibilities.

BridgeCo is incorporating support for WMS/RTSP because many online radio sites, like BBC.com, are turning to these protocols to improve the listening experience for their users. WMS/RTSP lets users enjoy a clear, uninterrupted audio stream by incorporating QoS features that guarantee a desired level of network service. QoS can be achieved by explicitly reserving bandwidth on the network or by providing preferential service to selected network traffic while providing best-effort service to all other traffic. WMS/RTSP also includes advanced content protection features.

The BridgeCo Processor and Firmware Solution

BridgeCo's DMP reference design is a complete networking solution that includes a proprietary ARM-based DSP processor, a RTOS (real-time operating system) and a proprietary application software stack. The BridgeCo processor interfaces directly to 802.11/Wi-Fi(R), HomePlug(TM) powerline, IEEE1394, USB and Ethernet PHY chips, and it drives both digital and analog outputs that connect directly to any audio system. The processor/firmware combination handles TCP/IP and USB networking protocols; MP3, M3U, PLS, VORBIS, WMA-9 and other digital audio file formats, MMS and MP3 audio streaming, Microsoft Windows Media DRM for Network Devices copy protection and many other popular digital rights management (DRM) encryption/decryption processing and authentication; and UPnP, IR and LCD control functions.

About BridgeCo

BridgeCo, a digital entertainment networking pioneer, offers the world's most comprehensive, cost-effective and highly integrated processor and software platforms for connecting Internet media sources, computers and consumer electronics throughout the home. BridgeCo platforms are used in a wide range of innovative and legacy products produced by the multi-billion dollar global consumer electronics industry, including digital media players, audio adapters, AVRs, musical instruments and breakout boxes. Its silicon and middleware platforms were among the first anywhere to be DLNA(TM) CERTIFIED, and its solutions are used by leading consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide.

Using BridgeCo's processor and bundled software, OEMs can offer stand-alone media network products, or embed networking capabilities directly into consumer products, at competitive retail price points. The company also offers market-leading solutions for FireWire(TM) audio interface systems used by musicians and other content creators.

BridgeCo is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company with headquarters in Los Angeles, California and operations in Zurich, Switzerland. Its key investors include Advent Venture Partners, Benchmark Capital, Cipio Partners (formerly Infineon Ventures), Earlybird Venture Capital, Fidelity Ventures, Intel Capital and Wellington Partners.

All trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

Source: Business Wire

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