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BridgeCo Processor and Software Chosen for Grundig's New Internet Ovation WLAN HiFi

Posted on: Tuesday, 5 September 2006, 09:00 CDT

BridgeCo Inc. (www.bridgeco.com), a leading provider of entertainment networking solutions, announced that Grundig Intermedia GmbH (http://www.grundig.com) has chosen BridgeCo's processor and software technology for Grundig's new CDS 9000 Internet Ovation wireless LAN (WLAN) HiFi. With WLAN capability, the innovative CDS 9000 offers consumers a wide choice of listening options, including thousands of Internet radio stations representing every musical genre, MP3 streaming from the user's PC hard drive, as well as conventional FM radio and CD playback.

The Internet Ovation is Grundig's first built-in multi-speaker HiFi system with Internet access and network streaming capabilities. BridgeCo's digital media player (DMP) processor and software technology enables the Internet Ovation to become a node on a home network using the popular WiFi(R)/802.11 WLAN protocol. This allows the CDS 9000 to wirelessly access Internet radio stations through a residential gateway or home access point, and to wirelessly access MP3 audio files stored on network-connected computer hard drives.

"We wanted to design an Internet radio product that enhances the global reputation of the Grundig brand," said Grundig's Director Product Group Sound, Oliver von Kospoth. "BridgeCo's processor and software suite are reliable, proven and highly functional, which clearly demonstrates their extensive investment in audio networking technologies. Their support has enabled Grundig to offer the Internet Ovation with a comprehensive list of networking features and content navigation capabilities."

The design of the CDS 9000 reflects Grundig's decades-long tradition of audio excellence. The three-speaker system produces superior sound fidelity with separate amplifiers to drive each speaker. The physical design of this advanced HiFi System -- a sleek, flat housing with striking mirrored front -- also reflects Grundig's refined design sensibility.

More information about the Grundig Internet Ovation can be obtained on the Internet at: http://www.grundig.com/index.php?id=614&tx_ttnews%5btt_news%5d=196&tx_ ttnews%5bbackPid%5d=144&tx_ttnews%5bATagParams%5d=class=more_link&cHas h=8e2f9b0656. (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

"Grundig's reputation for audio engineering and radio design is second to none. Their selection of BridgeCo technology indicates that our processor and software developments are meeting user needs," said BridgeCo CEO Gene Sheridan. "It is becoming increasingly clear that Internet radio and home audio networking are attractive and accelerating consumer trends. Grundig's Ovation Internet combines the latest networking capabilities with superior, multi-speaker sound reproduction into a single compact package that brings the world of Internet radio into consumer living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms."

BridgeCo Processor and Firmware Technology

BridgeCo offers a complete networking reference design 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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