MediaWorks Unveils MediaFlex(TM) Platform Architecture, Enabling Next Generation Of Digital Video Products

Programmable, low power SoC platform offers manufacturers flexibility, fast time-to-market and low system cost First reference designs for PMPs and recorders now available

LAS VEGAS--Jan. 5, 2006--MediaWorks Integrated Systems, Inc., an innovator in fabless semiconductor products, today ushered in a new era in high quality, low cost and highly power efficient multimedia products via the debut of its patented MediaFlex(TM) System-On-A-Chip (SoC) platform architecture. This patented and fully C programmable architecture minimizes development time and product cost, while offering consumers the ability to easily upgrade their product to support the latest features.

Unlike competing solutions, products based on the MediaFlex(TM) architecture can be easily upgraded as needed with firmware supporting either new features or completely new compression formats. The architecture will herald a new generation of cinema-quality video products that are best-in-class in terms of cost, power and performance.

MediaWorks offers a series of reference designs for a new class of portable multimedia players (PMPs) and recorders, from a video MP3 player to a full-featured media player/recorder with camera/camcorder capability. The reference designs are now available for evaluation and purchase.

MediaFlex(TM) is groundbreaking on several fronts. Unlike conventional ASIC designs which are very function specific, SoCs based on the MediaFlex(TM) architecture give manufacturers complete control over the design and customization of their products with full C code programmability.

Multi-Core Processor

The MediaFlex(TM) platform architecture consists of multiple configurable, programmable processors in a heterogeneous processor configuration along with integrated peripherals to create a true highly integrated SoC for multimedia applications.

The MediaFlex(TM) fully C programmable instruction set is completely optimized to achieve the highest possible multimedia performance and achieves a roughly 1000X increase in processing throughput versus existing DSP based solutions. MediaFlex(TM) currently supports the recording and playback of D1 resolution video at 30 fps, using a wide range of standards including MPEG-4 ASP, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX, H.264, and Windows Media Video; audio standards supported include AAC, MP3, and WMA with DRM.

In addition, each of a chip's processors can be powered down and controlled separately via software, thereby enabling dynamic voltage and frequency control, and ensuring that each individual product achieves optimal power performance.

Easy scalability is an integral part of this platform as well. The same architecture can be used in many different product derivatives at different price/performance points, with a minimal amount of redesign. This dramatically reduces time-to-market for successor products, all at lower cost.

Currently Deployed

MediaFlex(TM) is suitable for a wide array of video and audio products including portable media players (PMPs) and recorders, tapeless digital video camcorders (DVCs), video-enabled digital still cameras (DSCs), home entertainment systems, PDAs, multimedia cell phones, security cameras and more. The platform has already been chosen as the multimedia engine for Cobra Digital's new Cobra PET (Personal Entertainment Theater) PMP, unveiled during this year's International Consumer Electronics Show at the ShowStoppers media event.

Zoltrix International has also chosen the MediaWorks solution to power their most advanced PMP device. Zoltrix will be demonstrating their Z-Cyber Zling Oscar product at booth number 71062 at the International Consumer Electronics Show from January 5-8, 2006. The Zoltrix Z-Cyber Zling Oscar product plays the most common video formats, which are enabled by the MediaFlex(TM) architecture. The Zling Oscar product includes a 30GB hard disk and a 3.6" TFT display.

"With digital video quickly reshaping virtually every facet of the consumer electronics industry, the need for a reliable, flexible and programmable multimedia engine is acute. Unfortunately, until now, engineers have had very few practical alternatives," said Dennis Cocco, Co-founder, President and CEO of MediaWorks. "MediaFlex(TM) has generated a huge degree of interest already due to its leading-edge features and advanced systems design. We believe that this platform will be a significant boost to the evolution of portable electronics that feature premium quality video."

Exploding Demand

According to recent studies from several independent research firms, the demand for portable, high-quality multimedia devices is exploding. In-Stat, a leading research and consulting firm, says worldwide unit shipments of portable audio players will reach 104 million units in 2009, up from 27.8 million units in 2004. S2 Data Corp is forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for PMP products of over 60% through 2009. It is expected that a large percentage of audio players will add video functionality, based on the MediaFlex(TM) architecture.

The Diffusion Group, a market research company focusing on the digital consumer, states that nearly 30% of all internet consumers have digital video files stored on their computers, typically short video clips or home movies. Moreover, affordable, application-specific devices such as portable photo viewers, multimedia cell phones, and full-featured portable game consoles are quickly growing in number.

"MediaFlex(TM) provides an important design alternative to ASICs or application-specific multimedia platforms," noted Eric Collins, Co-founder, Senior VP and CTO of MediaWorks. "MediaWorks is committed to working alongside our customers to create products that will redefine their categories."

During International CES in Las Vegas, MediaWorks is showcasing the MediaFlex(TM) platform and related reference designs from the firm's corporate suite at The Venetian. For more information, contact Douglas Cebik, Director of Sales and Marketing. For more about MediaWorks, the MediaFlex(TM) architecture, and its new MW301-01 SoC, go to www.mediaworks-isi.com.

About MediaWorks Integrated Systems, Inc.:

MediaWorks is a fabless semiconductor company focused on driving the transition to digital video. The company's first product--a media-centric SoC--is targeted towards portable multimedia products, lowering the cost and time-to-market for its customers while providing best-in-class image quality. The Company targets ODMs and OEMs for products in the digital portable media recorder/player, solid state digital video camcorder, and digital video security and surveillance markets. MediaWorks' highly integrated SoC technology enables high quality video, with advanced compression standards, such as MPEG-1, -2, -4, H.264, and WMV at DVD resolution, and high quality digital still images with best-in-class performance at a very low end user price point.

Underscoring this technology is an unparalleled customer service model. MediaWorks offers a partnership approach enabling collaboration on all efforts from design and BOM budget to development time minimization, which include supplying complete turnkey reference designs. MediaWorks is located in Irvine, California and can be accessed via the Web at www.mediaworks-isi.com.