BusinessWire
January 05, 2006 05:01 AM US Pacific Timezone

ViXS Systems Introduces Plug and Play PCI Module for Wireless Multimedia Consumer Electronics; ViXS' Mini PCI Module Allows OEMs to Quickly and Cost Effectively Develop High Performance Wireless Video Products

2006 International CES

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2006--ViXS Systems, the leading developer of video processing and wireless chipsets, today announced the introduction of the Matrix(TM) Mini PCI, a self-contained plug and play module for developing wireless TVs and set-top boxes. Based on ViXS' Matrix II(TM) wireless baseband processor, the Mini PCI module is a self-booting evaluation and integration unit that allows OEMs to quickly incorporate wireless capability into their consumer electronic products without any software configuration required. The single-chip architecture and plug and play design of ViXS' new Mini PCI makes it a very low cost, high-performance solution, giving OEMs a short time to market due to the module's focused design.

Building on the capabilities of the Matrix II wireless video chip, ViXS' introduction of the Mini PCI module provides OEMs with a straightforward solution to integrating wireless capabilities into their products. Where other products are designed specifically for data, ViXS' PCI module is optimized for video, allowing OEMs to simply plug the product into a display device and quickly transform it into a wireless product -- no additional video subsystems or new software designs are necessary. The Matrix Mini PCI module supports both Windows XP and Linux drivers for universal compatibility.

"The growing popularity of snazzy flat panel TV displays is pulling the consumer electronics industry towards a future that has no wires, but implementing wireless in-home networks for High Definition video is no small task," said Gerry Kaufhold, principal analyst with In-Stat, a market research firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. "A modular approach that brings proven wireless network capabilities to existing products results in much more cost-competitive wireless TVs and set-top boxes. Products such as ViXS' Mini PCI module that allow on-the-spot testing and fast integration create a very strong value proposition for introducing new wireless video products."

The Matrix II baseband processor embedded in the PCI module enables manufacturers to enhance their product differentiation by integrating a single chip to guarantee increased performance and interoperability with any 802.11-enabled device. Matrix II provides transport stream (TS) interfaces for a seamless connection to off-the-shelf MPEG decoders and MPEG encoders. In addition, Matrix II's max-ratio receive diversity, enhanced error correction, and enhanced signal detection are used to increase the overall performance of testing the wireless video network.

"ViXS' PCI module is an important enabler for OEMs, allowing them to take the next step in video networking without large up-front design investments or time consuming development cycles," said Sally Daub, president and CEO of ViXS Systems. "Product OEMs can now immediately plug in, test and monitor complex video processing and wireless technology in real time -- no lengthy software manipulation or fine tuning. This virtually eliminates all the key barriers to developing new wireless video products; it's now a very simple process."

About ViXS Systems Inc.

ViXS Systems Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company providing market-leading video processing and wireless networking technology that enables complete flexibility and freedom for the use of video throughout the home, on any viewing device or storage medium. ViXS chipsets and software enable multimedia PCs, flat panel TVs, and consumer media centers to store, centrally manage, and distribute multiple high-quality MPEG video streams. The company is a key supplier of ICs and full production reference designs to the world's top consumer electronics and PC manufacturers. ViXS components offer full support for HDTV, DVD, satellite or cable broadcasts and deliver uninterrupted, full Quality of Service video for consumer entertainment, personal computing applications and multimedia gateways. Founded in January 2001, the company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and has filed over 90 patents to date. For further information, please visit us at www.vixs.com.