Focus Enhancements Tapes-Out Digital Chip for Talaria Ultra Wideband Technology Chipset
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Campbell, Calif. - March 10, 2006 - Focus Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ SC: FCSE), a worldwide leader in video production and conversion technology, has taped out the second chip of its two-part Talaria(TM) Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology chipset solution. The company expects silicon of this digital/baseband/Media Access Controller (MAC) UWB chip in May. Talaria UWB chips, modules, evaluation systems, product development kits, software and accessories are anticipated to be available for customer shipments beginning before the end of the second quarter, 2006.
"Taping-out the second chip of our UWB chipset marks the completion of the first phase of UWB development," said Brett Moyer, Focus Enhancements" president and chief executive officer. "Based upon current performance metrics, we continue to demonstrate the best UWB performance in the industry and maintain a unique leadership position in the race to deliver wireless HD video distribution and very high-speed data transfers in the home and in the office."
"With the tape-out of our UWB digital chip, we can now tackle the wireless applications and product opportunities demanding high performance UWB solutions," said Tom Hamilton, executive vice president and general manager of Focus Enhancements' semiconductor group. "Modules will be assembled shortly after we receive first silicon. Evaluation and product development kits containing both UWB chips are expected to be available for shipment by the end of second quarter 2006."
Cadence Design Systems, Inc., the world's largest supplier of electronic design technologies and engineering services, supplied design services for Focus Enhancements' UWB chipset. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, Ltd., the world's largest dedicated semiconductor foundry, will produce the digital/baseband/MAC application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
Talaria UWB Technology
Focus Enhancements' industry leading technology allows wireless high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video transmission at data rates from 37 Mbps to 880 Mbps with distances sufficient for whole house wireless video coverage. The digital/baseband/MAC chip is an integral part of Talaria UWB technology which is already proven to effectively transmit wireless video through a variety of typical in-home obstructions. The company is now demonstrating multiple HD streams through various types of walls and line-of-sight SD video streams up to 40 meters in its Hillsboro, OR laboratory.
Talaria uses both WiMedia MB-OFDM and Focus Enhancements DS-OFDM(TM) modulation techniques. Designed to be interoperable with the WiMedia UWB Standard, Talaria generates more densely packed signals that cover a wider swath of the available UWB spectrum. This means that Focus Enhancements' UWB radios provide a more robust link that transfers data at faster rates over longer distances, making them ideal for high-speed wireless and video applications throughout a home or small office.
The Talaria UWB technology analog chip will operate between 3.2 gigahertz (GHz) and 7.2 GHz. In addition to 880 Mbps, other selectable rate settings include 110 Mbps, 440 Mbps and 660 Mbps. The digital chip uses a cost effective 0.13 micron CMOS process technology to supply reliable, consumer-friendly video distribution.
About Focus Enhancements, Inc.
Focus Enhancements Inc. (NASDAQ SC: FCSE), headquartered in Campbell, CA, is a leading designer of world-class solutions in advanced, proprietary video and wireless video technologies. The company's Semiconductor Group develops integrated circuits (ICs) for high-performance applications in the video convergence market, including IPTV set-top boxes and portable media players. Focus Enhancements is currently developing a wireless IC chip set based on the WiMedia UWB standard and designed to be compatible with Wireless USB and used in personal computer (PC), consumer electronics (CE), and mobile electronics applications. The company's System Group develops video products for the digital media markets, with customers in the broadcast, video production, digital signage and digital asset management markets. More information on Focus Enhancements may be obtained from the company's SEC filings, or by visiting the Focus Enhancements home page at www.Focusinfo.com.
