Delphi and Microtune Develop New Automotive Multimedia Systems
PLANO, Texas--June 12, 2001--Fully integrated mobile multimedia systems for automobiles, based on a new class of automotive tuner, will enable on-demand broadband
multimedia access and connectivity
Microtune(TM), Inc. and Delphi Automotive Systems' Fuba Automotive GmbH subsidiary have teamed to develop advanced, integrated mobile multimedia systems that bring information and entertainment into the automobile for an enhanced consumer driving experience. The relationship combines the expertise and capabilities of Fuba's leading-edge automotive systems technology with Microtune's advanced radio frequency (RF) tuners in a TV Diversity Receiver that enables multimedia access and mobile connectivity. For drivers and passengers, these advanced multimedia systems deliver premium radio and rear seat in-vehicle television and video, offering improved communications, convenience and comfort while on the road.
The first product in the collaboration is the Fuba Gen II TV Diversity Receiver System, which employs Microtune's new class of 5102 automotive multimedia tuners. Microtune custom-designed the 5102 tuners exclusively for Delphi/Fuba Automotive. The TV Diversity Receiver System is currently being marketed in Europe and will debut this year in two models, with the migration to the U.S. market planned soon thereafter.
"Automotive multimedia systems are beginning to integrate convergent technologies in digital audio/video, navigation, communications and man/machine interfaces," said Douglas J. Bartek, Microtune Chairman and CEO. "At Microtune, we are well positioned to leverage our RF technology and ISO 9002/QS-9000-certified manufacturing to serve this market. Drawing on this experience has enabled us to create flexible and fully featured multimedia automotive tuners engineered to deliver exceptional performance, cost and quality in a small form factor. In the process, we provide customers like Fuba Automotive significant competitive advantage."
The Fuba Gen II TV Diversity Receiver System is designed to support international television standards, including PAL, NTSC and SECAM. It employs multiple tuners and antennas to automatically switch to the best antenna and signal path, providing for superior worldwide color TV reception. Multiple tuners, along with multiple antennas, avoid signal disturbances in the mobile environment, providing better, more reliable reception for users.
The Gen II also deploys an independent audio diversity system to receive the best source for video and audio signals. Another innovative feature is a scanning system for automatic spectrum scanning for alternative frequencies, allowing for break-free reception of a program over long journeys. The TV Diversity Receiver System also includes two audio/video inputs for the connection of DVD, VCR or other video equipment in the rear seat.
To support the Fuba initiative, Microtune developed the 5102 multimedia tuner, a new class of automotive tuner-receiver that enables in-car TV reception. Designed to the meet the rigorous performance requirements for RF multimedia reception in a demanding and mobile vehicle environment, the 5102 tuners are characterized by a number of innovative features. First, the multimedia tuners are small and compact. The tuner is approximately half the size of traditional automotive radio tuners, enabling multiple tuners to be easily configured in systems for the vehicles.
Unlike traditional television tuners in the home, the 5102 series is designed to operate under extended temperature ranges and adverse climatic conditions. Optimized for excellent sensitivity and superior adjacent channel and multipath suppression, the 5102 tuners offer robust performance to receive weak TV signals and those packed in dense, urban signal environments. They are engineered to produce clean sound, pictures and data with minimal noise and interference.
Third, the tuner provides seamless integration and interfacing to the platform architecture of new driver information systems and other in-vehicle networks. The tuners are developed and manufactured to ISO 9002 and QS 9000 specifications, meeting stringent testing, operational and reliability quality standards.
The Gen II TV Diversity System, with the Microtune tuners, provides a versatile platform that can deliver a variety of TV formats today, while evolving to future telematics, wireless Internet and digital broadband services. The two company's next-generation products are planned to offer digital broadband video and data capability, based on DVB-T standards, to support location-specific traffic information, route planning services and automatic emergency calling.
