Microtune's RF Technology Will Enable Video and Data in Airline Entertainment Systems Are Autos Far Behind?
PLANO, Texas--May 1, 2002--Microtune(TM), Inc. today announced that it is shipping its radio frequency (RF) tuner to Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation (MAS) to enable video and data applications in MAS in-flight entertainment systems. A member of the Matsushita corporate family, MAS is the world's leading supplier of airborne entertainment and information systems, serving more than 50 airlines internationally. For passengers, MAS' advanced in-flight entertainment services deliver premium entertainment and information, offering improved convenience and comfort while traveling.
MAS deploys Microtune's MT4707 tuner as the RF `gateway' component for receiving RF transmissions in in-flight entertainment systems. The tuner supports overhead, in-seat and/or flip-up video displays, enabling passengers to access, while on the ground or in flight, a range of services, from movies, on-demand video and gaming to maps and other applications.
"The airline industry, like the automotive industry, is committed to offering passengers advanced new broadband connectivity and communications options," noted Douglas J. Bartek, Chairman and CEO of Microtune. "In addition to being the market leader, MAS is a systems innovator, offering a quantum leap in the level and array of entertainment services and business tools available to the traveling public. We are pleased to be working with Matsushita. Its selection of our tuner also demonstrates the versatility of our RF technology to enable video and data applications for consumers at home, in their automobile, and now, in the air."
In-flight entertainment systems, like those for in-car entertainment and telematics, merge advanced video and data functions with unique environmental requirements, placing severe technical demands on the tuner. Microtune's MT4707 tuners are engineered to deliver the performance characteristics that enable sharp, interference-free video and reliable data transfer under varying flight conditions. Low vibration sensitivity and expanded temperature-operation range ensure optimum performance for RF multimedia reception while mobile. At the same time, extremely low oscillator leakage allows the tuners to effectively handle mixed video, data and audio applications, without distortion, in a dense multi-tuner airplane environment.
Based on techniques from its field-proven and award-winning automotive tuners and patented broadband video technology, Microtune's MT4707 tuners provide a complete subsystem assembled into a tested, manufacturing-ready RF front end. With 'plug-in' implementation, the tuners permit easy integration into the in-flight electronics system, while eliminating engineering investments for accelerated design-in and manufacturing cycles.
The MT4707 tuner is part of Microtune's complete portfolio of tuners, amplifiers, transceivers, upconverters and wireless silicon processors supporting broadband communications, automotive electronics and wireless communications.
ABOUT MAS
MAS (Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation) is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. Headquartered in Bothell, Washington, MAS maintains corporate and engineering offices in Lake Forest, California; regional centers in Dallas, Singapore, London, Tokyo and Dubai; and field service, maintenance and sales facilities throughout the world. System production facilities are in Osaka, Japan. MAS is a subsidiary of Japan-based Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. , known worldwide by its Panasonic brand name. Additional information is available at www.mascorp.com.
ABOUT MICROTUNE
Microtune, Inc. is a leading silicon and systems company that designs, manufactures and markets radio frequency (RF)-based solutions for the global broadband communications, automotive electronics and wireless connectivity markets. Inventors of the MicroTuner(TM) single-chip broadband tuner, the Company offers a portfolio of advanced tuner, amplifier, transceiver and wireless products that enable the delivery of information and entertainment across new classes of consumer electronics devices. The Company currently holds fourteen U.S. patents for its technology, with an additional 42 applications pending approval that span its RF and wireless products, containing almost 2000 supporting claims. Founded in 1996, Microtune is headquartered in Plano, Texas, with key design, manufacturing and sales centers located around the world. The web site is www.microtune.com.
Microtune is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the symbol TUNE.
EDITORS NOTE:
Microtune, MicroTuner, VideoCaster and MicroStreamer are trademarks of Microtune, Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
