Microtune Introduces RF Upstream Amplifier That Increases Transaction Performance and Reliability for DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Applications
PLANO, Texas--Dec. 16, 2002--New 3.3-volt MicroStreamer MT1560 supports upstream-intensive cable broadband applications, including voice over IP, peer-to-peer
networking, on-line gaming, video-on-demand, videoconferencing and
multimedia
Targeting an advanced generation of cable access devices, Microtune(R), Inc. today introduced the newest member of its MicroStreamer(TM) family of upstream amplifiers, the 3.3-volt MT1560.
The MicroStreamer MT1560 is engineered to support the increased upstream bandwidth capacity of the CableLabs(R) DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem specification, the latest version of industry-accepted standards that ensure cable equipment interoperability. The MT1560 boosts performance and reliability of two-way communications, while significantly reducing noise and interference in the return path. When integrated into cable consumer devices, the MT1560 enables cable operators to generate revenue from sophisticated new consumer and commercial services, including toll-quality telephony, peer-to-peer networking, on-line gaming, web hosting, video-on-demand, videoconferencing and home networking.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. plans to migrate to the MicroStreamer MT1560 in their next-generation cable modems. Texas Instruments Incorporated also plans to deploy the MT1560 in its DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem platform.
"As companion products to our single-chip tuners, our amplifier family has been a tremendous success story. We have shipped more than five million amplifiers since we launched the product line two years ago, and the devices have been deployed in more than 40 DOCSIS or EuroDOCSIS cable modem models," said Douglas J. Bartek, Chairman and CEO of Microtune. "The new MT1560 is engineered to deliver ultimate performance with no compromises, reinforcing our roadmap strategy of continually advancing our products and delivering them at industry-leading price points. With the MT1560, manufacturers can cost- effectively migrate to DOCSIS 2.0 cable-modem designs, while enabling cable operators to continually evolve their broadband service offerings."
In addition to the MT1560, Microtune also unveiled a sister amplifier product, the MicroStreamer MT1550. Targeted for interactive set-top boxes and low-cost DOCSIS 1.0 and 1.1 cable modems, the MT1550 offers the same features as the MT1560, but also integrates a high-performance anti-aliasing filter on chip. With this added functionality, the MT1550 saves board space and reduces BOM, test and assembly costs for manufacturers of cable access devices. Both upstream amplifier devices are pin and software compatible.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The MicroStreamer MT1550 and MT1560 are sampling now, with production slated for Q1 2003. Microtune offers Evaluation Kits and Reference Designs (including those containing Microtune's MicroTuner(TM) MT2050 and MT2111 single-chip tuners) that provide all the hardware and software required to jump-start development for accelerated integration of the upstream amplifier into new or existing designs. The MicroStreamer MT1560 and MT1550, as standalone components, are priced at $1.00 and $1.30 respectively in quantities of 10,000. Pricing is negotiable based on volumes.
For more information about the MT1550 and MT1560 amplifiers, including Product Briefs and Technical Backgrounders, and Microtune's complete suite of RF solutions, visit Microtune's Website at www.microtune.com.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those discussing the development of new products and the results of those efforts, that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause such statements to differ materially from actual future events or results. Such forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as "plan," "estimate," "expect," "believe," "could," "would," "anticipate," "may," or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These forward-looking statements and other statements made elsewhere in this release are made in reliance on the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Factors which could cause actual results to differ include the Company's ability to develop new products that comply with industry standards and the ability to migrate customers to silicon-based products, the ability to manufacture new products in the time frame required, the ability to sell new products at anticipated levels, ability to develop new products within anticipated cost range, and general economic conditions that have affected the broadband communications, automotive and wireless connectivity markets recently, any of which may cause the Company's financial results to fluctuate. Readers are referred to the reports and documents filed by Microtune with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, Form 10Q for each quarter and Form S-3 filed on August 17, 2001, as amended in December 2001.
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 22 U.S. patents for its technology, with more than 50 applications pending approval that span its RF and wireless products, containing more than 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 is a registered trademark and MicroTuner, MicroStreamer, and MicroModule are trademarks of Microtune, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.