Clarion Selects REALmagic EM8400 from Sigma Designs
6 January 2000
Clarion Selects REALmagic EM8400 from Sigma Designs to Provide the AutoPC with Second-Generation DVD Playback Functionality
LAS VEGAS--Jan. 6, 2000--Sigma Designs(R), Inc. , a recognized leader in digital video solutions, today announced that the company's REALmagic(R) EM8400 DVD playback silicon has been designed into the DVD Video subsystem of the next-generation Clarion Corporation of America (CCA) AutoPC(TM).
Developed using Intel's Extended Temperature Pentium(R) processor with MMX(TM) architecture and the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, the new Clarion AutoPC is being showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week by Clarion in booth No. 17012 at the Sands Convention Center, by Intel in booth No. 4543 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LCVV), and by Microsoft in LVCC booth No. 1058.
"The Clarion AutoPC represents a new era in safety, information, entertainment, and communications for today's automobile drivers and passengers," said James Minarik, president and CEO of CCA.
"It's the first product of its kind and offers hands-free, voice-activated control of in-car entertainment, computing, GPS satellite navigation, vehicle diagnostics, and hands-free telephony for the driver. When the consumer buys the REALmagic-based DVD Video playback and viewing subsystem, we're able to economically give rear-seat passengers high-quality DVD Video.
"By designing our system with the REALmagic decoder, we're enabling the driver to simultaneously use any of the other AutoPC features while rear-seat passengers enjoy DVD movies."
The Clarion AutoPC head-end unit with DVD player can be installed in most cars just like other after-market car stereo systems. Customers can also have LCD screens installed so rear-seat passengers can watch DVD movies. The same DVD player can be used to store audio CDs as well as enough map data to cover the entire United States or other countries.
In addition to the REALmagic-supported DVD Video system, a number of other hardware features are available for the Clarion AutoPC. These include a cellular phone cradle with modem for voice-controlled operation; wireless receiver for access to an array of information including real-time traffic reports, news, numeric paging, and e-mail alerts; and a vehicle diagnostic module to receive data from the vehicle's on-board computer system.
"The REALmagic DVD decoder frees the system to handle the myriad of real-time navigation, diagnostics, tracking, and communications operations the vehicle owner expects from the Clarion AutoPC," stated William K. Wong, Sigma's vice president of marketing.
"The DVD feature will make long trips with young children a lot more relaxing for drivers. Clarion has taken a tremendous leadership position in advancing the state of the art in automotive electronics."
About Clarion
Clarion Corporation of America, with U.S. headquarters in Gardena, Calif., has been an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940. The company conducts research, development, engineering, design, and manufacturing of entertainment, communication, security, computing, and navigation systems products.
The company has more than 14,000 employees worldwide and 24 factories in 10 countries, with marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Clarion is the developer and manufacturer of the revolutionary Clarion AutoPC, which is the first product to integrate car audio, computing functions, navigation, and wireless communications through hands-free voice activation within the dash of an automobile.
Information on the Clarion AutoPC can be found at www.autopc.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
About Sigma Designs:
Sigma Designs is an acknowledged leader in the fast-growing digital video market. Sigma specializes in digital video encoding/decoding for the PC DVD market, for video streaming over corporate Intranets and extranets, and for the emerging set-top box/information appliance market.
Sigma is a driving force in advancement of digital video technology used in high-speed, high-bandwidth transmission for business, home, and education markets. Sigma Designs' products, marketed under the REALmagic trade name, are sold worldwide through a direct sales force, distributors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
For additional information, visit the Company's web site at http://www.sigmadesigns.com.
Editors and Analysts: For further information, photographs, and interviews, please contact Andy Marken, marken@cerf.net or 408/986-0100.
Note to Editors: REALmagic and Sigma Designs are registered trademarks of Sigma Designs.
All other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.