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| MediaWorks' New Devices Based on MediaFlex Platform Architecture MediaWorks Integrated Systems, Inc. has announced the availability of two production-ready reference designs making use of the company's patented MediaFlex System-On-A-Chip (SoC) platform architecture. The two designs, both for portable media player/recorders, not only deliver DVD-quality video and MP3 playback at MP3 player prices, but also offer the ability to be end-user upgraded after purchase to enable new features, functions and applications. The MediaFlex platform is a fully C programmable, low power SoC consisting of multiple heterogeneous, configurable processors. MediaFlex multi-core processors can be dynamically powered down individually as needed using software commands, thereby optimizing power during diverse computing needs. Products based on the platform can also be easily upgraded as needed via firmware upgrades. MediaWorks' two reference designs, GOLD and ZIPP, leverage the power of the MediaFlex platform to deliver remarkable performance at affordable price points. GOLD is a Video MP3 Personal Media Player offering a 2.5" color display and 720 x 576 resolution video playback with MPEG4, Windows Media Video, and DivX 3.11/4.0/5.0 support. ZIPP, also a Portable Media Player, utilizes a larger 3.5" LCD and has similar video playback capabilities. In addition, it includes a 1.8" hard drive for personal storage of user movies, TV programs, still images, and music; it will act also as a high speed USB 2.0 portable storage device. GOLD: This video MP3 device features USB 2.0 connectivity, internal flash memory and an SD card slot for storage of media content. Recording in MPEG4 and playback of MPEG4, DivX, WMV, H.264, MPEG2, MPEG1 video is supported at D1 (DVD) resolution and frame rates up to 30 fps. Audio (MP3, AAC, WMA with DRM) and still image (JPEG/BMP) is also supported. GOLD is a consumer-friendly unit with simple audio playlist creation. Firmware upgrades, to enable additional features and functions can be installed easily by end users. ZIPP: Offering a larger 3.5" AU screen and an internal hard drive, ZIPP is a powerful multimedia device for movie and TV recording and playback as well as MP3 music. Like the GOLD, ZIPP is capable of playing and recording up to full D1 resolution video with concurrent audio at 30 fps. ZIPP can be customized to accommodate particular OEM specifications and is completely field programmable. The GOLD and ZIPP design kits include schematics, a working prototype with housing, layout guidelines, a sample users' manual and a bill of materials. Software development kits will soon be available for both devices that allow OEMs to add features independently write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Computing News :: home page |