Equator Selected by DMS to Dramatically Enhance Functionality Of CT 700-E Set-Top Boxes In The Near Future

Equator Platform To Provide DMS Streaming Media Set-Top Boxes With More Services And Video Streams At Lower Bit Rates And Reduced Cost

25-Apr-01

Equator Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive broadband digital communications and media processing infrastructure for the consumer electronics market, announced that its programmable family of BSPô digital signal processors has been selected by DMS (Acer subsidiary) as the engine of choice to power their future set-top boxes (STB). The DMS CT 700-E enhanced streaming media set-top box, to be released later this year, will be among the marketís first STBs to fully integrate Equatorís digital signal processor. With the Equator platform, the CT 700-E set-top box will be transformed into a multi-function device, providing consumers with a broad array of applications, such as time-shift, PVR, picture-in-picture, simultaneous multi-video streaming, interactive TV, video-on-demand (VOD), digital rights management, and support for advanced low bit rate codecs, all at lower costs. During the Equator/DMS (Acer) press conference, April 22, 2001 at the NAB convention, a demonstration of the joint solution highlighted some key benefits the technology is expected to deliver.In the future, set-top boxes are expected to be integrated into the core architecture of homes, serving as the standard residential gateways for a wide variety of services and video streams. According to Forward Concepts (December 2000), the broadband services market will grow from a five billion-dollar to a thirty billion-dollar industry by 2005. As the broadcast industry shifts from a commodity-based to a service-based revenue model, Equatorís customizable, multipurpose BSP MAP-CAô digital signal processor will enable broadcast operators and content providers to profit by providing a cost-effective, multi-function, flexible, high quality set-top box solution. Because the BSP MAP-CA digital signal processor delivers core functions through software rather than dedicated hardware, developers can rapidly build multi-function products and update features even after products are launched and in the field, thus achieving a faster time-to-revenue and eliminating costly truck rolls to replace equipment. ìWeíre thrilled to be collaborating with Equator at NAB on this project and are looking forward to the enhancements that their technology will bring to our future product lines,î said Dixon Cheng, Executive Vice President of DMS Product Group. ìWhen this box hits the shelves, consumers will have access to the many advanced features they seek, all at an economic saving, as well as upgrade capabilities that protect their investments.îThe Equator BSP MAP-CA digital signal processor transforms traditional set-top boxes into a flexible, cost-effective and multi-functional device. By streaming more and better services simultaneously through one box, increased revenue opportunities are more available to service providers. At the same time, consumers can expect to access a broader array of services at higher quality, lower cost, and with greater flexibility than previously possible. ìWe are very pleased that DMS will be offering their first set-top box with an integrated Equator BSP digital signal processor very soon,î said Dr. Avi Katz, President and CEO of Equator Technologies. ìBy offering a flexible digital STB, we believe this combined solution will provide the best of both worlds - the most advanced technology and features at affordable rates. We appreciate this partnership and are looking forward to extending this success with them to a variety of other products in the future.îAbout Equator's MAP-CA Digital Signal Processor The BSP MAP-CA digital signal processor delivers 30 BOPs (billion operations per second) of processing power, offering more than ten times the performance of other available solutions. The highly integrated, system-on-a-chip solution delivers core functions through software rather than dedicated hardware and is designed for high performance, video-intense broadband applications. By using software downloads to update the functionality of products, even after they are launched and in the field, the life cycle of the equipment can be greatly extended, enabling companies to decrease their time-to-market and their time-to-revenue with new broadband services and devices. The programmable chip allows service providers to offer more services and more functionality, such as time-shifting, video conferencing, broadcast media security, video security, VOD, DVD playback, and per viewer advertising.For more information about DMS and the Acer Group, visit www.acer.com. For more information about Equator Technologies, Inc., visit www.equator.com.

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