1997-08-29 , ESC-9731

Breakthrough in software compiler technology from Philips Research Labs is the foundation for new FLEXible multimedia appliances

Years of basic research in Philips' world renowned labs is finally paying off with shipments of a new generation of programmable devices. The TriMedia processor has been specifically designed to handle the heavy processing demands of high quality video, sound and communications. As complex as a Pentium, it can be used as a stand-alone processor in consumer appliances or as a co-processor in a PC.

For example, professional digital video editing systems using TriMedia processors are already shipping. Low cost, PC add-on cards will allow consumers to digitally encode and edit video data streams and will be available by the end of this year. The TriMedia processor is also enabling a new generation of low cost videophones to be created with good picture and sound quality using existing phones lines.

Arthur van der Poel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philips Semiconductors, explained, "Our TriMedia processor will enable a whole new generation of consumer electronic devices to be made, setting new standards for outstanding performance. As one of the leading semiconductor companies in the world*, we have been able to use all our state of the art design and manufacturing techniques to keep the cost as low as possible at around $50 each. This means that these new TriMedia-enabled products be very powerful and inexpensive."

"The important bonus for using the TriMedia processor is that new software can be added in the same way that new programs are added to a PC. This makes designs future-proof as new services can be easily implemented. In addition, when the TriMedia approach is used for videophones and Digital TVs, there is enough spare computing power to add extra features such as e-mail, web browsing, interactive games, etc. Our TriMedia processor is as versatile as a chameleon - it changes its function simply by running a different software program."

At the IFA exhibition in Berlin today, Philips Semiconductors announced that its TriMedia processor can now be used to create low cost videophones for under $500 that can use normal phone lines. Its powerful processing techniques and specially designed software mean that for the first time videophones will be able to provide an acceptable quality of images and sound over standard phone lines. Products are expected to be announced by various manufacturers over the next few months.

The company also announced that TriMedia processors could be used to power the next generation of Digital Televisions. As it is a dedicated media processor, it will be able to deliver cinema quality pictures and sound. Initially for the US market, which is leading in this area, with the rest of the world to follow, TriMedia-enabled Digital TVs will be in the shops in 1998.

* Philips Semiconductors, a division of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world and the largest European semiconductor company according to the 1996 Dataquest figures. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video, and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by systems labs.

TriMedia is a trademark of Philips Electronics NV.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.