SCM Microsystems and VLSI Technology to Jointly
Promote DVB-CI Open Platform in Europe
SCM Microsystems' DVB-CIMaX Chips to Join VLSI ViSTA Platform to
Target DVB-CI Set-Top Box Applications
LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 1998-- SCM Microsystems, Inc.
(NASDAQ:SCMM - news), (NEUER MARKT:SMY) and VLSI Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:
VLSI - news) will work together to develop design solutions for digital TV set-top box and related
products compatible with Europe's DVB-CI (Digital Video Broadcast-Common Interface)
standards. As a first step, VLSI plans to offer a daughter board based on SCM Microsystems'
CIMaX controller chip as an optional module on the ViSTA(tm) Horizon(tm) set-top box reference
system. Availability of the CIMaX processor in the ViSTA architecture extends VLSI's ability to
target fast growing digital video markets and cuts design cycle time for set-top box makers creating
DVB-CI-compatible end products.
''VLSI selected SCM Microsystems because of their common interface expertise in the digital video
broadcast field,'' commented David Tahmassebi, director of marketing of VLSI's Consumer Digital
Entertainment division. ''Our new DVB-CI compliant reference platform will enable our customers
to develop set-top boxes that can be used for multiple digital television services in Europe.''
''Through SCM Microsystems' relationship with VLSI Technology, we have created a
comprehensive, open solution for set-top box manufacturers,'' said Steven Humphreys, CEO of
SCM Microsystems. ''This technology will promote a universal set-top box that can be used for
multiple television service providers in Europe, significantly increasing their market potential.''
Developed by an international consortium of over 170 enterprises involved in digital broadcasting
technology, the DVB-CI standard enables design of consumer digital TV converter boxes and
subsystems capable of receiving content from almost any content provider active in the European
market. Previous generation set-top boxes have been ''closed,'' requiring use separate set-top
boxes for each individual service package they receive. The DVB-CI standard levels the technical
playing field among diverse service providers, enabling design of universal set-top boxes and
consumer video devices.
ViSTA '98 Platform
The ViSTA '98(tm) platform offers a complete hardware and software development solution
targeting consumer digital video product applications. The ViSTA '98 hardware architecture calls for
three chips to perform the three main areas of set-top box functionality: network interface,
transport/system control and MPEG-2 decompression and video encoding.
ViSTA '98 standard products can be designed into consumer end-products as-is or be customized
to help customers differentiate their products in the marketplace. In addition to IC products, the
ViSTA '98 platform also offers the Horizon application prototyping-development board and
application software development tools compatible with popular programming languages and
real-time operating systems. Inclusion of the SCM CIMaX chip as an option for Horizon-based
set-top box development extends the ViSTA platform to support development of
DVB-CI-compliant end products and provides SCM Microsystems with an additional marketing
channel for its CIMaX products.
About VLSI Technology, Inc.
VLSI Technology, Inc. designs and manufactures System-Level Silicon(tm) integrated circuits based
on its FSB(tm) functional system blocks library(tm). Targeting its offerings toward the wireless
communications, networking, consumer digital entertainment and computing markets, the company
offers its customers advanced system-level integration capabilities. The company is based in San
Jose, California, with 1997 revenues from continuing operations of $712.7 million, and
approximately 2,500 employees worldwide. Visit VLSI's homepage at vlsi.com.
About SCM Microsystems
SCM Microsystems, Inc., with headquarters in Los Gatos, California, European headquarters in
Germany, research and development centers in Germany and France, and offices in Japan and
Singapore, is a leading provider of products and technologies which give individuals the ability to
quickly and securely control access to, and effect the exchange of, digital information. By bridging
smart cards and other secure devices with PCs and workstations, SCM Microsystems provides
cost-effective solutions for conditional access to mobile, handheld and desktop computers,
workstations, digital video broadcasts, virtual private networks, electronic files, e-mail and Internet
firewalls. For additional information, contact SCM Microsystems in the United States at (408)
370-4888 or in Europe at 49-84-418960 or e-mail adapter@scmmicro.com. The company
maintains a Web site at www.scmmicro.com.
Note to Editors: FSB, functional system block, Horizon, System-Level Silicon, ViSTA and ViSTA
'98 are trademarks of VLSI Technology, Inc. |
