SIMGE Silicon Image (MM)

Silicon Image Broadens PanelLink Cinema Line of HDMI ICs with Addition of DVD-Audio Capability and Dual Input Receivers LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Silicon Image, , a leader in multi-gigabit semiconductor solutions for the secure transmission and storage of rich digital media, today debuted its second generation of PanelLink Cinema(TM) ICs compliant with the High-Definition Multimedia Interface(TM) (HDMI(TM)) and High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) specifications for consumer electronics devices. Fully backward compatible with DVI-based consumer electronics systems, the SiI(TM) 9030(TM) transmitter and SiI 9021(TM) and SiI 9031(TM) receivers offer greater application-specific functionality, including support for DVD-Audio, enhanced video resolutions and higher audio sampling frequencies, as well as multiple ports for HDMI connectivity. Targeted at digital TVs, the SiI 9021 receiver boasts dual HDMI inputs for simultaneous connection of multiple HDMI source devices such as DVD players and high-definition (HD) set-top boxes. Priced at a lower cost per port than Silicon Image's first-generation PanelLink Cinema solutions and comparably priced with earlier-generation DVI-HDCP devices, the SiI 9021 provides TV manufacturers a cost-effective means of implementing multiple HDMI inputs. The SiI 9030 transmitter and SiI 9031 receiver support DVD-Audio over HDMI, providing the highest audio fidelity possible. The SiI 9030 transmitter is geared for DVD players, DVD recorders and A/V receivers, while the SiI 9031 receiver is targeted at A/V receivers. With its dual HDMI inputs and HDCP repeater support, the SiI 9031 receiver enables consumer electronics manufacturers to bring to market HDMI-capable A/V receivers to manage the growing number of available HDMI source and display devices for the home theater. "Due to its use of a single cable and digital quality, HDMI is poised for rapid adoption on consumer electronics source and display devices," stated Gartner Research Vice President and Gartner Fellow David Smith. "This will enable entirely new classes of HDMI devices and HDMI A/V receivers, which will enable consumers to assemble state-of-the-art digital home theater systems with multiple HDMI source and display devices -- all connected via HDMI for the highest quality digital audio and video available." "Content is driving the DTV revolution. PanelLink Cinema is a key component of the secure digital content delivery architecture, enabling the release of Hollywood's immense library of premium HD content for home viewing," noted John LeMoncheck, vice president of consumer electronics products at Silicon Image. "Our second-generation PanelLink Cinema ICs will accelerate the already rapid industry transition to HDMI by offering CE manufacturers more application-specific functionality in three cost-effective solutions based on our production-proven HDMI and robust HDCP technology. With the addition of DVD-Audio capability and dual inputs, we have raised the bar for HDMI implementations." All PanelLink Cinema ICs support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), the technology endorsed by major motion picture studios Fox, Universal, Warner Bros. and Disney, content distributors DIRECTV and EchoStar, and cable TV industry association CableLabs for the secure transmission of their high-value digital content. The FCC proposal, if passed, would mandate the use of DVI or HDMI with HDCP on HD set-top boxes and DTVs labeled as being "Digital Cable Ready." In addition, the DVD CCA has approved HDMI with HDCP for CSS content playback on DVD players. The SiI 9030 transmitter supports DVD-Audio through 4 I2S inputs, accommodating 8-channel audio up to 96kHz and 2-channel audio up to 192kHz. It extends S/P-DIF support for digital audio to 96kHz and is software-compatible with the first-generation SiI 9190 PanelLink Cinema transmitter. Software-compatible with the prior-generation SiI 9993 PanelLink Cinema receiver, the new SiI 9021 receiver incorporates auto video/audio mode detection that simplifies software overhead and design effort while helping customers build higher quality systems. The new SiI 9031 receiver offers all the same features as the SiI 9021 receiver and adds DVD-Audio support through 4 I2S outputs. It supports 8-channel audio up to 96kHz and 2-channel audio up to 192kHz. The SiI 9031 receiver also supports HDCP repeater capability, meeting the HDCP specification's requirement for passing on encrypted audio/video, as in A/V receivers. All three devices support higher-resolution convergence products such as plasma and LCD TVs with SXGA resolution. Packaging, Pricing and Availability The latest PanelLink Cinema devices are manufactured in a 0.18-micron process. Silicon Image is currently sampling the devices to select customers. Volume production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2004. The SiI 9030 transmitter is packaged as an 80-pin TQFP and priced at $11.40 in 10K quantities. Packaged in a 144-pin TQFP, the SiI 9021 receiver is priced at $10.70 in 10K quantities. The SiI 9031 receiver is packaged in a 144-pin TQFP and priced at $14.10 in 10K quantities. For more information on these PanelLink Cinema devices, please contact your local Silicon Image distributor or sales representative, or email . About Silicon Image Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Silicon Image, Inc. designs, develops and markets multi-gigabit semiconductor and system solutions for a variety of communications applications demanding high-bandwidth capability. With its proprietary Multi-layer Serial Link (MSL(TM)) architecture, Silicon Image is well positioned for leadership in multiple mass markets including PCs, consumer electronics and storage. Currently, Silicon Image leads the global PC/display arena with its innovative digital interconnect technology, and is now emerging as a leading player in the consumer electronics and storage markets by offering robust, high-bandwidth semiconductors. For more information on Silicon Image, visit http://www.siliconimage.com/. This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of federal securities regulations. These forward-looking statements include statements related to anticipated increases in standards adoption, demand for Silicon Image products, and Silicon Image name recognition, anticipated introduction of products incorporating Silicon Image cores and Silicon Image's position as a market leader. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those described from time to time in Silicon Image's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. In particular, standards may not be adopted at the rates anticipated, products may not be released when expected or at all, demand for Silicon Image products may not be as expected, and Silicon Image may not achieve increased name recognition or leadership status. Also see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Factors Affecting Future Results" in the most recent Annual Report, Form 10-K or 10-Q filed by Silicon Image with the SEC. Silicon Image assumes no obligation to update this forward-looking information. NOTE: Silicon Image, SiI, SiI 9030, SiI 9021, SiI 9031, PanelLink, PanelLink Cinema, MSL and http://www.siliconimage.com/ are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Silicon Image, Inc. in the United States and other countries. DATASOURCE: Silicon Image, Inc. CONTACT: media, Sheryl M. Gulizia, Manager, Public Relations of Silicon Image, Inc., +1-408-616-1553, or Web site: http://www.siliconimage.com/

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