Philips to Showcase New RF Solutions During COMDEX Fall 2001

Philips Components, a division of Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands, announced that, in conjunction with COMDEX Fall 2001, it plans to showcase several new radio-frequency (RF) solutions for high-demand consumer products. As a leading supplier of analog and digital RF solutions for markets including multimedia, set-top box and TV/VCR, Philips Components offers both standard and customized products, reference design boards and intellectual property (IP) licensing.Specifically, Philips Components will showcase its new FM1200 MK3 series-the world's smallest analog, multi-standard front-end-combining both television and FM radio functions, according to Edward Ng, multimedia business team leader for Philips Components' Tuners Group. "Philips is the first RF module manufacturer to introduce a product that combines such advanced capabilities in a small package-enabling end-users to watch TV, listen to the radio on a PC, or record TV movies on a suitable capture card-with superior picture and sound quality," said Ng.

Philips will demonstrate its hybrid analog/digital-receiver solution for ATSC and NTSC reception in conjunction with a leading Vestigial Side Band (VSB) demodulation IC partner. The FCV1236D offers excellent performance and low power consumption. It also comes in a compact housing, similar to the industry standard for PC TV cards, which was established with Philips' FI1200.

Philips Components will also showcase its complete Network Interface Module (NIM) family, designed to meet set-top box and PCI-card makers' increasingly complex needs. The NIMs take in the respective digital RF signals (DVB-T, ATSC, QAM and QPSK) and output the MPEG 2 Transport Stream, offering ease of application for the customer. For example, Philips' compact-sized NIM SU1200 family offers a complete integrated solution for manufacturers of satellite applications.

Another product on display will be the TIM3000 family. Philips' TV-Interface-Module (TIM) is virtually a "TV-in-a-can," integrating a TV tuner with full TV functionality. Optimized for LCD TV applications, the TIM3000 family allows for complete signal processing -- from antenna to RGB drive -- and features on-board intelligence and memory, including audio and synchronization functions. With TIM, the LCD panel, speakers and casing then become the only other components necessary to create an LCD TV.

Further, Philips will introduce a new generation of small cable/terrestrial tuners and front-ends for both analog and digital mobile multimedia and data-casting applications. The tuners' high level of miniaturization is best suited for portable applications such as laptops and PDAs.

Philips is the first supplier delivering two types of TV front-ends to cover the entire world: one multi-standard type for Europe and most parts of Asia and Africa; and one type for the U.S., Taiwan, Korea and Japan. By offering one solution for all European systems, Philips helps to minimize customers' associated development, logistic and obsolescence costs and risks -- e.g., tuner cards designated for one European market can be used in another European market, allowing for proper allocation as market conditions dictate.

"We have significant experience and expertise in developing and manufacturing highly advanced, yet very user-friendly, RF modules through our development facilities in Germany and Singapore," noted Ng. "By collaborating with today's leading manufacturers of RF semiconductors, Philips Components' Tuners Group is setting the standard in the market -- ultimately, delivering increased value to our customers. From the simplest to the most complex RF solution, our highest priority is quality and customer satisfaction."

Philips Components will be demonstrating these new RF solutions during the week of COMDEX, November 12-16, at the Venetian Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Casanova Ballroom (#604-606). More information about Philips Components is available at http://www.components.philips.com/.

SOURCE: Philips Components