CNXTD Conexant Systems (MM)

Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNXTD) today introduced a new family of broadcast audio/video (A/V) decoders targeted at �PCTV� applications, which allow consumers to watch television on personal computers. The CX2310X decoders enable the capture of analog and digital broadcast streams on personal computers through an integrated universal serial bus (USB) interface. Key features include support for consumer infrared (CIR) functionality, which allows consumers to operate multimedia PCs and TVs connected to cable or satellite set-top boxes (STBs) with a single remote control. The decoders are the world�s first USB broadcast A/V decoders to offer this level of functionality. The highly integrated devices can also be used in conjunction with Conexant�s demodulators to create complete PCTV system solutions. �We have applied our expertise in audio/video capture and PC architectures to develop a next-generation product family that sets a new standard in terms of performance and integration,� said Rene Hartner, vice president of marketing for Conexant�s Imaging and PC Media business. �Our world-class broadcast decoders deliver the high-fidelity audio and superior video quality that consumers expect. They also allow manufacturers to develop products that provide consumers with the added convenience of infrared connectivity.� To enable CIR functionality, an infrared transmission cable is connected from the STB to the PCTV tuner card in the computer. Once this is complete, the multimedia PC remote can be used to manage functions such as changing television channels, browsing photos on the PC, and volume control. The broadcast decoders comply with worldwide audio and video broadcast standards, and include automatic standard-detection and configuration capabilities. This eliminates the need for consumers to manually configure their PCs to conform to industry standards that apply in their geography, which improves the user experience. The decoders are offered in various configurations and can be used to capture a single analog stream, two simultaneous digital TV transport streams, or a combination of analog and digital broadcast programming. This flexibility allows manufacturers to easily and cost-effectively develop products from applications ranging from basic analog television capture to advanced hybrid analog and digital capture solutions. The CX2310X broadcast decoder family has several features that improve video quality. These include 10-bit video analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), a full 10-bit video data path, a multi-tap horizontal and vertical scaler, and hue, brightness, saturation, and contrast controls. In addition, the decoders have integrated anti-aliasing technology and noise reduction filters to improve image clarity. Audio-enhancing features include ADCs that enable stereo audio capture and provide a minimum of 16-bit audio resolution through the entire audio data path. The audio path also includes an automatic volume control function and two assignable stereo processing units that control volume, three-band equalization, and balance. The high-level audio and video integration in the CX2310X product family eliminates the need for additional components including broadcast decoding and processing chips, and external sound demodulation chips. This allows manufacturers to reduce bill-of-materials costs without compromising audio and video performance. Additional features include low power consumption, which is particularly important for notebook computers and other battery-powered consumer products, and a compact 10mm x 10mm footprint, which is important for MiniCard, USB stick, and Expresscard� applications. CX2310X Feature Comparison Chart � � � Features � CX23100 � CX23101 � CX23102 USB Interface � Yes � No � Yes Broadcast Audio/Video � No � Yes � Yes Integrated Analog IF demodulator � No � Yes � Yes Transport Stream Interface � Yes � No � Yes Conexant offers a complete suite of components and system solutions for standard- and high-definition video applications including PCTV and video surveillance. The company�s video and multimedia product offering includes analog and digital video encoders/decoders, PCI video decoders, software, and complete reference designs. Availability and Packaging Conexant�s new broadcast A/V decoders are sampling now, and will be available in volume quantities in September 2008. They are packaged in a 132-pin quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. To learn more, please contact your local sales office: http://www.conexant.com/wwsales/. About Conexant Conexant�s comprehensive portfolio of innovative semiconductor solutions includes products for Internet connectivity, digital imaging, and media processing applications. Conexant is a fabless semiconductor company that recorded revenues of $809 million in fiscal year 2007. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. To learn more, please visit www.conexant.com. Safe Harbor Statement �Safe Harbor� Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Conexant or its management �believes,� �expects,� �anticipates,� �foresees,� �forecasts,� �estimates� or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements in this release that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: pricing pressures and other competitive factors; our ability to timely develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for the related intellectual property; the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by our products and our customers� products; volatility in the technology sector and the semiconductor industry; our successful development of new products; the timing of our new product introductions and our product quality; demand for and market acceptance of our new and existing products; our ability to anticipate trends and develop products for which there will be market demand; the availability of manufacturing capacity; changes in our product mix; product obsolescence; the ability of our customers to manage inventory; the risk that capital needed for our business and to repay our indebtedness will not be available when needed; the risk that the value of our common stock may be adversely affected by market volatility; the substantial losses we have incurred; the uncertainties of litigation, including claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or demands that we license third-party technology, and the demands it may place on the time and attention of our management and the expense it may place on our company; general economic and political conditions and conditions in the markets we address; and possible disruptions in commerce related to terrorist activity or armed conflict, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Conexant is a registered trademark of Conexant Systems, Inc. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.