SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 7, 2005 – Intel Corporation today
announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire key digital
broadcast technologies to deliver complete platform solutions for
consumer electronics (CE) devices in the digital home.
The acquisition would include the UK-based, Radio Frequency (RF)
Front-End Consumer Business of Zarlink Semiconductor Limited, a leading
provider of demodulation and tuner technologies to the satellite,
terrestrial and cable market segments, and wholly owned subsidiary of
Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. The transaction is subject to closing
conditions and regulatory filings.
As part of its digital home initiative, Intel is focused on
delivering silicon and software building blocks to enable the
development of a wide range of CE devices, including digital
televisions, digital set-top boxes and digital media recorders. The
acquired RF Front-End Consumer Business would include demodulators and
tuners that comprise the "front end" of such CE devices, and enable the
devices to receive a digital signal, extract the audio and video
streams, decompress, and then either display or store the resulting
image and audio broadcast.
"The transition to digital products across the entertainment and CE
industries is accompanied by changes in the underlying technology and
delivery infrastructure," said Glenda Dorchak, vice president, Digital
Home Group and general manager, Consumer Electronics Group, Intel.
"Demodulation and tuner technologies are two key ingredients in this
infrastructure and play an increasingly critical role in a broad range
of CE devices. The addition of this technology and expertise
complements Intel’s CE roadmap and development plans."
Today’s agreement follows Intel’s successful purchase of Oplus
Technologies earlier this year. Zarlink’s demodulation and tuner
technologies, combined with the Oplus’ advanced video processing
technology would complement Intel’s core microprocessor expertise and
enhance its ability to deliver innovative platform solutions to the
consumer electronics market segment.
Source: Intel Press Release
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