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By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com
Microtune, Inc. today announced that its high-performance
MicroTuner(TM) MT2050 single-chip tuner is deployed in the
new-generation stereo TV card of Pinnacle Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:PCLE).
The card, PCTV Stereo, is currently on retail shelves in Europe
and Asia.
Pinnacle's PCTV Stereo transforms a desktop computer into
a TV that delivers compelling video services -- stereo TV,
full personal video recording (PVR) functionality, Internet
TV and output to a recordable CD/DVD. With the MT2050 as its
radio frequency (RF) core, the Pinnacle PCTV Stereo card is
engineered to deliver high-quality pictures and sound in a
very small PCI-based form factor (ca. 4.7" x 2.4")
and at new, entry-level price points.
"Microtune's single-chip tuners are used in all of our
analog PCTV cards," said Joern Lembke, Product Manager,
TV Products, Pinnacle Systems. "PCTV Stereo, our best
selling card to date, was recently selected by ComputerBild
Magazine as the quality leader and winner in a test of competitive
products. By integrating Microtune's leading-edge tuner technology
into our latest version of this card, we are delivering TV
content that maintains a superior level of quality and reliability,
but at cost-reduced pricing."
"With its new TV-FM line of products, Pinnacle Systems
is migrating consumers into next-generation TV applications,
all of which require the latest in video display, video compression
and tuner technologies," explained Stefan Szasz, Microtune's
Product Marketing Manager for PCTV. "Our patented MicroTuner
technology enables Pinnacle Systems to offer feature-rich,
cost-optimized PC video solutions that support a range of
broadcast and multimedia applications."
"Our design win with Pinnacle, recognized as a leader
in multimedia hardware and software solutions, testifies to
the robustness and flexibility of our RF technology for other
next-generation TV markets," Mr. Szasz added. "The
PC, with multiple, high-powered processors and an array of
digital signals, offers the harshest of all reception environments
for TV signals. Our tuners' ability to deliver excellent performance
in desktops and laptops translates directly into easy support
for DTV, HDTV, LCD and other new TV appliances. Because our
tuner also simultaneously supports multiple TV standards,
it also means that manufacturers can develop universal TV
products for the global marketplace."
The MicroTuner MT2050, based on Microtune's patented single-chip
architecture, functions as the RF 'gateway' in Pinnacle's
PCTV Stereo, enabling the card to receive high-bandwidth,
high-resolution audio/video and broadcast content. With capabilities
for solid-state reliability and simultaneous analog/digital
modes of operation, the MicroTuner chip produces superior
video quality, permitting users to enjoy TV pictures and stereo
sound that are noise- and interference-free. With a fast signal
acquisition time, the MicroTuner also supports multiple screen
display and rapid channel changes, allowing users to make
fast channel changes while viewing stable video images. The
MT2050 also offers compliance to world TV reception standards,
enabling Pinnacle products to be marketed worldwide.
Because of its miniature footprint (1/4-square inch), the
MT2050 permits the design of PCTV Stereo to be small and compact,
approximately 4.7" x 2.4".
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