January 03, 2006 10:25 AM US Eastern Timezone
HUMAX USA Poised to Manufacture and Sell New Portable Media Player Platform to Content Providers; Will Design User-Interface Specific to Each Individual Content Provider's Requirements
2006 International CES
http://home.businesswire.com/portal...ng=en&ndmConfigId=1002692&moduleId=1525802384
http://mms.businesswire.com/bwapps/mediaserver/ViewMedia?mgid=59145&vid=3 HUMAX Portable Media Player (Photo: Business Wire)
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 3, 2006-- First Planned Retail Product Will Target DIRECTV Customers for Its Upcoming DIRECTV 2Go Service
HUMAX USA, the "Easy-Digital" company, has developed a new hard drive based hand-held portable media player (PMP) platform ideal for use by content and pay TV providers with plans to deliver content electronically to customers via portable video devices. The first content provider to be supported by this HUMAX PMP platform is DIRECTV - for its upcoming DIRECTV 2Go service.
The HUMAX PMP platform has a 4-inch widescreen LCD display screen with navigation controlled via an easy-to-use 5-button design. Additional consumer conveniences include a high capacity hard drive (capacity to be partner specified) and a long-lasting, user-replaceable battery that provides up to 4 hours of video and 10 hours of music.
Based on an AMD Alchemy(TM) Au1200(TM) processor, the device natively supports many video formats including MPEG1/2/4, DivX, WMV9 with WMDRM10 support - all at full D1 resolution (720x480). Moreover, the integration of a DDR1/DDR2 memory interface, USB2.0 High Speed Host & Device with On-the-Go, and on-chip AES cryptographic support, provide enabling technology for strenuous media applications and content protection schemes.
According to HUMAX USA's vice president of business development and strategic marketing, Tony Goncalves, the HUMAX PMP platform will provide consumers a simplified user-experience with greater entertainment value than is currently available from similar-type products today. The extensive CODEC and connectivity support will allow the HUMAX device to directly connect to digital video recorders, allowing transfer of video content without the need to trans-code the file through a personal computer, greatly reducing the amount of time required to download and playback fresh video content.
HUMAX is seeking appropriate content partners to design, manufacturer and even market the hand-held PMP devices for. "With the company's established background in product manufacturing and marketing within the operator markets on a global level, we are in perfect position to enable the many content providers and operator's poised to deliver exciting new portable video services. We are prepared to either OEM this device to partners, or let them take advantage of the established logistics, distribution and customer support that we have successfully implemented here in the US," says Goncalves.
The first content partner for HUMAX in this venture is DIRECTV. The HUMAX DIRECTV 2Go compliant PMP device is designed for a direct connection to a DIRECTV DVR, which will allow the consumer to transfer DIRECTV content recorded at home - a key benefit of the HUMAX platform. Additionally the device features DIRECTV branding throughout the User Interface including a DIRECTV approved playlist interface similar to DIRECTV receivers. In this relationship, the PMP device is HUMAX-branded, and will be sold at numerous retail and internet retail outlets. The device is scheduled for release later this year and in line with DIRECTV's launch of this new service. In additional to DIRECTV content device will support music (MP3 and WMA) as well as photos and other non DIRECTV videos.
"The HUMAX PMP will allow our customers to take their DIRECTV and experience it when, where and how they want it," said Romulo Pontual, executive vice president and chief technology officer, DIRECTV, Inc. "The HUMAX PMP device and DIRECTV 2Go will be a seamless experience for our customers because it uses the same easy-to-navigate DIRECTV user guide they use and see on their Television at home."
"Regardless of OEM or co-branded approach, HUMAX is prepared to support the development of the specific look and feel of the partner's user-interface, allowing them to both extend their brand and be in control of the consumer interactivity with their content and services - which is exactly what HUMAX set out to do with DIRECTV's 2Go product. We feel that customizing a proprietary UI will expedite early adoption of existing customers, build brand equity and also promote the content provider's existing in-home content service to potential new customers," furthered Goncalves.
The DIRECTV 2Go PMP will be on display at 2006 International CES at the HUMAX Suite located at the Venetian Hotel; the DIRECTV and AMD booths located within the main hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Content providers and operators interested in discussing their specific needs with HUMAX USA can reach HUMAX USA's vice president of business development and strategic marketing, Tony Goncalves, at the company's Fort Lee, New Jersey Sales and Marketing Headquarters at 201.292.1890.
For all media inquiries, please contact The Buzz Farm at 718.309.5277, or email media@thebuzzfarm.com.
About HUMAX
Founded in 1989, HUMAX Co. Ltd of Korea is one of the world's leading digital satellite set-top box manufacturers, exporting its products to more than 90 countries around the globe. Listed on the Korean stock exchange (KOSDAQ), the company's international headquarters and research and design facilities are based in Korea with offices in Australia, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. Production facilities are located in Korea, India, China and Poland. HUMAX recorded consolidated revenue of US $470 million in 2004, and has projected consolidated revenue of over US $600 million in 2005. For additional information please visit www.humaxusa.com or contact their public relations agency The Buzz Farm at media@thebuzzfarm.com.
About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to delivering superior computing solutions based on customer needs that empower users worldwide. For more information visit [/U]
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE: DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment services. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation.
HUMAX USA Poised to Manufacture and Sell New Portable Media Player Platform to Content Providers; Will Design User-Interface Specific to Each Individual Content Provider's Requirements
2006 International CES
http://home.businesswire.com/portal...ng=en&ndmConfigId=1002692&moduleId=1525802384
http://mms.businesswire.com/bwapps/mediaserver/ViewMedia?mgid=59145&vid=3 HUMAX Portable Media Player (Photo: Business Wire)
HUMAX USA, the "Easy-Digital" company, has developed a new hard drive based hand-held portable media player (PMP) platform ideal for use by content and pay TV providers with plans to deliver content electronically to customers via portable video devices. The first content provider to be supported by this HUMAX PMP platform is DIRECTV - for its upcoming DIRECTV 2Go service.
The HUMAX PMP platform has a 4-inch widescreen LCD display screen with navigation controlled via an easy-to-use 5-button design. Additional consumer conveniences include a high capacity hard drive (capacity to be partner specified) and a long-lasting, user-replaceable battery that provides up to 4 hours of video and 10 hours of music.
Based on an AMD Alchemy(TM) Au1200(TM) processor, the device natively supports many video formats including MPEG1/2/4, DivX, WMV9 with WMDRM10 support - all at full D1 resolution (720x480). Moreover, the integration of a DDR1/DDR2 memory interface, USB2.0 High Speed Host & Device with On-the-Go, and on-chip AES cryptographic support, provide enabling technology for strenuous media applications and content protection schemes.
According to HUMAX USA's vice president of business development and strategic marketing, Tony Goncalves, the HUMAX PMP platform will provide consumers a simplified user-experience with greater entertainment value than is currently available from similar-type products today. The extensive CODEC and connectivity support will allow the HUMAX device to directly connect to digital video recorders, allowing transfer of video content without the need to trans-code the file through a personal computer, greatly reducing the amount of time required to download and playback fresh video content.
HUMAX is seeking appropriate content partners to design, manufacturer and even market the hand-held PMP devices for. "With the company's established background in product manufacturing and marketing within the operator markets on a global level, we are in perfect position to enable the many content providers and operator's poised to deliver exciting new portable video services. We are prepared to either OEM this device to partners, or let them take advantage of the established logistics, distribution and customer support that we have successfully implemented here in the US," says Goncalves.
The first content partner for HUMAX in this venture is DIRECTV. The HUMAX DIRECTV 2Go compliant PMP device is designed for a direct connection to a DIRECTV DVR, which will allow the consumer to transfer DIRECTV content recorded at home - a key benefit of the HUMAX platform. Additionally the device features DIRECTV branding throughout the User Interface including a DIRECTV approved playlist interface similar to DIRECTV receivers. In this relationship, the PMP device is HUMAX-branded, and will be sold at numerous retail and internet retail outlets. The device is scheduled for release later this year and in line with DIRECTV's launch of this new service. In additional to DIRECTV content device will support music (MP3 and WMA) as well as photos and other non DIRECTV videos.
"The HUMAX PMP will allow our customers to take their DIRECTV and experience it when, where and how they want it," said Romulo Pontual, executive vice president and chief technology officer, DIRECTV, Inc. "The HUMAX PMP device and DIRECTV 2Go will be a seamless experience for our customers because it uses the same easy-to-navigate DIRECTV user guide they use and see on their Television at home."
"Regardless of OEM or co-branded approach, HUMAX is prepared to support the development of the specific look and feel of the partner's user-interface, allowing them to both extend their brand and be in control of the consumer interactivity with their content and services - which is exactly what HUMAX set out to do with DIRECTV's 2Go product. We feel that customizing a proprietary UI will expedite early adoption of existing customers, build brand equity and also promote the content provider's existing in-home content service to potential new customers," furthered Goncalves.
The DIRECTV 2Go PMP will be on display at 2006 International CES at the HUMAX Suite located at the Venetian Hotel; the DIRECTV and AMD booths located within the main hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Content providers and operators interested in discussing their specific needs with HUMAX USA can reach HUMAX USA's vice president of business development and strategic marketing, Tony Goncalves, at the company's Fort Lee, New Jersey Sales and Marketing Headquarters at 201.292.1890.
For all media inquiries, please contact The Buzz Farm at 718.309.5277, or email media@thebuzzfarm.com.
About HUMAX
Founded in 1989, HUMAX Co. Ltd of Korea is one of the world's leading digital satellite set-top box manufacturers, exporting its products to more than 90 countries around the globe. Listed on the Korean stock exchange (KOSDAQ), the company's international headquarters and research and design facilities are based in Korea with offices in Australia, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. Production facilities are located in Korea, India, China and Poland. HUMAX recorded consolidated revenue of US $470 million in 2004, and has projected consolidated revenue of over US $600 million in 2005. For additional information please visit www.humaxusa.com or contact their public relations agency The Buzz Farm at media@thebuzzfarm.com.
About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to delivering superior computing solutions based on customer needs that empower users worldwide. For more information visit [/U]
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE: DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment services. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation.
