New ARC Player Subsystem Combines Audio and MPEG-4 Video Functionality for Low Cost Consumer Devices

ELSTREE, England--Sept. 19, 2006--ARC International, the world leader in configurable multimedia subsystems and CPU/DSP cores, today introduced the ARC Player Subsystem -- the latest addition to its offering of programmable subsystems that are ideally suited for system-on-chips (SoCs) targeting media-intensive consumer applications. The ARC Player Subsystem is the first in the industry to offer an MPEG-4 video decoder and multi-standard audio codecs coupled with a configurable 32-bit microprocessor as a pre-verified solution. It is available for licensing by qualified customers globally.

Increasingly consumer electronics manufacturers are incorporating multimedia functionality into a wide range of devices, such as portable audio players, electronically enabled toys, and low-end cellular phones. This trend is causing semiconductor companies to migrate from the 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers and fixed hardware blocks that are prevalent in these products today, to new cost effective 32-bit microprocessor-based subsystems, which offer multi-standard audio, MPEG-4 video capabilities, and much greater computing performance.

The ARC Player Subsystem meets the needs of these applications by integrating audio and video onto a programmable subsystem that is based upon a 32-bit CPU/DSP core. Ideal for ASIC and SoC implementations, the ARC Player Subsystem operates at very low power in 0.18 micron technologies. Components included in the pre-verified ARC Player Subsystem are a member of the configurable 32-bit ARC 600 core family, MPEG-4 video decoder, MP3 decoder, Audio/Video synchronization, and voice recorder. Optional audio decoders include WMA, AAC, and Dolby Digital Consumer (AC-3). A comprehensive set of software and hardware development tools also are available, simplifying the SoC design process and speeding customers' ARC-Based(TM) silicon implementations to market.

Jason Blackwell, co-founder and CEO of S2 Data Corporation, said, "An increasing number of lower-end consumer devices, traditionally the domain of 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers, are integrating multimedia rendering and playback functionality. This is requiring a shift to more powerful and flexible 32-bit microprocessors. However, due to extreme price sensitivity adding advanced multimedia features can be cost prohibitive making it difficult for manufacturers to exploit new market opportunities. The ARC Player Subsystem provides a compelling, low cost migration option for manufacturers by offering configurable 32-bit processing and multi-standard audio and video support."

Derek Meyer, senior vice president of sales and marketing at ARC International, said, "The ARC Player Subsystem is another example of how ARC International is leading the IP industry by offering more than a single-function processor core. ARC Player is a fully programmable solution that provides MPEG-4 video with key audio codecs in a single pre-verified package. It is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the large installed base of devices that need a cost effective migration path to 32-bit platform functionality."

ARC Player Subsystem Benefits to SoC Designers:

• 32-Bit Functionality

Featured in the ARC Player Subsystem is a member of the configurable 32-bit ARC 600 core family. It is a full-capable embedded core that can serve as a control, applications, and DSP processor using a unified RISC architecture. ARC Player is also a general-purpose 32-bit processor with the power to handle the communications functions required in consumer applications.

• Programmable

Because the ARC Player Subsystem is programmable, SoC designers can include additional codecs or algorithms to extend the market life and reduce the need for future product development.

• Pre-Verified

The ARC Player Subsystem can be evaluated using the ARCangel 4 (AA4) demonstration platform, which also serves as a highly integrated development system. The AA4 incorporates an FPGA-based ARC Player Subsystem running the open-source Linux operating system. The AA4 supports all the standard codecs supported by the ARC Player Subsystem.

• Multi-Standard

Supported audio codecs include MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital Consumer (AC-3), and voice recorder. The supported video decoder is MPEG-4.

Availability

The ARC Player Subsystem is available now from ARC International. For more information contact ARC International at info@arc.com or visit www.arc.com.

About ARC International plc

ARC International is the world leader in configurable subsystems and CPU/DSP processors that are used by semiconductor companies worldwide to create system-on-chip (SoC) designs that provide a strategic competitive advantage. ARC's patented configurable products are smaller, consume less power, are less expensive to manufacture, and provide a higher degree of differentiation over what can be created using "fixed architecture" core alternatives.

ARC International maintains a worldwide presence with corporate and research and development offices in California and Elstree, UK. For more information visit www.ARC.com. ARC International is listed on the London Stock Exchange as ARC International plc.