Monday, 16 July 2007

Qualcomm, Siano In FLO Chip Agreement

Qualcomm, the inventor of CDMA technology and Siano Mobile Silicon, a supplier of semiconductor solutions for mobile digital TV (MDTV), have joined in a royalty free deal that enables Siano to use Qualcomm’s patented technologies to design, manufacture and sell certain semiconductor chip products that implement FLOTM technology. This license agreement paves the way for Siano to develop a multi-standard MDTV receiver chip supporting FLO, in addition to other standards.

According to a prepared company release, FLO technology, a broadcast innovation and key component of the MediaFLO System, is a globally-recognized air-interface technology with multiple technical specifications ratified by the Telecommunications Industry Association.

Furthermore, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R), recently recognised FLO as an ITU-R recommended technology for the broadcasting of multimedia and data applications for mobile reception on handheld devices. The FLO air interface is designed to increase capacity and coverage and reduce cost for multimedia content delivery to mobile handsets.

Siano, a global provider of multi-standard MDTV receiver chips, has been a member of the FLO Forum for the past year. The agreement with Qualcomm enables Siano to develop and market FLO chips to its customers, with possible integration onto its multi-standard chip.