(Newswire Today) —  Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2008-10-13 - Frontier Silicon has launched a new low-cost, low-power Internet radio module that will be shown at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair this week, bringing top-end Hi-Fi and audio system technology to a low-cost platform for mass-market connected audio.

Frontier Silicon, the leading supplier of digital radio technology, has launched a new low-cost, low-power Internet radio module that will be shown at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair this week. Including unique features for Internet radio devices, the new Venice 6.2 module provides comprehensive codec support plus enhanced music player functionality, bringing top-end Hi-Fi and audio system technology to a low-cost platform for use in mass-market connected audio devices.

The new Venice 6.2 module has moved to a full chip-down design to reduce the cost of implementing Wi-Fi radio and is a plug-in replacement for Frontier’s Venice 6. Connectivity has also been a focus; Venice 6.2 delivers support for manufacturers wanting their products to meet requirements for home network and audio playback certification programmes including iPod and iPhone interfacing. Venice 6.2 also includes new Wi-Fi antenna options and includes Digital Rights Management, in addition to optional DAB, DAB+, DMB-A and FM-RDS, delivering class-leading technology in a highly cost-effective module solution.

Venice 6.2 conforms to WorldDMB Receiver Profile 1, with support for various digital radio broadcasting standards, and has extended music player functionality including trick play controls, gapless playback and metadata rendering on a graphical 128x64 LCD display.

Steve Evans, VP sales, commented, “The extensive range of codec support in Venice 6.2 means that users will have access to the most comprehensive range of content.” He added, “The platform is optimised for low power consumption and integrated audio processing. Meeting requirements for interoperability certification ensures our customers can utilise the platform to produce networked products designed specifically for ease of use and with compatibility in their foundation. Venice 6.2 is a low-cost, feature-rich, certification-friendly Internet radio solution.”

Venice 6.2 has been designed specifically for new Internet radio software that delivers significant new music player and audio EQ functionality from a number of sources including UPnP and USB. It streams radio stations and music files in a variety of formats and protocols including AAC, AAC+, MP3, Windows Media, Real Audio and lossless codecs, enabling a new generation of stand-alone network-based audio products.

The module is also available with a comprehensive, fully-qualified reference platform, Jupiter 6.2, providing a complete Internet radio reference design with DAB/DAB+/DMB-A and an LCD graphic display supporting Frontier’s enhanced user interface. The platform is fully tested to conform to Wi-Fi, network connectivity and interoperability certification programmes along with Works with iPhone and Made for iPod.

Comprehensive certification support enables customers wishing to certify their products to do so using the module with minimal time-to-market and cost.

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