Prominent Consumer Brand Adds BridgeCo Processor and Software to Wide Range of New Audio Offerings


Los Angeles—(27 August 2007)—BridgeCo Inc. (www.bridgeco.com), a leading provider of entertainment networking solutions, revealed today that its processor IC and software stack have been designed into some of the recently announced Denon audio products. Denon’s new audio/video receivers, the new DVD home theater system, the new networked audio systems, and Denon’s new networked-enabled clients have all incorporated BridgeCo networking technology. By adding network technology, these systems can share audio files with PC and Mac computers over home networks, and access radio stations, podcasts, streaming Web music services and audio downloads directly from the Internet.

“Denon believes that connectivity and networking applications are leading the way into a new era of home entertainment, a vision we refer to as ‘Boundless Entertainment’ for consumers,” said Hirofumi Ichikawa, President, Denon Brand. “BridgeCo technology is enabling us to combine tried-and-true Denon audio performance with innovative networking technologies that allow users to enjoy their entertainment content regardless of its source. BridgeCo has shown itself to be a reliable technology partner across several iterations of Denon products.”

All of these network-capable Denon products are DLNA™ Certified, allowing interconnectivity with any other DLNA Certified product from any manufacturer. And all products are compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC audio file formats. With built-in Internet access, the BridgeCo firmware and other re-programmable data and software embedded in these new products can be updated directly through the Web without connection to a local computer
These new products join a list of existing Denon designs that have already incorporated BridgeCo networking technology: the Denon AVR-5805, the AVR-4306, the DVD-5910, and the F103HR mini Hi-Fi system.

“We are pleased that Denon is deepening their relationship with BridgeCo,” said BridgeCo CEO Gene Sheridan. “We share Denon’s view that networking capabilities are an important part of this new era in home entertainment. Denon’s inclusion of networking technology in a wider variety of products—and a wider variety of price points—demonstrates their clear commitment to satisfying consumer demand for the advanced features that networking technology offers.”

BridgeCo Processor and Firmware Technology
The BridgeCo eDMP (embedded Digital Media Player) is a complete networking reference design that includes a proprietary ARM-based DSP processor, a RTOS (real-time operating system) and a proprietary application software stack. The processor/firmware combination handles TCP/IP and USB protocols; decompression processing for MP3, M3U, PLS, VORBIS, WMA-9, AAC and other digital audio file formats; MMS and MP3 audio streaming, and Microsoft Windows Media DRM for Network Devices copy protection and many other popular digital rights management encryption/decryption processing and authentication protocols.

About BridgeCo
BridgeCo, a digital entertainment networking pioneer, offers the world’s most comprehensive, cost-effective and highly integrated processor and software platforms for connecting Internet media sources, computers and consumer electronics throughout the home. BridgeCo platforms are used in a wide range of innovative products produced by the multi-billion dollar global consumer electronics industry, including digital media players, audio adapters, AVRs, audio systems, Internet radios, musical instruments and breakout boxes. Its silicon and software platforms were among the first anywhere to be DLNA™ Certified. Leading consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide use the company’s solutions.

Using BridgeCo’s processor and bundled software, OEMs can offer stand-alone media network products, or embed networking capabilities directly into consumer products, at competitive retail price points. The company also offers market-leading solutions for FireWire™ audio interface systems used by musicians and other content creators.

BridgeCo is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company with operations in Los Angeles, California and Zurich, Switzerland. Its key investors include Advent Venture Partners, Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe), Cipio Partners, Earlybird Venture Capital, ETV Capital, Fidelity Ventures, Intel Capital and Wellington Partners.
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