The idea of using Bluetooth technology to stream wireless music has been around for years, unfortunately it has yet to reach its full potential. There have been high expectations for Bluetooth to deliver high-quality wireless audio solutions for MP3 players, mobile phones, computers and other devices. However, until recently most manufacturers have failed to deliver. The truth is: there are very few consumer devices which provide the high-quality wireless audio that most audiophiles demand. Fortunately, due to recent developments, the future looks promising.
STMicroelectronics, a world leader in the design and production of semiconductors for consumer electronics, and Open Interface North America, a leading provider of Bluetooth wireless applications, recently publicized plans to work together on next-generation Bluetooth audio solutions. According to the agreement, STMicroelectronics will embed Open Interface’s SOUNDabout® and BLUEmagic® technologies in Bluetooth-based integrated audio products in its Sound Terminal™ family.
The goal is to be able to provide consumer electronics manufacturers with the hardware components necessary to develop high-quality audio streaming solutions for portable music players, mobile phones, PCs, set top boxes, TVs, gaming consoles, stereo systems and other products.
STMicroelectronics’ Sound Terminal family is based on a series of high quality audio single-chip systems, which integrate digital audio processing, digital amplifier control and a DDX® digital power output stage. The high level of integration and their all-digital audio stream is ideal for wireless interfaces, enabling manufacturers to design cost-effective, high-efficiency, small form-factor sound systems.
SOUNDabout is a software program which allows for the easy implementation of high-quality wireless audio in consumer devices. It enables consumer electronics manufacturers such as wireless headset, speaker and set-top box manufacturers to quickly and economically add near-CD quality wireless Bluetooth audio.
BLUEmagic is an embedded Bluetooth protocol stack that is scalable, modular and portable, with an innovative, high-performance, compact architecture ideal for embedded devices.
“Sound Terminal is a great step forward for manufacturers of personal audio, home theatre systems, flat panel TVs and wireless headphones,” said Andrea Onetti, General Manager of the Audio Division within ST’s Home Entertainment and Display Group.
“ST’s Bluetooth module and chip products,” said Tom Nault, chairman and CEO of Open Interface, “ensure that manufacturers are able to build cost-effective solutions that not only offer ultra-low power consumption, but also provide unsurpassed audio quality, easier application development, and scalability for multiple market segments and future multimedia applications.”
Posted February 01, 2007 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff
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