Thomson signs for remote on a chip

Zilog has signed a strategic development partnership that will see its Crimzon family of microcontrollers, IR code database and engineering and design services used by Thomson.

Zilog has signed a strategic development partnership that will see its Crimzon family of microcontrollers, IR code database and engineering and design services used by Thomson, a leading provider of technology and service solutions for integrated media and entertainment companies, for its newest line of OEM and retail IR universal remote controls (URCs).

Thomson's remote control business supplies remotes for its retail sales channels as well as OEM bundled remotes for the RCA-Thomson brand name.

Zilog is providing Thomson with what it calls its "remote on a chip" solution.

That is, a complete universal infra-red remote turnkey solution from a single supplier that offers access to Zilog's low-cost IR microcontrollers as well as the industry's most comprehensive IR device code database, containing in excess of 145,000 unique key codes covering more than 1300 brands and some 12,000 devices, plus Zilog's development tools, software, firmware and design and engineering expertise.

The large number and range of the codes contained in the Zilog database ensures unrivalled global compatibility for Thomson URCs.

Consumers are able to control a multitude of devices, such as set top boxes, televisions, VCR and DVD players, all using a single universal IR remote.

"The agreement with Thomson is the start of an exciting phase for Zilog", commented Jim Thorburn, CEO and Chairman, Zilog.

"As well as providing a market leader with a complete IR solution, it reinforces our leadership in the URC marketplace and highlights our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative turnkey solutions that work and produce tangible benefits, in this case, unsurpassed device IR compatibility and a greatly enhanced and simplified end user experience".

"We have worked closely and extensively with Thomson on a number of remote platforms which have been consolidated down to the two that Thomson is launching".

"Our microcontroller and design expertise, particularly in the URC market, is innovative yet simple, complete and designed to speed time-to-market for our customers".

Zilog offers a complete line of efficient low-voltage Z8 microcontrollers customised for use in IR remotes, IR keyboards, and IR blaster applications.

Application support is provided to help customers implement Zilog's extensive database libraries.

Using a remote control containing Zilog's URC IR database and functional software, customers of Thomson will benefit from an enhanced consumer experience and greater ease of use.

On-screen configuration, for example, significantly simplifies initial remote control programming and set up.

Zilog is intent on strengthening its position in a market that will continue to offer significant growth potential.

For example, leading market research firm InStat/MDR says demand for 8bit infrared remote applications will be among the top five microcontroller segments in terms of units shipped by 2007.

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