What’s In-Store For Codename Pika?
Microsoft launched there new MCX Partner Site
for Pika the other day. Pika is the
codename for Media Center Extenders (MCX) v2.
According to Microsoft, Media Center Extender Technology Features are as
follows…
- Hardware,
operating system, and middleware independence and adaptability
- OEM-local
user interface flexibility and extensibility
- Based
on DLNA 1.0 framework and protocols (including an optional DLNA stack
implementation)
- Reliable
wired and wireless network AV streaming
- Standard
and high-definition graphics and video
- Support
for Windows Vista-compatible premium digital TV, including U.S. Digital
Cable (Open Cable)
- Simple,
inexpensive OEM licensing
Microsoft
has finally partnered with Sigma Designs
for the MCX design. I’ve said that Sigma
was the perfect partner for Extenders for awhile now. In fact, over a year ago I said “I am a
tremendous fan of Sigma Designs and their EM8620L series processors. Building
an Extender around this processor enables endless options for audio and video
decoding” in my Site
Feed of the Day feature for Tim Coyle. Now Sigma Designs has their EM8622L processor
which is a step above the EM8620L from last year.
Sigma
Designs has a Dev Kit for enabling OEM’s to quickly build Extenders for those
who are a part of Microsoft’s MCX Partner Program. OEM’s should be aware that consumers are
looking for Extenders that take full advantage of the EM8622L processor.
The
EM8622L supports the following formats…
- MPEG-4
Part 10 (H.264)
- VC-1
(WMV9)
- MPEG-2
- MPEG-4
Part 2 (DivX/XviD)
- Dolby Digital
- WMA/WMA Pro
- MPEG-1/2 Audio
- AAC
- MP3
- And more!
If you are an OEM thinking of joining the MCX Partner Program
please enable decode of non-Microsoft formats.
You have the ability to do so, don’t let the your consumers down!