CSR's Bluetooth technology powers Cheertek design for wireless multimedia photo frames

CSR plc (LSE:CSR): Photo ref: PEM4797 To download: http://www.csr.com/images/hires/pem4797.jpg CSR today announces that it has partnered with Cheertek to produce a reference design for a digital photo frame chipset with Bluetooth functionality. Cheertek has implemented CSR’s BlueCore4-ROM, a complete Bluetooth system designed to ensure minimum time to market for OEMs. BlueCore4-ROM allows the frame to not only receive pictures but also to play audio streamed via Bluetooth, providing a richer experience for the consumer. Along with BlueCore4-ROM, Cheertek has employed CSR’s BCHS (BlueCore Host Software). This software offers OEMs a simple and complete Bluetooth solution designed for fastest time-to-market and lowest cost since it provides the upper layers of the Bluetooth protocol stack along with power-saving intelligence and a large library of Bluetooth profiles. BlueCore4-ROM is optimised for coexistence with other radios, and BCHS’s simple yet powerful APIs make it possible for OEMs to develop a Bluetooth product without expert Bluetooth knowledge. CSR’s hardware provides support for Bluetooth versions 1.2, 2.0+EDR and 2.1+EDR. Frames based on Cheertek’s design are able to receive pictures from mobile phones, PMPs, PCs and any other devices with appropriate Bluetooth functionality. Cheertek frames can also operate as a mini entertainment devices, streaming audio from Bluetooth-enabled media devices and phones via built-in stereo speakers. Besides BlueCore4-ROM, the Cheertek frame design utilises an RISC processor alongside its own CT956A chip. The design supports BIP, FTP and OPP Bluetooth profiles for photo transfer, A2DP and AVRCP for streaming and AVRCP for remote control functionality. "This design offers remarkably diverse functionality.” Said Tracy Hopkins, Vice President of CSR’s Consumer Business Unit. "The convenience factor will ensure that frames based on this design will sell well, as well as the audio capabilities. We believe that wireless functionality is going to be a huge market driver in the next generation of digital photo frames.” Hsiung-Hao Liu, Vice President of Cheertek added, "We were able to integrate CSR’s hardware without any difficulty. One of our main reasons for using BlueCore4-ROM was that it offers a complete solution and BCHS makes it quick and easy for manufacturers to produce a wireless photo frame, with all of the Bluetooth logic taken care of within the system. CSR provided us with clear documentation on how to utilise the APIs as well as comprehensive training, example applications and drivers. All in all CSR made the experience as easy for us as possible.” The Cheertek Development Kit will be available in February 2008. It includes the software development environment, and a hardware development boards featuring CSR’s BlueCore4-ROM Bluetooth chip and the CT956A chip. About CSR CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, GPS, FM and Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements. CSR’s customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba. CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA. More information can be found at www.csr.com About Cheertek Cheertek’s focus is on the research, design and development of integrated circuits for multimedia applications. These include CD/DVD player chips/IC, digital STB decoder ICs and other consumer-oriented products. Cheertek are headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan. More information can be found at www.cheertek.com