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| Freescale opens Synkro protocol to leading consumer electronics manufacturers |
Release of RF entertainment control platform specification to help drive standardization of remote control products for home entertainment LAS VEGAS (Consumer Electronics Show) Jan. 7, 2008 – With the advent of radio frequency (RF) entertainment control network technology, infrared (IR) based remote controls will soon become as antiquated as buggy whips in the automotive age. To help accelerate the transition from IR- to RF-based technology in the consumer electronics world, Freescale Semiconductor has announced an initiative to offer its RF entertainment control network technology as an open industry specification to leading consumer electronics manufacturers. Freescale is currently defining the entertainment control network specification, known as Synkro, in collaboration with an elite group of consumer electronic manufacturers. Freescale plans to make the Synkro protocol broadly available to the industry through an open and global standards forum designed to enable wide adoption of the technology. The standards forum and entertainment control network specification are being defined and finalized simultaneously. “Opening the Synkro protocol to the world's foremost consumer electronics makers underscores Freescale's commitment to deliver industry-standard platforms to the market,” said Henri Richard, senior vice president and chief sales and marketing officer for Freescale Semiconductor. “We are committed to driving the Synkro entertainment control network platform forward as a global standard to improve overall usability of home entertainment products for hundreds of millions of consumers around the world.” About Synkro protocol The entertainment control networking layer was developed with the consumer in mind. This technology addresses a growing concern among today's electronics manufacturers: the technology limitations and interruptions caused by IR-based solutions that are not compatible with their consumer product roadmaps. This comprehensive platform enables advanced control capabilities, such as two-way communication between entertainment devices. It eliminates the need for line-of-sight control devices and provides the foundation for a universal remote control for any consumer electronic component. About Freescale Semiconductor Media Contacts: Americas Emilie Harris Asia Pacific Europe, Middle East and Africa India Japan Freescale and the Freescale logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 2008 |