Unibrain's iZak Portable Media Device Uses Sigma Media Processor

Business Wire, Nov 16, 2004

MILPITAS, Calif. -- Sigma Designs (Nasdaq:SIGM), a leader in digital media processing for consumer appliances, today announced that the Unibrain iZak Portable Media Device is based on the Sigma EM8511 media processor (Unibrain's UB8519).

The iZak device operates as external PC storage, offering 40 to 100 GB of storage capacity using a USB 2.0 interface. As such, it can be readily loaded up with video files (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, etc.), audio files (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, OGG, etc.) and image files (such as JPEG). Once loaded, it becomes a portable media device that can be used with televisions in the living room, in the car, or while travelling. Common video outputs (composite, S-video, component) and audio outputs (stereo, SPDIF) enable the device to be easily connected to any television. Users access content and control playback in a manner similar to a DVD player, using a convenient remote control that enables set-up, browsing, and playback control.

The iZak offers another hot feature -- proprietary firmware that allows movies stored as image backups of DVD disks (.ISO files) to be played with full DVD functionality. Using one of many Internet available freeware titles, users can create their own virtual library, by storing a private collection of DVDs and watching them exactly as if they were running from the original (with all features intact: Menu, Chapter, Audio stream, Subtitle, Fast Forward, Fast Backwards, Slow, Pause, Step Forward, Repeat, Search, etc.).

"When designing the iZak(TM) Multimedia Player, we wanted to create a technological break-through. iZak(TM) is not only a media player, it reproduces all the functionalities of a true DVD player, but including a full movies library ... in pocket size," said George Zachopoulos, Managing Director of Unibrain S.A. "iZak(TM) operation required the creation of patented firmware that only Sigma Designs silicon could support and enabled us to join the best of our mutual expertise."

iZak is available worldwide under the iZak brand name and as an OEM product from MacPower under the Moviestar and Mvisto brand names. iZak is also the winner of "The Best of RetailVision Awards(TM)" for Hardware products at the 2004 RetailVision Europe, held September 21-23 in Munich, Germany. For iZak information go to: http://www.unibrain.com/1394_products/iZak/iZak.htm.

"We see iZak as a unique contribution to home entertainment and enabling the extension of the PC's role as a media center," said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing, Sigma Designs. "With an endless choice of video, audio, photo, and other media, which consumers are collecting, products that conveniently access the entertainment library are quickly becoming a necessity."

About Unibrain, S.A.

Unibrain (Reuters:UNBr.AT) is a global leader in the development of FireWire (IEEE-1394) hardware and software solutions, and offers a complete line of FireWire computer and consumer products for a wide range of applications. Unibrain has been an active member of the 1394 Trade Association since 1997 and continues to play a vital role in the advancement of FireWire technology. Unibrain recently expanded to new developments in storage and multimedia technologies. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.unibrain.com.

About Sigma Designs, Inc.

Sigma Designs (Nasdaq:SIGM) specializes in silicon-based MPEG decoding for streaming video, progressive DVD playback, and advanced digital set-top boxes. The company's award-winning REALmagic(R) Video Streaming Technology is used in both commercial and consumer applications providing highly integrated solutions for high-quality decoding of MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. Headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., the company also has sales offices in China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.sigmadesigns.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements about the projected timing and extent of customer shipments as well as the expected use of Sigma's MPEG decoder products. Actual results could vary from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including worldwide economic conditions, changes in the customer's ability or desire to complete the roll-out, consumer reaction to the new products and services being offered, the ability of Sigma to deliver sufficient quantity and quality of MPEG decoder chips, prices for the Sigma chips, alternative offerings by competitors, and the ability of the parties to work together successfully to achieve the rollout.

REALmagic and Sigma Designs are registered trademarks of Sigma Designs. All other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.