Chrontel Reveals New HDMI Level Shifter IC that Supports Intel's Next-Generation PC Chipsets

Business Wire, Sept 20, 2007

Video Interface Chip Links PCs to High-Def TVs Using Popular Interface Standard

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Chrontel (www.chrontel.com), a leading provider of video interface technologies, today announced a new HDMI[TM] Level Shifter IC, the CH7318. The CH7318 is designed to link Intel's next-generation PC chipsets with external high-definition TVs using the popular HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) specification, and with external peripherals using the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) specification. The next generation of Intel's desktop and laptop PC chipsets deliver low-swing AC-coupled HDMI and DVI outputs. The analog CH7318 IC converts this AC-coupled output into the 3.3 volt DC-coupled signal required by the HDMI and DVI specifications for transmission over cables to an external HDMI or DVI receiver.

"The HDMI interface is now well-established as the critical link between PCs and consumer electronics," said Dr. David Soo, Chrontel president and CEO. "We anticipate that our new IC will be an essential element in many new PC designs."

HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the HDMI specification, confirms that more than 500 manufacturers have adopted the interface standard. According to HDMI Licensing, more than 100 million HDMI-capable HDTVs have been sold to-date, in addition to more than 100 million DVI monitors.

Pricing and Availability

The Chrontel CH7318 is compliant with the latest HDMI specification, HDMI 1.3. Samples are currently available, and production volumes will be available in Q4, 2007. The device is offered in a low-cost 48-pin QFN package. The CH7318 is priced at $0.99 in 10,000 piece quantities.

Additional information about all Chrontel products can be found on the web at http://www.chrontel.com/products.> About Chrontel, Inc.

Founded in 1986, privately-held Chrontel is a leading supplier of video interface ICs and technologies to computer manufacturers worldwide. The company's innovations include the world's first VGA-to-TV encoder. Chrontel video display chips are incorporated into reference designs offered by many microprocessor and graphics processor vendors. The company currently offers the industry's most complete product line of video interface ICs for notebook and desktop computers, and its components can be found in PCs sold by dozens of leading manufacturers. Additional information about Chrontel can be found on its website: www.chrontel.com.

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