Philips Adds Multicasting Capabilities to HD Radio Chip Processor

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced it has added multicasting functionality to its SAF3550 HD Radio chip processor. The addition of multicasting capabilities allows manufacturers using the SAF3550 chip to build HD Radio receivers capable of decoding up to eight separate channels of digital programming on a single FM frequency. In addition to enabling consumers to easily enjoy interference-free HD Radio broadcasts, the enhanced chip will help place more music, news and information at their fingertips.

Responding to the rising demand for expanded content, radio broadcasters have embraced HD Radio multicasting as a way to offer consumers additional streams of unique programming. Several of the largest U.S. radio broadcasters have begun to launch multicast channels featuring diverse formats such as classical music, dance music, and local music. Many more stations are expected to include multicast channels in the coming months as this trend continues to generate great interest and enthusiasm from both broadcasters and consumers.

“The flexibility of our SAF3550 chip allows us to easily incorporate new HD Radio features such as multicasting,” said Stephan zur Verth, vice president and manager for car entertainment solutions, Philips Semiconductors. “We are excited that manufacturers of HD Radio receivers can now use this chip to support multicasting, which is quickly establishing itself as the system’s first ‘killer application.’”

The SAF3550 chip incorporates HD Radio decoding and is optimized in hardware and software to deliver a dedicated single-chip solution. By providing the highest integration level in the smallest footprint, the chip allows for very cost-efficient signal demodulation and processing. Its unique design also enables manufacturers using Philips’ tuner front-ends and CarDSPs to extend their existing designs with minimal effort.

“Philips’ solutions have been essential in the growth of the HD Radio market,” said Jeffrey Jury, chief operating officer, iBiquity Digital Corporation, the sole developer of HD Radio technology. “The addition of multicasting capabilities to the SAF3550 chip is a key development which will provide our partners with a cost-effective option when designing the latest generation of HD Radio receivers.”

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world’s biggest electronics companies and Europe’s largest, with sales of EUR 30.3 billion in 2004. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 160,900 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.semiconductors.philips.com.

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