Press Release
- 2002
On June
28, 2002, ATI acquired NxtWave Communications
NxtWave’s Research Into Digital Television Reception
Leads to Advances in Smart Antenna Technology
Users
Will No Longer Need to Manually Adjust Antennas
April 8, 2002
LANGHORNE, PA -- April 8, 2002 -- Engineers at NxtWave Communications,
a leading developer of integrated circuits for digital television
and related applications, have developed new technology designed
to improve the terrestrial (over-the-air) reception for digital
televisions using the 8-VSB ATSC standard. Building on existing
“smart antenna” standards and related concepts,
NxtWave’s Nxtenna technology improves reception and simplifies
end-consumer viewing.
Using NxtWave’s third-generation demodulator technology,
embedded into the NxtWave NXT2005 product line, the new system
is designed to work with antennas conforming to the EIA/CEA-909
standard. The Nxtenna technology electronically scans for
the optimal digital signal and configures the now “smart”
antenna. An additional benefit is the ability to utilize a
360-degree reception zone, which eliminates the need for viewers
to manually adjust the antenna.
"Smart Antenna technology has been discussed and debated
for some time,” says Mike Gittings, NxtWave Director
of Worldwide Marketing. “No one has developed a commercially-viable
antenna system that reconfigures itself using digital demodulation
technology like our Nxtenna system.”
Reception quality is vital to the success of digital television.
Last year, NxtWave Communications was heavily involved in
working with the American Television Standards Committee (ATSC)
to re-affirm the 8-VSB digital broadcasting standard. Realizing
that the transmission standard is just half of the digital
television equation, NxtWave is always looking at and developing
new ways to help enhance the other half of that equation –
reception. The Nxtenna technology is a natural progression
of that research.
“Even as we celebrate the increasing number of cable
companies providing high-definition television (HDTV) content
and applaud the leading role in HD played by home satellite
providers, antennas remain a critical way for millions of
consumers to experience the almost three-dimensional picture
quality and digital surround sound that HDTV can bring,"
said Consumer Electronics Association President and CEO Gary
Shapiro. "Advances in antenna design that seamlessly
improve over-the-air reception and improve ease of use for
consumers go a long way toward driving the DTV transition.”
“We’re not antenna manufacturers, but we’re
excited about the strong response the Nxtenna concept has
received from those who are,” Gittings said. “This
technology has enormous potential to change and significantly
improve digital television reception in a variety of applications.”
Copyright
2002 ATI Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. ATI and ATI
product and product feature names are trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of ATI Technologies Inc. All other company and product
names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
owners. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are
subject to change without notice.
About ATI Technologies
ATI Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the design and
manufacture of innovative 3D graphics and digital media silicon
solutions. An industry pioneer since 1985, ATI delivers leading-edge
performance solutions for the full range of PC and Mac desktop
and notebook platforms, workstation, set-top box, game console
and handheld markets. With 2001 revenues in excess of US $1
billion, ATI has more than 1,900 employees in the Americas,
Europe and Asia. ATI common shares trade on NASDAQ (ATYT)
and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ATY).
