Silicon Image:Driving Connectivity Innovation for Mobile and Consumer Electronics
Date: Wednesday , October 08, 2014
Silicon Image has played a critical role in the development of some of the most popular interface technologies for mobile and consumer applications in use today. In the 1990s, it was a driving force behind DVI, the Digital Visual Interface. Since the early 2000s, it has been influential in driving the adoption and evolution of HDMI- (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) technology. In 2010, Silicon Image helped launch the MHL- (Mobile High-Definition Link) standard, a high-speed interface technology optimized for mobile devices that charges the smartphone or tablet when connected to a larger display. And in 2011, the company entered the wireless space with 60GHz WirelessHD solutions.
Silicon Image\'s business model is centered around creating and developing new technologies, partnering with industry leaders to establish standards and drive market adoption, and manufacturing ICs and licensing IP that support these standards. \"HDMI can be found in over four billion products worldwide and MHL is in over 500 million smartphones, tablets, HDTVs, accessories and other product categories.Eleven out of the top 15 smartphone brands have adopted MHL and 9 of the top 10 DTVs include Silicon Image\'s MHL IC products,\" proudly claims Jim Chase, Chief Evangelist, Silicon Image.
Globally, consumer electronics manufacturers are quickly moving to Ultra HD resolution, which is 4 times higher than current HD products, and Silicon Image is continuing its legacy of enabling rapid market adoption of this new technology. HDMI 2.0, announced in 2013, supports Ultra HD video at 60 frames per second, with enhanced audio support and latest generation HDCP 2.2 content protection. In addition, MHL 3.0, also announced last year, supports Ultra HD video, HDCP 2.2 and enhanced charging abilities to support the latest generation of high-performance smartphones and tablets.
With today\'s smartphones and tablets increasing in performance and functionality, more than ever consumers are relying on these mobile devices for accessing and consuming content. Seamless wired and wireless connectivity technologies such as MHL and Wireless HD allow consumers to connect to the large screen enabling these high-performance mobile devices to replace traditional CE devices in the home. With the smartphone market in India growing at a rapid pace, consumers in India can benefit greatly by technologies such as MHL. Mobile application developers now have the option of developing content and applications for the big screen that can be accessed or viewed by a large group or family instead of just one person.
Many of the leading smartphones from Samsung and Sony and HDTV brands in India, such as Sony, Samsung, LG and Toshiba, support MHL today. In addition, multiple retail channels in India are already carrying MHL compatible products and accessories and Silicon Image is working on expanding the retail footprint for MHL. By working either directly or via strategic partnerships with some of the leading mobile phone companies in India, Silicon Image is expanding the penetration of MHL into mid-range phones as well as into additional high-end Android devices.
More recently, the company acquired Update Logic - a software and services company with the same targeted customer base - which will naturally complement the company\'s existing product portfolio. The company will continue to innovate in both wired and wireless connectivity technologies in the long run as it envisages the co-existence of both for different applications.
Fostering a strong corporate culture and stellar physical work environment, Silicon Image has launched several programs to enhance global innovation, talent development, collaboration and communication within the organization.
Panel:
Founded:1995
Offices:
Sunnyvale (Headquarter),with R&D Centers in Sunnyvale, Shanghai and Hyderabad; Regional Offices in Japan, Taiwan, China and Korea
Headcount:600+
Products &Technology:
Multimedia connectivity solutions and servicesfor the mobile, consumer electronics and PC markets
Technologies: InstaPort, InstaPrevue, TMDS,VRS ClearView
Timeline for the solutions by the company:
1995 - TMDS 1996 - PanelLink 1999 - DVI 2002 - HDMI 2003 - SATA 2010- MHL 2011 - WirelessHD, HDMI Forum 2013 - HDMI 2.0, MHL 3.0 2014 - UpdateLogic
Achievements:
1. Received the 2007-2008 Emmy Awards for the company\'s work in developing HDMI 2. Received the 2013 American Business Award in the category of Best New Product or Service - Consumer Electronics as well as People\'s Choice Stevie- Award for the company\'s UltraGig 6400 60GHz WirelessHD transmitter
Quote about the company from CEO Camillo Martino
\"Silicon Image has always been a pioneer and innovator in the connectivity space. The majority of global brands in the mobile, CE and PC markets integrate our solutions. India is an important market for Silicon Image where we see significant growth potential for our connectivity technologies such as MHL, which can transform a smartphone or tablet in to a gaming console, entertainment hub or productivity device.\"
Key Management:
Camillo Martino, CEO-
With over 25 years of experience in the high-tech industry, Martino joined Silicon Image in January 2010 from SAI Technology, Inc. after a two-year tenure as a Board Member, COO and Angel investor. Prior to SAI, Martino was the President and CEO of Cornice Inc. Before joining Cornice, Martino held the position of COO at Zoran Corporation for approximately four years. Martino also spent nearly 14 years with National Semiconductor in four different countries. Martino holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Melbourne, Parkville (Victoria, Australia) and a Graduate Diploma in Digital Communications from Monash University, Clayton (Victoria, Australia).
Jim Chase, Chief Evangelist-
Chase has over 20 years of experience working with technology companies, content providers and service operators in the wireless and consumer electronic industry. His current charter is to create awareness of and preference for Silicon Image products and technologies with business partners and end users. Prior to Silicon Image, Chase worked for HDMI Licensing, LLC, Ubicom (now part of Qualcomm), Zoran Corporation (now CSR) and LSI Logic. He received both his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Engineering degrees from California State Polytechnic University.
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