Motorola makes media mobility a reality with launch of multimedia set top platform

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) announced today that it is accelerating the delivery of personalized media experiences with the introduction of a flexible multimedia set top platform. Set tops based on the new platform allow users to transfer content to and from a mobile phone, allowing them to enjoy their multimedia content at home or on the go without the need for a PC. Users are also able to create and store personalized music and video libraries.

The first implementation of Motorola’s new multimedia platform was introduced today with the announcement that KDDI, a major mobile operator in Japan, is launching a new service, called “au BOX” using set tops based on Motorola’s platform. The au Box service will allow mobile customers to transfer content between their home entertainment systems and their mobile devices. As an information and communications company that provides fixed and mobile services, KDDI will deploy the Motorola set tops to realize its vision of converged fixed mobile and broadcast media. The au Box service, due to be launched on 1st November, 2008, will be delivered to au subscribers as an option on a leased basis.

“Motorola’s aim is to deliver seamlessly connected networks and solutions to enable new service creation for operators and to offer rich media experiences for the consumer,” said Dan Moloney, executive VP and president of Motorola’s Home and Networks Mobility business. “This new set top platform is a significant step forward for Motorola in the progress towards our vision of media mobility. Consumers increasingly want to access their content where and when it is convenient to them and Motorola is accelerating the delivery of these personalized media experiences by giving end users great choice and control over how and where they choose to consume their content.”

The set top being implemented by KDDI also features a CD player and CD ripping capabilities to allow users to rip CDs from their personal collections, automatically retrieve CD information, store the files in their music libraries and then transfer them to a mobile handset or to a portable media player via USB. In addition, music from a CD, mobile handset, or portable media player can be played by the set top through its integrated stereo speakers.

The powerful multimedia set top also offers video encoding capabilities to allow users to upload video from their personal video recorders and then transfer it to a mobile handset. It can also play DVDs when linked to an external monitor. The set top can additionally serve as a portal for internet web browsing, enabling users to access a wide range services and user generated content in addition to the option of purchasing music and video content from online stores.

Motorola’s advanced set top platform is based on Motorola’s state-of-the-art KreaTV™ open software platform for set-top devices. KreaTV is designed to enable operator customers to easily add new functionality and services at any time, allowing the system to grow according to their business needs and customer demands. KreaTV is compatible with a wide range of OS middleware and Digital Rights Management (DRM), and supports multiple different video formats ranging from MPEG-2 SD to H.264 HD, DVR, and hybrid.

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007.

Source: Motorola