News

Freescale Joins Forces With Mediabolic And Unveils Reference Platform to Streamline Development of NAS Home Media Servers (12/4/2006)

Media Server-in-a-Box Platform Based on PowerQUICC(TM) Architecture and Media Server Software from Mediabolic

Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE:FSL, FSL.B) has introduced a turnkey reference platform designed to streamline development and speed time-to-market for home media servers with advanced network attached storage (NAS) capabilities. Freescale is demonstrating the Media Server-in-a-Box reference platform at Booth #1624 at the Embedded Systems Conference this week.

The Media Server-in-a-Box reference platform is based on the MPC8349E PowerQUICC(TM) II Pro communications processor containing a PowerPC(R) core and standards-compliant Media Server software from Mediabolic, a leading developer of entertainment networking software.

"By combining their targeted hardware and software technologies, Freescale and Mediabolic have created a powerful reference platform for developers of cost-effective NAS products for the home media server market," said Mark Kirstein, vice president of Multimedia Content and Services at iSuppli Corporation. "Adding UPnP- and DLNA-compliant media server capabilities transforms the home NAS platform from a simple PC peripheral into an integral home entertainment system component for the digital home."

According to iSuppli research, there are currently more than 45 million installed home networks worldwide. iSuppli forecasts that total home networks will grow to exceed 120 million by 2009. Within this segment, more than 60 million home networks will be media-enabled, bridging consumer electronics and PC devices within the digital home.

"In the digital home of the future, consumers will store and share vast amounts of content on their home networks," said Lynelle McKay, vice president and general manager of Freescale's Digital Systems Division. "Freescale is answering the demand for standards-based home NAS products with a comprehensive reference platform that leverages Mediabolic's award-winning software. We're demonstrating this platform at ESC so that developers can see how quickly and easily they can bring new media server designs to market."

Freescale's Media Server-in-a-Box reference platform is designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) accelerate development of NAS-based home media servers with power-efficient, "always-on" capabilities. NAS systems developed using the Freescale reference platform will enable consumers to share and store multimedia files, such as music, photos and videos, throughout the digital home. Mediabolic's software makes it easy to centrally manage and distribute digital content among multiple PCs and networked entertainment devices.

"The combination of Freescale's reference platform and Mediabolic's Media Server software gives developers a turnkey solution for creating next-generation NAS-based media server products designed for cost-sensitive consumer markets," said Daniel Putterman, president and CEO of Mediabolic. "NAS device manufacturers want fast time-to-market solutions, and consumers want simplicity and ease of use. Freescale is addressing these market considerations with an elegantly designed, small-form-factor reference platform based on PowerQUICC architecture."

Mediabolic's Media Server software is designed to make personal content available over a network for streamed playback on a variety of connected entertainment devices throughout the home. Mediabolic offers its software as a turnkey object license for manufacturers seeking a ready-to-go solution, and as a Source Code SDK license, which provides complete design flexibility and customization. Either way, the software is highly efficient, requiring minimal CPU and memory resources, and is extremely interoperable. Mediabolic's Embedded Media Server software is Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) compliant and is certified by the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

MPC8349E mITX Reference Platform Features

* MPC8349E PowerQUICC II Pro processor, operating at 667 MHz * Robust memory subsystem * Four-port USB 2.0 interface * 10/100/1000 Ethernet port, a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch from Vitesse * On-board 4-port PCI serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) controller * 32-bit PCI slot, and a 32-bit MiniPCI slot * Two-port RS-232C interface * Power supply * SATA hard drive

Available in the 170mm x 170mm mini-ITX form factor, the compact reference platform makes it easy to design small-footprint home NAS systems. In addition to Mediabolic's Media Server application, the platform ships with Linux 2.6.x with Samba on Flash. Schematics, layout files and Gerber files are available online.

About the MPC8349E Processor

The MPC8349E PowerQUICC II Pro processor integrates the enhanced e300 PowerPC core and advanced features such as DDR memory, dual PCI, Gigabit Ethernet and high-speed USB controllers. The MPC8349E supports dual 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet controllers, dual 32-bit/single 64-bit PCI controllers, integrated security engines, USB 2.0 host and device controllers, 4-channel DMA, DUART, serial peripherals, general purpose I/O and system timers. The MPC8349E device's high level of integration helps reduce system cost, improves performance and simplifies board design.

Availability

Freescale plans to make its Media Server-in-a-Box reference platform available in May 2006. For system design and preliminary pricing information, please contact your local Freescale sales representative or an authorized Freescale distributor.