CSR Offers High-Quality Low-Latency Audio Compression on BlueCore

CSR plc (LSE:CSR): -- Ref: EMQ1610 -- Photo ref: PEM4746 -- To download: http://www.csr.com/images/hires/pem4746.jpg CSR (LSE:CSR) today announced that it has added a new compression technology to its powerful DSP-based BlueCore5-Multimedia platform which will offer its customers much improved wireless audio quality. By porting APT Ltd’s enhanced apt-X algorithm onto the BlueCore Multimedia platform, CSR is offering yet more ways for wireless audio designers to create devices which offer improved levels of audio quality, with reduced processing latency compared to the Bluetooth standard SBC encoding, without compromising on power consumption. Unlike any other Bluetooth single-chip device available today, BlueCore5-Multimedia is based on a powerful Kalimba DSP coprocessor operating at 64 MIPS to support the integration of third party software enhancements. Customers using the BlueCore5-Multimedia platform have access to a whole new set of features, thanks to the eXtension Partner Programme. The enhancements include dynamic noise and echo cancellation, stereo music enhancement and text-to-speech capability. Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of CSR’s Wireless Audio Strategic Business Unit commented, "Our roadmap has been driven by overwhelming market demand for wireless audio products which can offer the same quality as their premium, wired counterparts. BlueCore5-Multimedia caters for all aspects of wireless audio from the RF and low-power hardware design, to support for software extensions to further improve audio performance.” apt-X technology is an established standard for audio transport in the fields of professional broadcast and film post-production. Now, as regular listeners become ever more sophisticated, demanding higher quality on their mobile media players, additional channels for stereo headsets and the ability to interact with video, the consumer market is also set to benefit from apt-X. The technology’s core strengths of low delay, high error resilience and high audio quality make enhanced apt-X the perfect enabler for wireless headsets, speakers and other applications. Stephen Wray, Licensing Business Manager, APT noted, "Partnering APT’s expertise in audio compression and CSR’s experience in the Bluetooth semiconductor market has produced a powerful platform delivering enhanced apt-X audio quality to the mass consumer market.” BlueCore5-Multimedia has been designed to offer superior sound quality for headset applications with a best-in-class signal to noise ratio of -95dB. The device also leads the industry for power consumption and radio design. The radio transmits at +6.5dBm and receives at -90dBm, eliminating interference when listening to music or taking a call. When used in stereo headset applications, BlueCore5-Multimedia enables industry-leading battery life of more than 24 hours of music playback. About CSR CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, FM receivers and WiFi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate, fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements. CSR’s customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba. CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA. More information can be found at www.csr.com About APT Formed in 1989, APT (www.aptx.com) is at the forefront of its field, successfully developing and marketing industry-leading audio compression solutions. apt-X® algorithms have earned a reputation throughout the audio industry worldwide as the ultimate high-quality, low-delay audio data compression techniques available and are licensed to many of the world’s most prestigious OEMs in the broadcast and professional audio industry, security organisations and the consumer audio industry. Headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, APT has sales offices in Japan, Germany and the USA. APT distributes its products and technology through its direct sales force as well as through a network of specialised distribution partners in over 30 countries throughout Europe, North America and Asia.