Broadcom has acquired optical disc technology firm Sunext Design as a way of expanding its options for future single-chip Blu-ray Disc players and recorders. Previously, Broadcom had specialized in providing back-end solutions to manufacturers. Now with the buy of Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Sunext, it will have rights to “advanced front-end solutions,” allowing Broadcom to provide a total Blu-ray package to electronics manufacturers, the company said.
“The technology that will win the market-share battle for Blu-ray Disc players and recorders will be the one that provides the highest quality audio and video processing, while integrating the most advanced front- and back-end functions into a single low-cost device,” said Dan Marotta, senior vice president and general manager for Broadcom’s Broadband Communications Group.
Marotta said Sunext’s technology and engineering team will enable Irving, Calif.-based Broadcom to integrate optical reader/writer capability into its Blu-ray silicon products.
Broadcom said it expects the cost of Blu-ray players and recorders to drop dramatically in coming months.
