Micronas to Acquire WISchip

Micronas Semiconductor has inked an agreement to acquire all shares of privately held WISchip International for approximately $80 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year. WISchip develops advanced audio and video system-on-chip IC and software solutions, implementing MPEG-1, MP

Author:: TVTechnology
Publish date:: Oct 27, 2005
Updated on: Feb 23, 2018

Micronas Semiconductor has inked an agreement to acquire all shares of privately held WISchip International for approximately $80 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

WISchip develops advanced audio and video system-on-chip IC and software solutions, implementing MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, H.264 and VC-1, which are used to support the latest HDTV standards.

Micronas will add 104 WISchip employees to its staff roster, including 78 video and computer engineers, 32 of which are based in the company's Shanghai R&D facility.

The latest offering from WISchip is the DeCypher 8100, a multistream, HD, audio/video system-on-chip (SoC) decoder with integrated digital rights management and networking support, compliant with H.264 HD standard and Microsoft's WM9/VC-1. The decoder will enable OEM consumer electronics customers to develop next-generation IP set-top boxes.

The Cypher 7108 SoC is an integrated video/audio encoding technology designed to address the multimedia data storage and transmission requirements of next-generation home entertainment systems.

Swiss chip manufacturer Micronas has agreed to acquire Linx Electronics for US$26 million in cash and Micronas shares. While most readers are probably familiar with Linx Electronics' ATSC receiver technology, which has demonstrated to better immunity to multipath than previous generation VSB tuners, many may not be

The transaction is valued at $26 million in cash and stock.

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Regulatory and Standards

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DTV receiver IC designer and manufacturer Micronas has opened a research and development center in Shanghai, China. Micronas Semiconductor R&D (Shanghai) will focus on locally optimized DTV integrated circuits for use in TVs, set-top boxes, PCs and new applications such as mobile TV in cars, trains or taxis. Wayne L

Broadcom Corp. has signed an agreement to acquire Octalica Inc., a privately-held fabless semiconductor company. The deal is estimated at $31 million in cash.