LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Silicon Image, Inc. , a leader in semiconductors for the secure storage, distribution and presentation of high-definition content, today announced a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) 2.1 Firmware upgrade to its SiI3132 and SiI3124 SATA SteelVine controllers. Silicon Image is the first in the industry to deploy the UEFI-certified storage controllers, which support enhanced Port Multiplier (PM) features and advanced Apple storage features for SATA. This upgrade to the SiI3132 and SiI3124 controllers supports Silicon Image's mission of delivering digital content everywhere.
UEFI is a new model for the interface between operating systems and platform firmware and provides a standard, modern environment for booting an operating system and running pre-boot applications. The upgrade is currently used in Apple and Windows-based computers. The UEFI specification is based on the EFI specification published by Intel, with changes managed by the Unified EFI Forum.
Silicon Image has added two custom applications to the SiI3132 and the SiI3124 SATA SteelVine controllers. The first new customization is a complete PM driver embedded in the basic input/output system (BIOS) option read-only memory (ROM). This feature enables users to boot from their choice of PM ports, even when using different operating systems. It also allows users to troubleshoot difficult storage issues in a pre-boot environment, speeding up manufacturing and testing time. The second new customization is expanded support for Apple OS storage, with added target mode and removable media support. When using target mode the SATA bus enables twice the speed of FireWire, making backup to a user's desktop hard drive much faster.
The SiI3132 and SiI3124 SATA SteelVine controllers are leading SATA II controllers that support eSATA and FIS-based switching for bandwidth aggregation. Above Native Command Queuing (NCQ) the controllers support out of order data delivery, asynchronous signal recovery, host initiated power management and hotplug, as well as all of the advanced features of SATA II.
"By becoming the first SATA controller to fully adopt the UEFI 2.1 specification, Silicon Image is showing its commitment to providing our controller customers with broad support and increased flexibility," said Conrad Maxwell, Silicon Image's senior product line manager for SteelVine products. "This firmware upgrade gives users more flexibility when it comes to PM products. Developers now have the ability to use off-the-shelf PM products and boot from any PM port."
"As UEFI gains momentum in the industry toward becoming the boot interface for the next generation of platforms, we applaud Silicon Image's leadership in deploying the UEFI 2.1 technology in their SteelVine controllers," said Tony Pierce, president of the UEFI Forum. UEFI Forum members include: AMD, American Megatrends, Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard Development, IBM, Insyde Software, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft and Phoenix Technologies.
"The UEFI specification and industry collaboration from a variety of PC-related companies helps us all achieve interoperability that in the end most benefits the consumers and businesses who buy our products," said Jeff Griffen, director of platform software engineering of Intel Corp.'s Software and Solutions Group. "Intel has worked with Silicon Image during UEFI testing and plugfests to help ensure their products comply with the UEFI specification."
Full production of the new controllers begins January 18, 2008. There is no price increase for the upgraded SATA SteelVine controllers. When purchased in large quantities, prices for the SiI3132 will remain under $7 and under $20 for the SiI3124.
About Silicon Image, Inc.
Silicon Image, Inc. is a global leader in driving the architecture and semiconductor implementation for the secure storage, distribution and presentation of high-definition content in the consumer electronics, personal computing, and mobile device markets. With a rich history of technology innovation that includes creating industry standards such as SATA, DVI and HDMI, Silicon Image partners with the world's leading entertainment creators and electronics manufacturers to deliver digital HD content to consumers anytime, anywhere, on any device. Silicon Image is also a leading provider of semiconductor intellectual property solutions for high-definition multimedia and data storage applications. Additionally, Simplay Labs, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Silicon Image, offers robust testing tools, technologies, support services, consulting and product certification to electronics manufacturers to maximize performance, interoperability and ensure the highest-quality HD experience to consumers. With engineering, sales and customer support facilities located throughout North America, Asia and Europe, Silicon Image is globally headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, please visit http://www.siliconimage.com/.
NOTE: Silicon Image, the Silicon Image logo, SteelVine, SiI3132, SiI3124 and Simplay HD are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Silicon Image, Inc. in the United States and other countries. HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and other countries, and is used under license from HDMI Licensing, LLC. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of federal securities regulations and is subject to the safe harbor created by those regulations. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the UEFI firmware upgrade to Silicon Image's SiI3132 and SiI3124 SteelVine controllers. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties; there are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the ability for the UEFI specification to gain momentum in the industry and the market adoption of Silicon Image's products by controller customers. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release; the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
