Cirrus Logic has become the latest chipmaker to license audio watermarking technology from San Diego–based Verance Corporation. Cirrus will integrate Verance copy-prevention and copy-tracking technology in "a new line of high-performance chipsets for DVD devices," according to a November 20 announcement. Cirrus Logic's entry into the DVD-A arena may help boost market acceptance of the DVD-A format, executives conjectured.Cirrus recently unveiled a programmable DVD platform, the CS98200, described as a "multi-functional chip designed to help bring advanced consumer features such as DVD-Audio to more affordable consumer price points." Verance's watermarking technology will be included in a new line of consumer-product processors projected to hit the retail market by mid-2003. Cirrus also has developed manufacturing solutions that allow equipment makers to get new products to market faster than ever before.In signing with Verance, Cirrus Logic joins the ranks of semiconductor designers that have adopted Verance's commercial watermark technology into chipsets destined for high-volume consumer products. "We are pleased to be a part of the tremendous growth of DVD-Audio by providing content management solutions to the current marketplace, as well as for the emerging feature-rich digital DVD-Audio formats," said Verance president and CEO, Bob Cerasoli.
"In the near future, DVD-Audio will become a mainstream feature, due in large part to Cirrus' chip solutions and Verance's leadership in audio copy-protection technology," said Terry Ritchie, a Cirrus marketing vice president. "Collaborating with Verance gives us a market edge because we will be able to deliver cost-effective chip solutions that will help deliver DVD-Audio at more affordable consumer prices that will, in turn, drive greater volume."
