News

BridgeCo Upgrades BeBoB FireWire/1394 Audio Platform (21/10/2005)

New BeBoB Software Expands I/O Capabilities; New DM1100 Processor IC Enables Lower System Price Points

BridgeCo, a leading provider of digital entertainment networking solutions, released the latest version of its popular BeBoB(TM) 1394 audio interface software at the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Conference in New York. BeBoB 3.1 more than triples the number audio I/O channels supported by BridgeCo's DM1500 processor IC. BridgeCo's processor and software platforms are used by more than 85% of all FireWire breakout boxes and 1394 audio interface systems today.

With BeBoB 3.1 running on BridgeCo's DM1500 processor, system OEMs can now offer up to 80 audio channels at 96kHz (and 128 channels at 48kHz), providing ample throughput for even the most complex recording and mixing environments. The concise BeBoB software upgrade also reduces DM1500 processing requirements by 50%, leaving additional computational bandwidth for OEM applications and customized functions like mixers, effects and extended equalizers.

"With the most extensive user base in the industry, we were able to capitalize on the most extensive user feedback in developing our latest version of BeBoB," explained BridgeCo CEO Mark McEachen. "The BeBoB audio interface platform will now deliver even greater I/O capabilities and DSP functionality for the next generation of FireWire breakout boxes and audio interface products."

New Processor IC Enables Cost-Effective System Price Points

Along with the BeBoB 3.1 software upgrade, BridgeCo is also announcing the release of its new DM1100 processor. The DM1100 offers twelve I/O channels at 192 kHz for OEMs that desire a more compact and cost-competitive platform for entry level systems. With the same processing capabilities and BeBoB software bundle as the 64-channel DM1500, the DM1100 will enable FireWire audio systems with minimal retail cost for amateur musicians that only require a 12-channel solution.

World's Most Popular 1394 Audio Interface Platform

BridgeCo's software and processor platforms have achieved widespread adoption in the FireWire/1394 audio interface market. A comprehensive software, driver and hardware solution for Mac, Windows and Linux-based configurations, BridgeCo's platforms are designed for easy customization and rapid deployment.

BridgeCo's BeBoB platform has been has been designed into more than a dozen audio products, and forms the technological core of more than 85% of all FireWire audio interface units ever shipped to consumers. The company's platform can be found in products targeted at professional musicians, as well as systems for the consumer audio market that are priced below US$60. Products built on BridgeCo's BeBoB platform have won numerous awards from leading audio magazines worldwide.

FireWire audio interfaces and breakout boxes, the primary application for the BeBoB platform, enable musicians to combine signals from multiple instruments, microphones, sample clips and other audio sources, and transfer them to a computer using a single FireWire (IEEE 1394) serial interface. Once audio tracks are recorded and stored on a computer, they can be edited, arranged and played-back to complete a total musical or audio experience.

The BeBoB 3.1 Platform

The BeBoB 3.1 platform combines BridgeCo's proprietary ARM-based and DSP-enhanced DM1500 or DM1100 processor and all of the required software to build a complete FireWire audio interface product, including a real-time operating system (RTOS) and a comprehensive application software stack that allows BridgeCo's OEM customers to significantly accelerate their time-to-market.

The BridgeCo platform interfaces directly to 1394 PHY chips, supporting 1394a at S400 data rates, and 1394b at S800 data rates. The platform also incorporates multiple digital and analog inputs and outputs that connect to microphones, loudspeakers, musical instruments and MIDI devices. BridgeCo provides driver support for computers running Mac OS X, Windows XP and Linux operating systems.

The BeBoB 3.1 upgrade now includes full ADAT/SMUX support, GSIF support, 1394a/b capability and a Linux 1394 audio driver (FreeBoB). The addition of Windows 64-bit support also insures that products built on the BeBoB platform will be fully compatible with 64-bit audio tools when they become available.

By eliminating the need for multiple chips and expensive general purpose DSP devices, the DM1100 and DM1500 processors enable OEMs to significantly reduce the retail price of their products. And by integrating powerful DSP capabilities, the BeBoB solution offers low-latency mixing, which allows users to record new tracks while simultaneously playing back previously recorded ones.

IC Availability & Pricing

The DM1100 and DM1500 are available now. BridgeCo BeBoB 3.1 software and DM1100 or DM1500 ICs are priced as bundled platforms that incorporate both the processor IC and BeBoB firmware stack.

The BeBoB/DM1100 combined firmware/processor platform is available for US$15 in 1K unit volumes, to sub-US$10 in high volume, depending on included firmware modules.

The BeBoB/DM1500 combined firmware/processor platform is available for US$29 in 1Kunit volumes, to sub-US$20 in high volume, depending on included firmware modules.

www.bridgeco.net

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