Siano Mobile Silicon Inc., which develops silicon receivers for the mobile TV industry, will collaborate with CMB Satellite, the Hong Kong based affiliate of satellite television provider EchoStar Communications Corp. (Nasdaq: DISH), and Chinese consumer product company Huaqi to provide solutions for China's fledgling mobile TV service known as CMMB, or S-TIMI. The new service is due to go on air during the 2008 Olympics.
CMMB (or S-TIMI) is a technology developed in China and selected by the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) as the main platform for delivering TV services to mobile devices. The CMMB network will use both satellite and terrestrial signals to obtain effective coverage both in densely populated cities, including indoor reception, as well as in sparsely populated rural areas.
Ironi said, "As the global mobile TV market ramps up, all eyes are set on China as the economic powerhouse of tomorrow. The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing represent a major catalyst in terms of consumer adoption of MDTV in China. Through our collaboration with CMB Satellite and Huaqi, Siano is firmly committed to expanding its technology leadership into China and becoming the leading supplier of CMMB silicon."
Netanya-based Siano Mobile was founded in 2004 by CEO Alon Ironi and COO Hamutal Raab. The company has raised a total of $34.5 million to date from Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP), Walden Israel, Star Ventures, and Bessemer Venture Partners. The company has 75 employees and is headquartered in Israel, with business development offices in Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, and Silicon Valley.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on December 12, 2007
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