C.A.C. Media Adds USB Peripheral Support to MediaREADY software
Reprinted from a C.A.C. Media press release:
C.A.C. Media, Inc., a leading provider of embedded middleware and applications for the next generation of broadband-connected devices, today announced USB (Universal Serial Bus) 1.0 and 2.0 support for its MediaREADY Convergence Software Suite (MCSS), a key software application for convergent home entertainment devices. With USB device interoperability, consumers will now be able to direct-connect their USB peripherals-from keyboards and mice to digital cameras and PVRs-to their MCSS-based device, allowing them to both control those devices by way of their television, as well as to access a wide range of other digital products around the home.
C.A.C. Media’s new MCSS with USB peripheral support is debuting in the MediaREADYT 4000, a convergent Internet DVD/CD player for home use. The MediaREADY 4000, developed by business partner Video Without Boundaries (OTCBB: VDWB) and marketed by Lafayette Electronics, is a powerful set-top unit that combines a DVD/CD player with a media jukebox, email, Internet surfing, karaoke, gaming, and much more. The versatile product also integrates streaming playback of audio/video media from both Internet-based and home network sources.
MCSS-enabled devices will be able to seamlessly connect to a broad variety of products already found around the home without additional hardware changes or complicated connectors. A partial list of such products includes:
The MCSS will enable easy connection as well as “hot swapping”, the ability to plug-and-play peripherals without rebooting the host device. Other benefits of the new USB support include supply of electrical power to the connected USB peripheral and bi-directional data transfer, enabling users to remotely control peripherals and access their stored content.
“C.A.C. Media recognizes that homes and home electronic devices are increasingly broadband-connected. Our goal is to give consumer electronics, PC, and PC peripheral device manufacturers a set of hardware, software, and network infrastructure tools that break new ground in broadband connectivity,” said Ken Nelson, president of C.A.C. Media. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that access to digital content from multiple devices in the home can be made simple and cost effective for the homeowner.”
“By adding USB peripheral control and access to the MediaREADY 4000, a host of new applications and services can be created,” noted Jeffrey Harrell, president of Video Without Boundaries, Inc. “This advanced functionality will give end-users exciting new ‘lean-back’ access to stored media through their televisions. Consumers no longer have to do everything through their personal computer. Instead, they can manage all their digital media, regardless of where it is stored, through a single connected device.”
OEM Certification
C.A.C. is offering consumer electronics OEMs the opportunity to have their USB peripherals certified for the MediaREADY platform. For details about the certification process, or for MCSS licensing information, interested parties should send an email to Bizdev@cacmedia.tv.