Zoran Announces HDXtreme Processor, Delivering High Definition Video on DVD Players

New HDMI Chip Enables High Definition Display of  Standard Definition Video Content and Digital Photos on HDTV

SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 21 - Zoran Corporation (Nasdaq: ZRAN) announced its HDXtreme DVD upscaler, with High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), enables the new generation of DVD players to digitally transfer the highest quality video, audio and digital photos to HDMI-equipped high definition televisions. A reference design based on the new innovative upscaler and the Vaddis® IC is complete and mass production quantities are shipping to major DVD player manufacturers."

As a companion to Zoran's high-performance seventh generation Vaddis DVD solution, the HDXtreme processor enables consumers to view their existing  standard definition DVDs available anywhere in the world today to be displayed in high definition on HDTVs and other high resolution monitors that have a  built-in HDMI/DVI interface or analog video input.

"Zoran has pioneered another first for the DVD market with HDXtreme. This solution enables HDMI to become a standard feature on DVD systems. This  technology should accelerate the adoption of high definition televisions since it allows consumers to view high-definition quality video from standard-definition DVD players, and to enjoy all their digital photos at HD resolution in their family room. Basically the local video store is now available in high definition," said Dr. Jinxiang (Gene) Liu, vice president and general manager of Zoran's DVD division. "Zoran's HDXtreme solution offers the OEM an optimized system design, enhanced performance, and quick solution for upscaling DVD video to high definition resolutions."

With the growing popularity of higher resolution digital cameras and HDTVs, consumers want more options to enjoy viewing their digital images. Zoran's HDXtreme and Vaddis 7 enable consumers to enjoy DVD video and digital photos at high definition resolutions. The output can be digital via HDMI or  analog via the 160 MHz digital to analog converters. HDXtreme is offered in an  80-pin quad flat pack. HDXtreme (ZR36721) and Vaddis 7 samples and a complete reference design kit are available to qualified manufacturers.

About Vaddis 7
Vaddis 7 is DivX® certified and supports all versions of DivX video, MPEG-4 advanced simple profile (ASP), and DVD-Audio decoding, broadening the range of content supported. Additional advanced features are enabled, including a direct interface to popular Flash Memory Cards such as Memory Stick, Secure Digital (SD), Compact Flash, Smart Media and others. The flexibility of the Vaddis 7 makes it an ideal solution for standalone DVD-Players, Combos (DVD+VCR, DVD+TV, DVD-Receivers) and Portable DVD players.

About Zoran Corporation
Zoran Corporation, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a leading provider of digital solutions-on-a-chip for the growing digital entertainment and digital imaging markets. With two decades of expertise developing and delivering digital signal processing technologies, Zoran has pioneered high-performance digital audio and video, imaging applications, and Connect and Share technologies for the digital home. Zoran's proficiency in integration delivers major benefits for OEM customers, including greater capabilities within each product generation, reduced system costs, and shorter time to market. Zoran-based DVD, digital camera, DTV, multimedia mobile phone, and multifunction peripheral printer products have received recognition for excellence and are now in millions of homes and offices worldwide. With headquarters in the U.S. and operations in Canada, China, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, Zoran may be contacted on the World Wide Web at www.zoran.com or at 408-523-6500.

NOTE: Zoran, Vaddis and HDXtreme are trademarks of Zoran Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.