Seoul, April 14, 2015 – Microchip Technology (Korea Representative: Byung-Don Han), a global leader in microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, unveiled second-generation Multizone audio technology and a mobile app based on the JukeBlox® 4 platform for whole-home audio and multi-room applications at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. The capabilities of JB Multizone 2.0 enable tight synchronization and powerful audio streaming across multiple speakers via the JB App. The JB App is a turnkey mobile app that allows for easy setup and operation of wireless speakers.

Hall-to-home/multi-room audio systems allow consumers to group multiple speakers into a single zone for the playback of a common audio stream. Consumers can create multiple zones, each with its own independent audio stream. For example, pop music can be streamed to a pair of outdoor speakers while children are playing outside, and relaxing classical music can be streamed to four speakers downstairs while dinner is being prepared.

JB Multizone 2.0 utilizes advanced technology to reduce audio loss that occurred in existing Wi-Fi streaming applications. By using Wi-Fi Direct technology, there is no need to connect each speaker within the zone to an access point (AP), thus eliminating problems related to AP overload. Additionally, by bypassing the AP, RF band usage is halved, improving streaming quality and allowing more speakers to be added within the zone. Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM), added to Wi-Fi Direct, reduces latency and packet loss between audio sources and zone speakers, tightly synchronizes audio playback, and minimizes audio loss.

The JB App enables OEMs to rapidly deploy whole-home audio solutions without the need to manage separate app development projects. OEMs can select source code to develop custom apps or simply rebrand apps for release to consumers. Consumers can use the JB App to create and modify zones, select audio sources, and easily connect speakers to local Wi-Fi networks. The source code for the JB App is provided free of charge and supports both iOS and Android platforms.

“JB Multizone 2.0 is the perfect platform for rapidly launching powerful whole-home audio solutions,” said Sumit Mitra, Vice President of Microchip’s Wireless Products Group. “We are striving to provide the best music services through advanced wireless networking technology integrated into the JukeBlox platform.”

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JB Multizone 2.0 is currently available for evaluation and mass production. For more information, please contact a Microchip distributor or visit the Microchip website (http://www.microchip.com/JukeBlox-041315a).