Siemens Introduces Activy, a New Multimedia Platform

Strategic Insights -

Siemens Computer Systems has unveiled a new multimedia platform called Activy, aimed at revolutionizing business communication and digital TV within companies. Activy is based on the highly integrated Media.GX processor from Cyrix and integrates all functions to bring together various video or network data streams for video, audio, documents, data, drawings, or TV programs onto a TV screen or video projector. This platform is designed for deployment in areas with limited processing needs, such as tele-learning terminals, data and software distribution, marketing, or business TV.

Key Takeaways:

  • Activy is a multimedia platform developed by Siemens Computer Systems, based on the Cyrix MediaGX processor, which integrates all functions to display, store, process, and forward various types of multimedia content.
  • The platform is designed for deployment in areas with limited processing needs, such as meeting rooms, team rooms, customer reception areas, or home offices as an intelligent data source for TV or video projector.
  • Activy boasts connections for 10/100-MBit Ethernet, USB, audio, and all customary PC interfaces, offering flexibility and simple maintenance, which reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) relative to mixed structures.
  • The platform uses a highly-integrated Cyrix MediaGX processor running at 233 or 266 MHZ and an integrated DVB card for transmitting internal corporate TV programs, training sessions, speeches, or marketing presentations to all connected Activy systems.
  • Activy supports system access control, system authentication, and other security functions through the integrated chipcard reader.
  • The platform supports Windows 98 and has an integrated hard disk or the option for future models to use Windows CE in the flash ROM.
  • Activy's video/HTML, inlay technology opens up new possibilities for multimedia presentation or intelligent control functions, with up to 128 MB of SDRAM and optional hard disks of 3.2 or 6.4 GB capacity.
  • The platform is environmentally compact, measuring 10x30x34cm, with a CD-ROM option and future availability of DVD and DVD-RAM drives as removable media.

Statistics:

  • Activy is an "outstanding example" of modem information devices, now penetrating the corporate sector, as stated by Roland Andersson, Vice President and General Manager Europe of National Semiconductor.
  • National Semiconductor has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and 11,500 employees worldwide.
  • The Cyrix MediaGX processor pioneered the sub-$1,000 PC market in 1997 and continues to lead the market to higher performance at lower prices.
  • The Activy platform combines Cyrix MediaGX processor and other components to offer flexibility, high processing power, and a wide range of multimedia functions.
  • The platform is designed to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) relative to mixed structures with comparable functions.

Sources:

  • M2 Presswire, "CYRIX: Siemens chooses Cyrix MediaGX processor for new multimedia platform "Activy" (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD RDATE:180399
  • Siemens' Information and Communication Products Group, rolled out its business on October 1, 1998
  • Cyrix Web site, www.cyrix.com
  • National Semiconductor's Web site, www.national.com
  • Siemens Computer Systems Division, responsible for the computer business of Siemens AG.