Z-Wave Expands Its Reach as the Standard for Home Automation and Control Applications
MILPITAS, CA--(Marketwire - August 8, 2012) - Sigma Designs (NASDAQ: SIGM), a leading provider of System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for home entertainment connectivity and control, has announced that Japan's Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, and Telecommunications, has approved a radio frequency range for low-power RF device usage in Japan. As a direct result, Sigma Z-Wave-based control and automation devices for smart homes and small business can be used in the region without the need for radio station licensing. Z-Wave is one of Sigma Designs' fastest-growing technologies, and the company has seen significant worldwide adoption over the past few years, particularly in the smart home automation and control, security, telecommunications and energy markets.
Historically, the Japanese market has led the technology arena in terms of both innovation and adoption of new devices and applications, running the gamut from gaming and entertainment to productivity. The recent ruling by the Japanese Government enables companies to begin creating devices and applications for the Japanese market that are specifically designed for smart home, office and light commercial automation and control purposes. This gives consumers and business owners the ability to control every system and appliance in their homes and offices locally or remotely, ultimately resulting in greater convenience and comfort, better energy efficiency and improved levels of security.
"With the Japan market now open for RF-based home control, there will be a very significant market opportunity opening up for Sigma Designs," said Gabi Hilevitz, vice-president and general manager Connectivity Group at Sigma Designs. "Sigma is already an established leader in home control and automation applications in dozens of countries and we are already in discussions with major device manufacturers in Japan who share Sigma's excitement about the home control market opportunity."
"We are extremely pleased that our new Z-Wave-based controller is among the first to be certified with the new frequency for Japan," said Yasushi Shimazu, Executive Officer, General Manager, Environment Technology Dept. ICT Division, IWATSU ELECTRIC CO., LTD. "We are proud of our company's rich heritage as a leader in the market, and believe that the frequency certification for home and office control and energy management devices will open up many new opportunities for us."
About Z-Wave
Z-Wave technology was recently approved by the ITU (G.9959), and is now an open internationally recognized standard. It is the leading wireless home control technology in the market today in, with over 650 certified interoperable products worldwide. Represented by the Z-Wave Alliance, and supported by more than 160 companies around the world, the standard is a key enabler of home safety and security, smart energy, hospitality, office and light commercial and smart living solutions.
About Sigma Designs, Inc.
Sigma Designs, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIGM) is a world leader in connected media platforms. The company designs and builds the essential semiconductor technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's leading IPTV set-top boxes, DTV, connected media players, residential gateways, home control systems and more. For more information about Sigma Designs, please visit www.sigmadesigns.com.
Sigma Designs, Secure Media Processor, and the Sigma Designs logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sigma Designs, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are believed to be trademarks of their respective owners.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about the anticipated features and benefits of Sigma's products and solutions. Actual results may vary materially due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, Sigma's ability to deploy and achieve market acceptance for Sigma's products in its target markets, including the digital TV market, the ability of its SoCs to compete with other technologies or products in these markets as well as other risks that are detailed from time to time in Sigma's SEC reports, including its report on Form 10-Q as filed June 7, 2012. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Sigma undertakes no obligation to publically release or otherwise disclose the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made as a result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Press Contacts:
Mary Miller
Sigma Designs
+1-408-957-9885
Mary_Miller@sigmadesigns.com
Edward McGregor
Investor Relations
Sigma Designs
+1 (646) 259-2999
IR@sigmadesigns.com
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