The technology license granted to Sunext is exclusive in the area of the design, implementation, manufacture and sale of IC's and solutions for PC ODD and Home Entertainment DVD Recorders. Related Philips' patents are licensed on a non-exclusive basis.
Sunext will sell and support products produced with the Philips ODD technology transferred by this agreement under the Sunext brand name. DVD recordable semiconductor products are available immediately, are currently in high volume production with leading ODD suppliers and are in use by major PC OEMs. Blue laser recordable products are sampling today and are expected to be in volume production by mid-2006. As part of the agreement, Philips shall also receive a minority share in Sunext.
"We are excited by the opportunities created by this partnership between Philips and Sunext. We are confident that joining of both companies' technical and market strengths will significantly improve the innovation speed and product portfolio to enhance the success in the IT and Consumers markets and further improve the support to key customers." said Giel Rutten, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Philips Semiconductor, Home Business Unit.
"By leveraging Philips leading ODD technology and Sunext time-to-market and efficiency, there is a promising future for Sunext to expand its market," said Chou-Chye Huang, Chairman of Sunext and Sunplus. "In addition, we expect significant long term derivative benefits to Sunplus in the Home Entertainment market."
Dr. Phil Mak, President of Sunext added: "Philips technology is renowned worldwide for its performance and quality. We look forward to using our combined strength to increase volume and profit in today's DVD markets, and to give us an early lead in tomorrow's Blue-laser products."
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of EUR 30.4 billion in 2005. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 159,200 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.semiconductors.philips.com
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About Sunext
Sunext Technology Company Limited, with headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is privately held and a leading supplier of semiconductor products for Optical Disc Drive (ODD) applications. Sunext was formed in 2003 to capitalize on global demand for ODD silicon and operates design centers in Hsinchu, Taiwan; Taipei, Taiwan; Sunnyvale, USA; and Shanghai, PRC. For further information visit the Sunext website at: www.sunext.com
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