MediaTek recently began sampling an updated version of its LCD TV-use chip solution, according to a report in today?s Chinese-language Commercial Times. The report also stated that the company will be ready to sample its new handset-use power management (PWM) solution in the second quarter.

MediaTek delivered its original LCD TV-use chip solution for design-in at own-brand LCD TV companies in China and Taiwan last October, but was asked to update the product, as there was a conflict between standards and various market demands, sources from the customer side stated. The updated version is being sampled with customers at present and slated to enter volume shipments in the third quarter, the paper anticipates.

The MediaTek media contact was out of the office and unavailable for comment.

MediaTek is also readying samples of its new handset-use PWN solution, which use ICs from Global Media Technology, in the second quarter, according to the paper.

The company currently does not offer any handset-use PWN solutions.

Merrill Lynch on February 22 upgraded its rating of MediaTek from sell to buy, thanks to anticipated revenues from the company?s new products. The US investment bank anticipates MediaTek?s handset ICs and new LCD-TV solution will offset its weak ODD (optical disc drives) IC sales by the end of this year. The handset-IC segment will account for 18% of MediaTek?s revenues in 2006, up from 3% last year, according to Merrill Lynch. The investment bank also projects that revenues from the LCD-TV controller segment will contribute 2% to revenues in the second half of this year and climb to 7% in 2006.

More than 50% of China?s own-brand MP3 handsets currently use MediaTek solutions, JP Morgan said, adding that the IC design firm also secured a number of handset customers from Taiwan and South Korea. Most of the handset models using MediaTek chips are sold in China, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe at present, the investment bank said.

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