Au1200 processor reference design offers DVD-quality picture, CD-quality sound and direct DVR-to-PMP content transfers

First International Computer, Inc. (FIC) and Implicit Networks today announced the availability of the Vassili personal media player (PMP), a market-ready PMP reference design that utilizes the multimedia capabilities of the AMD Alchemy Au1200 processor. Available to PMP Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), the FIC Vassili provides a new generation of portable multimedia conveniences and features, including a scalable DVD-quality display, effortless video content transfers directly from digital video recorders, and long-lasting battery life so consumers can stay mobile longer.

As part of the launch of the Au1200 processor, AMD worked closely with FIC and Implicit Networks to develop the FIC Vassili PMP reference design. In addition to the industry-leading, DVD-quality image on a 3.6 inch color display, the Vassili offers 20GB internal storage and is compatible with PC and Macintosh computers. Vissili delivers four hours of video playback or 12 hours of music playback in part because of the Au1200 processor’s extremely low-power consumption (

The FIC Vassili runs the award-winning Implicit Media Player, providing consumers the ability to personalize, manage and browse content on the go. The Implicit Media Player is a complete multimedia solution, including PVR-2-Go, personalized and premium content, photo sharing capabilities and UPnP compatibility. The intuitive user interface offers full metadata based browsing, rich annotation support, trick modes and support for low- and high-resolutions displays.

“The FIC Vassili reference design delivers what our OEM customers have been asking for -- simplified content transfers, clear display and long-playing time,” said K.H. Su, PM Manager, FIC. “Working with AMD to tap the performance of the Au1200 processor helped us create a personal media player that delivers exceptional features, and ensures that when consumers are on the go, they can quickly download and take fresh entertainment with them.”

The Au1200 processor within the Vassili enables it to connect directly to digital video recorders (DVR) and transfer video content without the need to transcode the file through a personal computer, thus greatly reducing the time it takes to download and play fresh video entertainment on a PMP. The Vassili is designed to support industry-standard media formats, including MPEG2, MPEG4, WMV9, H.263 and DivX. Broad platform and USB2.0 support helps ensure that users can quickly download and store hours of fresh multimedia content.

“The combination of the AMD Au1200 processor and Implicit Media Player provides consumers with an intuitive graphical user interface that accesses personalized content on the go,” said Edward Balassanian, president and CEO, Implicit Networks. “Personal media players powered by the Au1200 processor and running the Implicit Media Player can connect directly to DVR set-top boxes quickly and efficiently. In addition, Internet and premium content can be accessed and downloaded to the PMP via Implicit’s Media Server software running on a PC or a Mac.”

“AMD worked closely with FIC and Implicit Networks to help ensure the Au1200 processor-powered Vassili reference design delivers DVD-quality video, CD-quality audio and long battery life to meet the needs of PMP manufacturers and the consumers they serve,” said Iain Morris, senior vice president, AMD Personal Connectivity Solutions Group. “The Au1200 processor enables a compelling user experience and helps simplify the transfer of multimedia content so consumers can enjoy fresh video entertainment while on the go.”

The rechargeable Vassili, with expandable functions including TV-out and a docking station supporting s-video, Ethernet and on-board speakers, is priced at $499 (US) and will be available to PMP original equipment manufacturers. The latest information about FIC products and services can be found at www.fic.com.tw.