BridgeCo and Designer Rolf Spuler Exhibit World's First FireWire Guitar; Direct FireWire Link Between Instrument and Computer Inspires Next Generation of Music Recording, Mixing and Artistry

Press release
Source: BridgeCo

In one of the most creative combinations of technology and six strings since Les Paul plugged-in the first electric guitar, BridgeCo (www.bridgeco.net) and Swiss-based guitar designer Rolf Spuler have revealed the world's first FireWire(TM) Guitar (http://www.rolfspuler.com/). BridgeCo, a leading provider of digital entertainment networking solutions, is demonstrating the FireWire Guitar at the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Conference in New York this week. The guitar uses the popular IEEE1394 interface standard to directly connect to Mac or Windows-based computers, offering musicians an unparalleled new level of audio recording, editing and mixing creativity.

"The computer and popular software programs like GarageBand have revolutionized music-making and recording," according to guitar designer Rolf Spuler. "Adding FireWire capability to the guitar was a natural next step -- our customers are eager for any advancement that opens new creative horizons and enhances their flexibility when expressing their artistic vision."

The FireWire Guitar incorporates BridgeCo's ARM-based, DSP-enhanced audio processor IC and bundled BeBoB firmware, adding FireWire plug-and-play capability to the guitar. Musicians can connect directly to their PC or Mac using BridgeCo-supplied drivers. With the FireWire Guitar, each string can be recording as a separate track, allowing the artist to isolate, modify, modulate and correct their musical creations with digital precision.

BridgeCo's processor and software platforms are used by more than 85% of all FireWire audio interface systems today. The company's platform can be found in products targeted at professional musicians, as well as systems for the consumer audio market. Products built on BridgeCo's FireWire platform have won numerous awards from leading audio magazines worldwide.

Designer Rolf Spuler is a renowned instrument developer credited with several guitar innovations. Continuing a musical tradition that began with his grandparent's musical trio, Rolf Spuler is a master craftsman whose instruments are played by some of the world's most respected artists, including Al DiMeola and Bela Fleck.

"BridgeCo has been deeply committed to the FireWire audio market for many years. Almost all IEEE1394 breakout boxes and audio interface systems use our processor IC and firmware bundle," explained BridgeCo CEO Mark McEachen. "It is exiting to see a highly regarded master craftsman, like Rolf Spuler, use our cost-effective and proven FireWire platform to enhance the power of the electric guitar. We believe our solution enables any musical instrument to integrate FireWire capability with minimal design effort."

Please visit www.bridgeco.net for additional product information.

About BridgeCo

BridgeCo, a digital entertainment networking pioneer, offers the world's most comprehensive, cost-effective and highly integrated processor and software platforms for connecting Internet media sources, computers and consumer electronics throughout the home. BridgeCo platforms are used in a wide range of innovative and legacy products produced by the multi-billion dollar global consumer electronics industry, including digital media players, audio/video receivers, DVD players, musical instruments and breakout boxes.

Underlying all BridgeCo solutions are proprietary, integrated semiconductor and software technologies that network computers and consumer devices via widely-used networking and signal processing standards and protocols, including IEEE 802.11/WiFi, IEEE 1394 and UPnP. BridgeCo products are designed to be interoperable with a wide variety of consumer devices: they are expected to be based on Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) Guidelines in the future, and are compliant with Intel(R) Networked Media Product Requirements (NMPR).

BridgeCo is an ISO 9001-certified company with Headquarters in California, USA, and with Operations in Zurich, Switzerland. Its key investors include Fidelity Ventures, Benchmark Capital, Earlybird, Cipio Partners (formerly Infineon Ventures), and Intel Capital. For more information, please visit www.bridgeco.net.

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