Microchip announces new generation Multizone technology

     Microchip Technology, a leading global provider of integrated microcontroller, mixed-signal, emulator and flash memory proprietary solutions, introduced the second generation Multizone audio technology and related mobile applications designed for total home audio and multi-room applications based on the JukeBlox 4 platform. The next-generation JB Multizone 2.0 technology, combined with the JB App, enables tightly synchronized and highly stable audio streaming across multiple speakers. JB App is a turnkey mobile app that makes it easy to set up and operate a wireless speaker.

     Holistic home audio and multi-room audio systems allow users to set up multiple speakers as a zone, allowing the same audio stream to be played simultaneously. In this way, users can create multiple zones and play a different audio stream in each zone. For example, let a pair of speakers in the yard play pop music while the kids are playing outside, and let four speakers downstairs play soothing classical music while dinner is being prepared.

     JB Multizone 2.0 uses advanced technology to reduce the degradation of sound quality that is common in traditional Wi-Fi streaming applications. With Wi-Fi Direct, there is no need to connect every speaker in the same area to an access point, thus eliminating common problems associated with access point overload. Bypassing access points can also cut RF bandwidth consumption in half, improving streaming quality and/or adding more speakers to the same area. In addition, Wi-Fi Direct adds Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) to reduce latency and packet loss from regional speakers, enabling tight audio synchronization with minimal loss of sound quality.

     JB App is a complete mobile application that enables Oems to quickly deploy complete, total home audio solutions without having to manage an application development project. Oems can choose the appropriate source code to develop custom applications, or simply rename the application and release it to users. Users can use the JB App to create and modify zones, select audio sources and easily connect the speaker to a local Wi-Fi network. The JB App source code is freely available for iOS and Android platforms.

     Sumit Mitra, Microchip's vice president of Wireless Products, said: "As a technologically sound platform, JB Multizone 2.0 helps designers quickly develop and bring to market powerful total home audio solutions. The JukeBlox platform uses advanced wireless networking technology to create the ultimate listening experience for users."