Marvell and AU Optronics Introduce New eReader Reference Platform

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CES -- Marvell (Nasdaq: MRVL), a worldwide leader in integrated silicon solutions, and AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), a global leading manufacturer of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels, today announced that the two companies have collaborated on a joint reference design platform to support AUO's Electronic Paper Display (EPD) panels. The two companies have worked closely together to deliver a turn-key solution to eReader manufacturers for quick development time to market. This reference design, featuring the Marvell® ARMADA(TM) 166 processor and AUO EPD controller technology, is targeted at delivering the next-generation of ultra-thin, ultra-light eReaders that offer the most varied and immersive content experiences.

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"By working closely with Marvell we are able to deliver a robust platform that is essentially ready to go to market," said Dr. CT Liu, AUO's Senior Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Product Display Business Group, who is also the Chairman of SiPix Imaging Inc. "This eReader reference design enables our customers to deliver next-generation feature set at extremely competitive price points - creating a win-win situation for Marvell and AUO, our customers and the end user."

"We are at a critical stage in the growth of the global market for eReaders. The key continues to be raising performance while lowering price. By partnering with major display manufacturers like AUO, Marvell continues its leadership and momentum in both areas in order to drive mass consumer adoption," said Weili Dai, Marvell's Co-founder and Vice President and General Manager of Marvell Semiconductor's Consumer and Computing Business Unit. "We are entering a new consumer era - where consumers demand always-on, instant access to high quality live video and digital content and information. Devices featuring Marvell and AUO technology are designed to shape the always-on lifestyle."

One of the fastest growing consumer markets, eReaders are continuing to grow in popularity as features and performance increase and libraries of digital content continue to grow. According to a recent iSuppli Research report, eReaders are projected to top 18 million units shipped in 2012, from 1.1 million units last year.

Marvell and AUO will be displaying this joint reference design platform at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas at the Marvell booths (South Hall 30642) and Marvell eBook TechZone (Central Hall 12045).

About AU Optronics Corp.

AU Optronics Corp. is a worldwide top three manufacturer of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD). AUO is able to provide customers with a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications, offering TFT-LCD panels in sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to 65 inches. AUO generated NT$423.9 billion (US$12.9 billion) in sales revenue in 2008 and now houses a staff of more than 42,000 employees throughout its global operations in Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to successfully list at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AUO extended its market to green energy industry in the end of 2008, and formally founded The Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit in October, 2009. For more information, please visit AUO.com.

About Marvell

Marvell (NASDAQ: MRVL) is a world leader in the development of storage, communications, and consumer silicon solutions. The company's diverse product portfolio includes switching, transceiver, communications controller, wireless, and storage solutions that power the entire communications infrastructure including enterprise, metro, home, and storage networking. As used in this release, the terms "company" and "Marvell" refer to Marvell Technology Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries. For more information, visit http://www.marvell.com.

Marvell® and the Marvell logo are registered trademarks of Marvell or its affiliates. ARMADA is a trademark of Marvell or its affiliates. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

    For Further Information Contact:
    Marvell Media Relations                   Marvell Media Relations
    Gina DeBoutez                             Tate Tran
    Tel: 408-222-7424                         Tel: (408) 222-7522
    [email protected]                      [email protected]

SOURCE Marvell Semiconductor, Inc.