Trident Unveils the First Digital-TV SoC to Combine Technologies Developed and Acquired By the New and Stronger Trident

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Trident Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRID), a leading provider of set-top box and TV semiconductor solutions, today introduced a new system-on-chip (SoC) family designed for the next generation of Web-enabled TVs.  The first family member, the HiDTV Pro-SX5, delivers an unparalleled user experience while watching movies, accessing content in the cloud or connecting to social networks.  Trident will be demonstrating the HiDTV Pro-SX5 during the CES show this week and highlighting its powerful CPU, OpenGL 2.0 capable 3D Gfx core and exceptional picture quality engine that has become a trademark of Trident.

This new 120Hz SoC is the first Trident product offering to combine the core DTV and audio technologies that Trident has pursued relentlessly through its own internal development and its strategic company and product acquisitions.

"The new and stronger Trident has invested significantly in new technologies and IP, and this new product culminates those efforts and demonstrates our success in integrating the best of the best onto a single and powerful TV platform," said Sylvia Summers, CEO of Trident Microsystems, Inc.  "Our goal is to drive the evolution of the extended connected home and we are uniquely positioned with the underlying technologies that can bring the most exciting consumer experiences and connectivity into the home."

About the HiDTV Pro-SX5

The HiDTV Pro-SX5 delivers the next level of Internet connectivity by merging broadcast and internet on the same platform and enabling consumers to access content no matter where it is located (broadcast, cloud, home server, hard drive, etc.).The chip also features a powerful graphics engine that will enable multimedia-rich user interfaces and can transform the TV into a powerful gaming platform.

The HiDTV Pro-SX5 includes all the key functions needed for both high-quality digital and analog TV broadcasting with minimum external components delivering an optimal cost-performance bill of materials.  The HiDTV Pro-SX5 family includes powerful MIPS® microprocessors, ATSC/DVB-T/DVB-C channel decoders, a programmable transport stream de-multiplexer, a high-performance 3D graphics engine, and Trident's industry-leading ESR II video processor technology to enhance all essential video signals. A unified external DDR3 DRAM is used for both the system and application software.

Availability

The HiDTV Pro-SX5 is scheduled for production in the fourth quarter of 2011.

About Trident Microsystems, Inc.

Trident Microsystems, Inc., with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, is a leading force in the digital home entertainment market, delivering an extensive range of platform solutions that enhance the consumer experience in the Connected Home.  As one of the top three semiconductor providers to both the TV and set-top box markets, Trident's solutions can be found in the products of leading OEMs and channel partners worldwide.  The company's extensive IP portfolio of more than 2,000 patents has been driving key innovations in image quality, 3D TV, low power consumption, and 45nm designs. For further information about Trident and its products, please consult the Company's web site: www.tridentmicro.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about Trident's HiDTV Pro-SX5 integrated digital TV SOC. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause Trident's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. These risks include, without limitation, that some consumers may prefer other solutions; that not all consumers will realize unparalleled user experiences; and that other manufactures may release similar products that may offer similar or superior attributes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release; Trident does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the statement was made. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recently filed Reports on Form 8-K, Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which are available at http://www.sec.gov.

NOTE: Trident, the Trident logo and HiDTV Pro-SX5 are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Trident Microsystems in the United States and /or other countries.  All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Trident Microsystems, Inc.