SMSC and Harman/Becker Automotive Systems have committed to open their proprietary Data Link Layer IP for existing and future generations of the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) multimedia network. MOST multimedia technology enables a car's infotainment systems to be networked, transmitting crisp, static-free digital audio signals. Making low-layer technologies of MOST available enables semiconductor companies to make chips that incorporate an interoperable MOST interface. While not part of the MOST standard, the Data Link Layer developed by SMSC and Harman/Becker is a complementary technology that is important in implementing standards-based products. "Given the growth in the market for MOST-based products, both Harman/Becker and SMSC now believe that this is an opportune time to make our proprietary technology available to encourage competition and assist in the growth of the MOST marketplace," Helmut Schinagel, CEO of Harman/Becker Automotive Systems, said in a statement. "As the first generation of MOST is approaching a market size of 50 million nodes sold, SMSC has developed a detailed specification of its Data Link Layer," Christian Thiel, General Manager of SMSC's automotive product line, said in a statement. "We expect this \[new technology\] to accelerate the success of MOST."
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