CIR Receiver/ Controller Expands Media Center Vistas

Emerging as the first consumer infrared (CIR) receiver/controller for Media Center systems running the upcoming release of Windows Vista, the SIO1049 will enable Media Center PCs to act and appear more like consumer electronics than PCs. Users will be able to employ the remote control to wake a system from various sleep modes, versus going into standby mode only. According to the company, the device takes up minimal space and eliminates the dongle on the USB port. It supports remote control input, IR learning, IR emitting, and system-wake functionalities. A 3.3V PC99-, PC2001-, and ACPI 2.0-compliant super I/O controller, the SIO1049 resides on the LPC interface allowing full ACPI power control. Integrated features include a 16C550A-compatible UART, one multi-mode parallel port with ChiProtect circuitry plus EPP and ECP support, 14 GPIO pins, and software configurable logic. Additionally, the device does not require any external filter components. Available in a 7 mm x 7 mm, 64-pin STQFP, price is $3.95 each in OEM quantities.SMSC, Hauppauge, NY. (631) 435-6000.