Texas Instruments DSP-Based Upgradeable Modem Technology Changing the Landscape of Internet Access

Packard Bell Platinum PCs now shipping with high-speed x2 modem technology based on Texas Instruments (TI) DSP-based chipset. (DSP chips are used in all kinds of digital products like cellular phones and video conferencing machines. Other kinds of circuits actually convert the signal into the digital format. But once the signal is there, the DSP chips squash it down to size.)

U.S. Robotics x2 modems based on TI DSP technology are now guaranteed free upgrades to ITU-T 56K standard with the "x2 Delivers" program announced May 28. This program consists of a three-point buyer protection plan that offers purchasers of new x2 modems one month free Internet service, free upgrade to standard and a 30-day return policy.

Recent tests show x2 connecting at speeds nearly twice as fast as V.34.

Over 850 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) Committed to x2 Technology With Over 350 On-Line and Live Today

x2 has a huge lead in ISP deployment as 1.7 million software upgradeable ports have been shipped. Shipment of x2 upgradeable equipment began in 1993.

Eighty percent of 650 ISPs surveyed by Boardwatch Magazine have stated plans to support x2. This is three times the number of ISPs supporting any other 56K technology. ISPs planning to support x2 represent seventy percent of the 25 million Internet subscribers.

AOL, Compuserve, IBM, Prodigy, NetCom and many others have deployed x2.

Setting the Standard

x2 is now the retail defacto standard.

x2 now connects to ISPs in more than 850 cities.

x2's software-based architecture means compliance to standards and allows U.S. Robotics to offer easy upgrades to x2 purchasers.

x2 is the only solution that supports international markets and technologies.

TI is the #1 Supplier of Software Upgradable Digital Signal Processors for Modems

TI is the world leader in DSP Solutions and is this year celebrating 15 years of innovation.

TI was first to market with 33.6 Kbps technology, and has had x2 native chipsets in production since February.

TI offers worldwide manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for DSP-based modem chipsets.

TI DSP-based x2 products are available from: U.S. Robotics, Packard Bell, IBM (Thinkpad systems), Gateway 2000, Dell, Cardinal, Global Village, Practical Peripherals, Logicode and Best Data.

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