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A new implementation of the Silicon Audio player is presented. It decodes data which has been encoded by the MPEG/Audio Layer II algorithm standardized by the ISO (International Standardization Organization). The encoded data is stored in a semiconductor memory card. Decoding is carried out by an MPEG/audio decoder chip. Thanks to this dedicated LSI chip, the power consumption of the player is reduced so that the player could be driven by four nickel-metal hydride batteries for four and a half hours. Since the Silicon Audio player has no mechanical movement, it is robust against vibration that has been a serious problem for portable audio players. The recording time is defined as a function of the memory-card capacity and the compression ratio. Assuming one eighth compression with a sampling rate of 48 kHz, a 24-minute recording is possible with a 32-Mbyte memory card.

A new audio-data compression and storage system, the Silicon Audio, is presented. It employs the MPEG/Audio Layer II algorithm for data compression, which has been standardized by ISO (International Standardization Organization). A semiconductor memory card is equipped with to store the compressed signal. Decoding is carried out by a general purpose digital signal processor and a specially designed gate array chip. The package includes some special designs with vivid colors for the outdoor and sporting use. Since it has no mechanical movement, it is robust against vibration that has been a serious problem for portable audio players. The recording time is defined as a function of the memory-card capacity and the compression ratio. >

Two kinds of compact and motor-less multimedia players are developed employing PC memory cards as the storage device. The VHS-quality video and the compact-disc quality sound play is supported. The MPEG-1 coding is incorporated for video and audio compression. Since the compressed information is stored in memory LSIs and moving mechanical components are not required, lightweight, shock proof and high-reliability are achieved. Instantaneous random program access is also available. A portable model, "Silicon View Player" equips with a 2.5-inch liquid crystal display panel and weights 295 g with a rechargeable battery. "Shopping Navigation" with a larger Pinch panel is a shopping guide terminal with an additional user-interactive function for sales promotion at retail stores. These models will pave the way for portable and business-use multimedia applications which do not use electro-magnetic storage devices.