Texas Instruments announced that it offers a versatile solution for streaming audio. The company's integrated, optimized and tested solution helps customers accelerate time to market when building streaming audio applications including portable speakers, sound bars, audio video receivers (AVRs) and connectivity modules that enable OEMs to add connectivity to any set of speakers. TI's system solution provides a one-stop shop for streaming audio applications, helping customers reduce time to market and reduce production costs and risk: The system is based on the Sitara(TM) AM335x processor, a scalable ARM(R) Cortex(R)-A8-based solution that offers broad market support.

With 300 MHz to 1 GHz performance, TI's AM335x processor enables implementation of multiple streaming protocols like AirPlay and DLNA as well as proprietary audio post-processing protocols on a single chip. It can also be used as the applications host processor. This enables OEMs to use fewer chips and lower costs while getting increased functionality.

The company's WiLink(TM) 8 combo connectivity solution is integrated into the streaming audio solution to provide high-performance Wi-Fi(R) and Bluetooth(R) /Bluetooth low energy (BLE) connectivity with coexistence. Superior Wi-Fi performance and extended range are enabled by 2x2 MIMO and maximum ratio combining (MRC) receiver. Wi-Fi Direct and multi-role capabilities enable simultaneous connectivity to the network and peer-to-peer streaming on different channels.

Bluetooth SIG-qualified dual-mode Bluetooth and BLE stack supports an extensive list of profiles. Aureus(TM) high-performance audio DSPs can be integrated into high-end streaming devices that require support for Dolby Digital and DTS decode algorithms and enable the addition of custom audio post-processing. Customers can integrate TI's AIC3206 audio codec for audio out and TPS650250 power management integrated circuit to minimize overall system power consumption.

This solution is compatible with TI's Sitara Linux software development kit (SDK) for easy programming, which will include an add-on for AirPlay later in first half of 2014. TI's solution enables broad number of streaming services: TI's full audio streaming solution enables consumers to connect all their portable or home connected audio devices that support AirPlay and DLNA. TI's offering is the first versatile system solution to support AirPlay, enabling streaming audio content from an iOS device to remote speakers or a TV.

In addition, DLNA support enables streaming between devices supporting Android, Windows and OS X operating systems. Popular Internet radio services are also supported.