Nubert Lautsprecher, HiFi- und Surround-Elektronik

Code: Alles auswählen

The forthcoming Cambridge Audio 650BD is based on the Mediatek MTK8520/MTK8575 chipset. Cambridge Audio of course have a long relationship with Mediatek having based our DVD89/99, DV30 and 540D V1 and V2 DVD players on various Mediatek platforms.

When we decided to enter the Blu-ray market we did in fact investigate several alternatives but the sophistication and performance of the Mediatek platform made it a natural choice. As you would expect we are not the only brand to be using Mediatek development kits and application software, Oppo being the most well known other brand. Actually generally brands like us prefer to use platforms that are also used by other customers as it means that when/if issues with discs and playback formats are found everyone is feeding back into a common knowledge pool (Mediatek in this case) and all brands benefit in terms of the reliability and robustness of the chipset.

In terms of what Mediatek offer each customer the processor includes an OSD generator and tools for defining setup menus and the like. In fact Mediatek supply application code that gives an excellent framework for this. This does of course mean that any machine based on the chipset is very likely to have a similar look and feel to the On-Screen Display.

Ditto the connectors can be similar as there are various guidelines and designs included for PCB layout. Each manufacturer then edits these to greater or lesser extent to add their own flavour of sockets, DACs, power supplies etc. as they see fit.

So, in short, CA and Oppo or others actually have no relation. We are merely connected by our relationship with the actual chipset supplier, Mediatek.

James Johnson-Flint
CEO, Cambridge Audio Ltd / Audio Partnership Plc