RedMere in ‘Monster’ deal to create world’s thinnest HDMI cables


20 Mar 2009

Silicon chip developer RedMere has struck a deal with one of the world’s biggest audio-video cable makers Monster to introduce the world’s thinnest ‘smart’ active HDMI cables.

Featuring Dublin firm RedMere’s MagnifEye Active chip technology, the new ultra-thin Monster cables will provide optimum performance when used with a wide range of products, including portable video and audio devices, home theatre components and on-the-go computer storage applications.

The innovative RedMere technology will enable Monster cables to deliver a new industry-leading data rate, and the implementation of the new ultra-thin cable will result in easier cable management and portability.

“Monster has always delivered cables which match the performance and style of the products they connect, whether it’s a DV camera, a games console or a home theatre system,” said Peter Smyth, CEO of RedMere.

“Using RedMere’s MagnifEye Active chip technology, Monster is adding intelligence directly into the cable, creating a range of smart cables that use the chip to adapt to the changing conditions in the application. These cables are smaller and lighter, matching the sleek appearance of the CE products they connect.”

RedMere designs and markets chipsets that are used in the fast-growing HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) devices market, from flatscreen televisions to surround-sound systems. Its advanced communications microchip technology manages the faster flow of complex video and audio data to improve performance and reliability.

Monster, under its Monster Cable brand, is the world’s leading manufacturer of connectivity solutions for high performance audio, video, car audio, computer, console and computer gaming, professional audio and sound reinforcement.

“At Monster, we’re committed to giving our customers the widest range of choice in products that offer the best possible performance, quality and reliability,” said Noel Lee, ‘head monster’ at Monster.

“RedMere’s active cable is a great addition to our HDMI line-up, and with consumer electronics trends today leaning toward miniaturisation and total connectivity, RedMere’s MagnifEye design is truly a cutting-edge design that will offer consumers a new level of flexibility, convenience and performance.”

RedMere is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing indigenous electronics companies targeting the burgeoning consumer electronics market.

Last year, the company raised an additional US$5m in venture capital, bringing to US$13.5m the amount it has raised in the past six months. The top-up investment in Balbriggan-based RedMere was led by Edgestone Capital Partners, a Canadian private equity firm, along with additional re-investment by the original investors, including Celtic House Venture Partners.

Last year, RedMere signed an agreement with the world’s largest connector manufacturer Molex to incorporate its chip-in-a-cable technology into high-performance HDMI cable assemblies.

By John Kennedy