When it started out in the early 1990s, semiconductor maker Broadcom
Now, the fabless chip maker is taking things to a whole new level -- powering devices that deliver rich media experiences not only to the home, but also to the myriad of devices within it. Broadcom made a big splash at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), announcing several new products and initiatives to enable the "connected home."
The target products include your computer, television, wireless phone, and high-definition DVD player. Topping its long list of new product announcements, Broadcom demonstrated a television bypassing a set-top box and connecting directly to the Internet, playing video from Best Buy's
Covering its bases, though, Broadcom also partnered with Microsoft
Broadcom's move into the digital home follows its aggressive expansion into the market for cellular semiconductors, where it's taking on established giants like Texas Instruments
Broadcom's reason for branching out is simple: the opportunity to put more of its silicon in more products. Whereas the opportunity of the last decade was limited by the number of homes and businesses that could be connected, it could now encompass the entire volume of electronic gadgets and devices shipped every year.
Of course, trade shows like CES are more talk than walk, but Broadcom rarely fails to follow through on its initiatives. If it stays true to its aggressive history, the company could once again develop whole new markets for its silicon products.
For more Foolishness: