Acer, one of the world's leading vendors of computer systems, has just announced that it has selected Broadcom's latest Crystal HD solution to enable high-quality, high-definition media playback on a new line of ultraportable PCs, part of the company's Aspire One series. With the addition of the new Crystal HD solution from Broadcom, these netbooks can provide users with a true, high-definition Internet experience. The chip will also enable a smoother playback of 1080p HD video, reducing the stress on the netbook's low-power CPU.

“Since the debut of Aspire One netbooks last year, Acer has continued to explore various sources of technology with the goal of enhancing wireless Internet and entertainment on the road,” said Campbell Kan, vice president, Mobile Computing Business Unit, Acer Inc. “Broadcom's Crystal HD solution, designed for high-definition multimedia at home or on the go, enables Acer to address our customers' desire for a light portable entertainment device.”

Acer's Aspire One series of netbooks was one of the most successful product lines in 2008, when the netbook craze started to lift off. The manufacturer has succeeded in providing its customers with a high-quality system that can deliver the basics in computing performance, leveraging Intel's successful low-power Atom processor. With the addition of the new Broadcom chip, these netbooks can further enhance the end user's computing experience and prove an ultraportable alternative to current, fully fledged laptops.

“We are pleased that Acer has selected our Crystal HD solution, leveraging our industry leading proven HD video cores,” said Dan Eiref, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Consumer Electronics Group. “Our Crystal HD solutions deliver exceptional performance and low power consumption in a low cost solution to enable a best-in-class netbook user experience. Additionally, Acer's adoption of our solutions will help to popularize a rich multimedia experience in the netbook market segment.”

Broadcom also announced that its new HD Enhanced Media Accelerator solutions would be available as add-in cards in various formats, including PCI Express, mini-cards and ExpressCard 34.