Decoders support MPEG-2 and H.264 formats.
Press Release Summary:
MB86H01 AA (PBGA 256-pin) and MB86H01 AB (FBGA 240-pin) support DVB broadcasting standard used in Russia, Eastern Europe, and China. Multi-standard decoders include functionality for TVs and STBs to process SD digital broadcasts, including 2 MPEG-2 decoders and one H.264 decoder. Dual MPEG-2 decoders enable processing of 2 video streams that can be used in DVRs with twin tuners. USB 2.0 OTG controller is also integrated for connectivity to external devices.
Original Press Release:
Fujitsu Launches SD Multi-Standard Decoders Supporting MPEG-2 and H.264
Devices target H.264 SD broadcasts in Russia, Eastern Europe and China
Langen, Germany, 27th November 2008 - Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) today announced a new series of multi-standard decoders that support decoding of MPEG-2(*1) and H.264(*2) video compression formats for Standard Definition (SD) video. Designed for use in TV and set-top box (STB) equipment, the MB86H01 series is targeted at the SD digital broadcast markets in Russia, Eastern Europe and China.
The new series, which consists of two devices, the MB86H01 AA and MB86H01 AB, supports the DVB(*3) broadcasting standard used in these regions, and features MPEG-2 and H.264 decoders integrated into single chips with the functionality necessary for receiving SD broadcasts. Proprietary H.264 decoder technology provides low power consumption, while the availability of small packaging makes the decoders suited for use in portable equipment like personal navigation devices (PND) with built-in TV receivers.
The DVB digital broadcasting standard is used in Europe, Russia and by some broadcast systems in China. For SD broadcasting, the MPEG-2 compression format is widely used, however it is expected that the next-generation compression format H.264 will ramp up in Eastern Europe including Russia. The H.264 format is also used in some cable TV services in China for interactive video-on-demand (VoD) (*4).
Until now, Fujitsu has had success with its SmartMPEG series of MPEG-2 decoders for SD digital TV broadcasts for the DVB standard. SmartMPEG has been implemented widely in TVs, STBs, and portable TV receivers, particularly in Europe.
With the shift of SD broadcasting to the H.264 format in Russia, Eastern Europe, China, and elsewhere, TVs and STBs for these regions will need to be capable of decoding both MPEG-2 and H.264 formats. Fujitsu is offering its new MB86H01 series specifically to target such markets.
Key features
1.MPEG-2 dual decoders and H.264 decoder for digital broadcasts in Russia, Eastern Europe and China
Fujitsu's new multi-standard decoders include the necessary functionality for TVs and STBs to process SD digital broadcasts, including two (dual) MPEG-2 decoders and one H.264 decoder. The dual MPEG-2 decoders enable the processing of two video streams that can be used in digital video recorders (DVR) with twin tuners. It also allows viewing of two programmes at the same time with picture-in-picture, and is suited to DVRs with twin tuners.
2. Functions necessary for processing SD broadcasts integrated on a single chip
The devices integrate into a single chip a 202.5MHz ARC Tangent-A4 CPU together with the necessary video and audio decode functions, and screen display functionality needed to receive digital broadcast. This enables easy system creation by customers.
3. Small form-factor necessary for portable devices
Using proprietary H.264 decoder technology, the power consumption for the H.264 decoder is reduced to a low level. The MB86H01 series offers a 27 x 27mm package (PDGA 256-pin), as well as a small 10 x 10mm package (FBGA 240-pin) suited for use in portable or small form-factor devices. A high speed USB 2.0 OTG controller is also integrated, providing excellent connectivity to external devices, such as digital cameras.
4. Succession to existing SmartMPEG series architecture
The new devices have package and pin compatibility with the existing SmartMPEG-C series, as well as maintaining architectural compatibility. This enables existing SmartMPEG users to easily upgrade or develop their systems.
Leveraging its highly regarded expertise in image and video processing-related technologies and products, Fujitsu will continue to strengthen its video processing devices for the TV and set-top box markets, focusing on video-processing ASSPs.
Availability
Samples of the MB86H01 AA (PBGA 256-pin) and MB86H01 AB (FBGA 240-pin) devices will be available from December 1, 2008.
Glossary and Notes
*1. MPEG-2 is a video compression format (CODEC) that is part of the MPEG standard for video compression. MPEG-2 is widely used in DVDs and other video products.
*2. H.264 is video compression standard defined by the International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication Standardisation Sector (ITU-T). A video-encoding format noted for offering more compression than MPEG-2 and other earlier formats. The International Organisation for Standardisation/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) has defined the MPEG-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding (MPEG-4 AVC), however it is the same as H.264.
*3. DVB - Digital Video Broadcasting. This is a set of internationally approved open standards for digital television broadcasts. DVB is used in many countries, particularly in Europe.
*4. Interactive video-on-demand (VoD) service. This is a two-way service where the video programme selected by the user is transmitted directly to the user.
About Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) is a major supplier of semiconductor products. The company provides advanced systems solutions to the automotive, digital TV, mobile telephony, networking and industrial markets. Engineers from design centres dedicated to microcontrollers, graphics controllers, mixed-signal, wireless, multimedia ICs and ASIC products work closely with FME's marketing and sales teams throughout Europe to help satisfy customers' system development requirements. This solutions approach is supported by a broad range of advanced semiconductor devices, IP and building blocks.
For more information, please see: http://emea.fujitsu.com/microelectronics
