Video Decoder Chip targets digital media centers.
Press Release Summary:
Dual-channel AVC/VC-1/MPEG-2 video decoder SoC, Model BCM7400 integrates all required media center technology to securely access, store, and share multiple types of digital media content. Concurrent multi-threaded MIPS CPU with IEEE754 FPU and 128 KB second-level cache provides 875 DMIPS capability, while PVR capability enables simultaneous recording of multiple channels. Content security processor provides end-to-end security and digital rights management of media content.
Original Press Release:
Broadcom Introduces an Advanced Dual-Channel AVC/VC-1/MPEG-2 Video Decoder Chip for High-Performance Digital Media Centers
Based on Its Field Proven Decoder Technology, Broadcom Delivers Unprecedented Integration, Performance and Security to Cable, Satellite and IP-Network Equipment Manufacturers
LAS VEGAS, 2006 International CES, Jan. 5 - Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM), a global leader in wired and wireless broadband communications semiconductors, today announced a new dual-channel AVC/VC-1/MPEG-2 video decoder system-on-a-chip (SoC) that enables cable, satellite and IP-network equipment manufacturers to cost-effectively develop high-performance media centers. The new Broadcom(R) chip integrates all of the required media center technology to securely access, store and share multiple types of digital media content, including high-definition TV (HDTV) programs, video-on-demand, Internet content, digital video, music and photos, and voice over IP services.
"In recent years, media centers have evolved to support multiple simultaneous functions that require advanced audio/video compression, 2D and 3D graphics, powerful processing power, increased memory bandwidth, home networking and robust security technologies," said Rich Nelson, Vice President of Marketing for Broadcom's Cable and Satellite Products. "Our extensive experience in designing chips for the cable, satellite and television industries has enabled us to develop a next-generation decoder chip that meets all of the high-performance requirements of media centers."
Based on field-proven AVC decoder technology (currently shipping to leading manufacturers of set-top boxes), the new BCM7400 HD AVC/MPEG-2 decoder chip announced by Broadcom today integrates all of the back-end requirements of a high-performance digital media center into a single-chip solution. The features integrated into the BCM7400 enable a new generation of media centers that can receive broadband digital media content via satellite, cable, telephony or Internet network connections. Once the media center receives content, it can store, manage and maintain the digital rights, communicate the content or distribute the content to other media appliances in the home.
The BCM7400's next-generation features include:
o The latest generations of video compression technologies such as advanced video coding (AVC) (the ITU and ISO joint standard), VC-1 (the Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers or SMPTE standard) and MPEG-2. These video compression technologies enable systems to support high-definition (HD) and standard definition television programming.
o Dual audio and video HD channels that enable a single system to simultaneously deliver HD programs to multiple televisions in the home, and allow a user to watch an HDTV program while recording another, to record two HDTV programs at the same time or to display different programs on the television using picture-in-picture technology.
o Concurrent multi-threaded MIPS CPU with IEEE754 FPU and 128KB second- level cache provides 875DMIPS capability enabling systems to support advanced applications with a fast response time, JAVA-based applications and 3D games.
o Integrated PVR capability that enables the simultaneous recording of multiple channels, and then enables the user to store and play back the content throughout the home.
o Advanced 2D and 3D graphics engine that provides unparalleled visual content and enhances the user interface by providing improved program guides and navigation capabilities, as well as a user friendly consumer operating environment that is similar to personal computers.
o Integrated content security processor that provides end-to-end security and digital rights management of media content. Cable TV downloadable conditional access system (DCAS) is supported to enable DCAS-based leased and retail "digital cable ready" set-top boxes. SVP security is included for content protection in the digitally connected home between the gateway and its attached clients.
o Integrated peripheral interfaces, such as 10/100 Fast Ethernet and USB 2.0, to connect within the home to other digital appliances or to connect to an IP network via a DSL modem. Other networking connections, such as a Wi-Fi(R) network, can be established through a PCI port that is secured by digital transmission copy protection (DTCP).
Cable TV, Digital Broadcast Satellite and IP Media Center Solutions
The BCM7400 HD AVC/MPEG-2 decoder chip, when combined with other Broadcom set-top box chips, offers highly integrated media center solutions for several different applications.
o Cable TV Media Center:
The BCM3255 and BCM7400, when combined with multiple BCM3420 tuners, provide manufacturers with a complete HD AVC, digital video recording (DVR) cable-TV media center design that can support IP channel speeds of up to 120 Mbps, plus two channels of HD AVC video decompression, advanced downloadable DCAS security, up to 1600 DMIPs processing power, and a complete home networking management package. Broadcom has packaged this complete solution into the BCM97456 reference design to support customers with their next-generation set-top box designs.
o Digital Broadcast Satellite and IP Media Center: The BCM7400, when combined with the BCM4500 (DVB-S demodulator), BCM3440 (CMOS tuner) and BCM3517 (ATSC demodulator) products, provides manufacturers with a complete HD AVC, digital video recording (DVR) satellite reference platform. This same reference platform supports IP set-top box applications.
Pricing and Availability
The BCM7400 is available today in sample quantities. The chip is packaged in a 1521-pin QFP and is priced at $49.50 each in 10,000 piece quantities.
Broadcom's Broadband Business Group
Broadcom offers manufacturers a range of broadband communications and consumer electronics SoCs that enable voice, video and data services over residential wired and wireless networks. These highly integrated silicon solutions continue to enable the most advanced system solutions on the market, which include digital cable, satellite and IP set-top boxes and media servers, broadband modems and residential gateways, high definition and digital televisions, HD DVD players and personal video recorders.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a global leader in wired and wireless broadband communications semiconductors. Our products enable the convergence of high-speed data, high definition video, voice and audio at home, in the office and on the go. Broadcom provides manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices with the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and software solutions. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything(R).
Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with annual revenue of more than $2 billion. The company is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at 1-949-450-8700 or at www.broadcom.com.
Broadcom(R), the pulse logo, Connecting everything(R), and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. MIPS(R) is a trademark of MIPS Technologies, Inc. Wi-Fi(R) is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Press, Laura Brandlin, Director, Marketing Communications, +1-949-926-5108, lbrandlin@broadcom.com, or Technical, Joseph Del Rio, Product Line Manager, +1-408-922-8391, delrio@broadcom.com, all of Broadcom Corporation
