NTT Electronics Releases Single-Chip Codec and Encoder LSIs Supporting Real Full-Spec HDTV for the Consumer Market

Broadcast-Quality Video Made Possible in Consumer Applications

TOKYO (October 31, 2006) - NTT Electronics Corporation (NEL; Tomoyuki Toshima, President & CEO), an industry leader in image compression technology, has developed two new single-chip video compression LSIs supporting full HDTV, to meet rising needs for high-definition TV. Both of these products has been available in the market since October 2006.

Unlike existing full-spec products that convert 1920x1080-pixel images to 1440x1080 pixels before encoding them, the newly released “SuperENC V” and “LibraENC” support real full-spec HDTV by achieving direct coding and decoding of 1920x1080-pixel images. They are able to compress and restore high-resolution full-spec HDTV images without loss of quality.

These chips utilize technology that was originally developed for broadcast codec, including high image quality algorithms, and innovative low-delay, low-power algorithms that reduce the amount of calculation required while maintaining image quality. As a result, they bring the possibility of studio-quality high definition images to consumer applications.

With the appearance of these new products, HDTV image quality becomes feasible in a wide range of applications, from professional camcorders to digital consumer electronic products that incorporate video capability.

1. “SuperENC V” Single-Chip MPEG-2 Codec LSI for Full-Spec HDTV An ultra-compact HDTV codec LSI achieving both high image quality and low power consumption. The size and low-power design make it ideal for small video cameras and other portable products.
   • High Image Quality

   The chip supports high-definition images of 1920x1080i and 720P.
   As the world’s first single-chip codec to support real full-spec HDTV, it makes possible studio-quality high-definition video images.

• Low Power Consumption

  MPEG-2 video encoding/decoding, audio encoding/decoding, controller CPU, video and audio multiplexing/de-multiplexing and other functionality are all integrated onto a single chip (15x15mm, 0.5mm pitch compact, high-density FBGA package). The single-chip implementation results in low power consumption of just 730 mW in low-power mode.
  
  

2. “LibraENC” Single-Chip MPEG-2 Encoder LSI for Full-Spec HDTV A low-delay encoder LSI for HDTV, developed for wireless connection of home-use AV equipment, and ideal for wireless TV and game equipment.

• High Image Quality

The product supports real full-spec HDTV for 1920x1080i and normal HDTV for 1440x1080i

• Low Delay

In HDTV encoding, MPEG-2 TS (transport stream) output takes place at low delay of 100msec or less, while preserving high image quality.

• Designed for the Incorporation in Consumer Products

  Video and audio encoding and multiplexing functionality are integrated in a 27x27mm, 1.0mm pitch package, with a shape designed for ready incorporation in a home STB (set-top box) or similar application products.

“Our high image compression technology and high quality images which were developed originally for broadcast codec would allow us to provide new solution constantly, and we are winning high praise in the world market, ” said Mr. Otake, general manager of the 1st Product Group, in charge of video device business at NTT Electronics. “As HDTV takes off worldwide, consumers are increasingly showing their preference for its realistic images when enjoying live sports broadcasts or movies on TV. NTT Electronics is convinced that the two new products announced here, which defy the usual distinctions between professional broadcasting and consumer electronics, will prove to be key solutions for satisfying such demands.”

NTT Electronics expands our business into the consumer electronics market starting with the sale of these two new products by image technology developed in the broadcasting industry, and will promote a positive approach in consumer electronics market.