TEXAS Instruments (TI), represented by , has announced the highest performance, fully programmable 600MHz digital media processor, including integrated multimedia and communication peripherals to simplify design and reduce system cost.
Building on TI's TMS320C64x generation of DSPs, this new processor addresses video designers' need to get to market fast with the latest suite of audio and video algorithms.
The device targets video over IP, video-on-demand (VOD), multi-channel digital video recording applications, and high quality video encoding and decoding solutions.
The TMS320DM642 is fully object code compatible with TI's C64x generation of DSPs, while also offering on-chip integrated, high-definition (HD)-capable video ports, glueless Ethernet, multi-channel audio and 66MHz PCI connectivity.
This level of performance surpasses the traditional media processors and leaves plenty of headroom for increased functionality and systems integration.
For example, the DM642 at 600MHz is capable of processing up to four simultaneous MPEG2 video decodes, D1 (720x480) resolution, at 30 frames per second.
The DM642 is also capable of full Main-Profile-at-Main-Level (MP@ML) MPEG-2 video encoding in real time.
Full software programmability means customers can rapidly develop their products with the latest algorithms, get them to market fast, and even upgrade them remotely as standards evolve and new software technologies are deployed.
Real-time ISO MPEG2 encoding and decoding software, along with other transcoding and transrating software technologies, are available today.
Thanks to TI's extensive third party network, many algorithms are also available including MPEG 4, H.26L, H.263, AC-3, AAC, MP-3 and more, in addition to streaming media software from key technology partners such as, On2 Technology's VP4, RealVideo 8/RealAudio 8 from Real Networks and Microsoft's Windows Media 9 Series encoder.
The DM642 offers the lowest system cost for next generation, high performance video solutions, by offering HD capable, glueless BT-656 compliant video and multi-channel audio interfaces, as well as integrated connectivity interfaces including on-chip, 66MHz PCI and Ethernet.
This enables customers to reduce the cost of their solutions for integration of multiple streams of video.
One example is a digital video recorder application where the DM642 can interface directly to as many as six 8-bit video encoders or decoders. IP-based videophones and video-conferencing systems can achieve multi-channel H.26x video and audio processing, along with direct Ethernet connectivity by using a single DM642 processor.
The DM642 will be offered at both 500 and 600MHz clock speeds. It is scheduled for sampling in late 1Q03, with volume production scheduled for 3Q03.