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A World of Home Theater
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One display is good but for people who transform certain devices such as their PCs to project videos or displays to more than one display device, the need for special cards that can do so may be useful. Something such as this Matrox M9188 card which allows you to project displays to 8 monitors should be the perfect resolution to your problem. Unfortunately, the Matrox M9188 card was made only for business and commercial needs. The card costs $2,000.
(Source) Oh Gizmo
MediaTek has unveiled the MediaTek MT8530, the first DivX Plus certified chip for powering Blu-ray players. With the MT8530, Blu-ray players can now play DivX Plus HD videos based on H.264 technology and MKV. HD resolutions up to 1080p will be supported and products using the MediaTek MT8530 chip will be able to play HD files using AAC format audio which should broaden the home theater demands for home theater fanatics today.
(Source) Slashgear
Let’s get a bit techie for a moment. One thing about home theater equipment is that you may find it cramp if you get the chance to view the inner components of these devices. But all that seems to change soon thanks to a new chip, the HDMI2C1-5DIJ chip that aims to save manufacturers 70% less board space while not sacrificing quality from HDMI products. This includes products like set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, game consoles and HDTVs.
With this new chip, we can expect lighter and perhaps smaller devices in the near future. One thing you may be noticing is the heavy weight and large scale sizes of some HD products. The HDMI2C1-5DIJ is a companion for ST’s HDMIULC6-4SC6, which protects HDMI video/audio signal lines. This has ultra-low line capacitance of 0.6pF and bandwidth greater than 5GHz, allowing designers to implement HDMI-compliant ESD protection while also maximizing signal integrity.
The HDMI2C1-5DIJ is available in a 16-lead QFN 5 x 4 package, priced at $0.90 for orders of 1000 pieces.
(Source) Press
Okay, we’ve been talking about home theatre setups for some time now, and we’ve seen some really great ones and some that aren’t so great as the really great. And today we’re looking at a home theatre setup from the AV Forums message board, posted by user Alyse.
Alyse gave a whole list of components, including a Sony 46″ Z4500 HDTV, a Sony DG910 AV 5.1/7.1 Receiver, a Sony S350 Blu-ray Player, 5.1 Speakers with subwoofer, an Xbox 360 and running Microsoft Vista Media Center on the whole thing.
Now, Alyse seems to have this theatre in a room with windows, or at least some kind of glass blocks facing outside, because there’s some light in there. And a second thing you’ll notice is the glass coffee table right in front of that sweet Sony TV, giving off a reflection back at you. Generally, folks, the home theatre is a bad place for any kind of reflective surfaces that aren’t transmitting a picture.
Aside from these two fairly minor problems, however, Alyse definitely has a sweet home theatre setup.
Rarely would people be aware that inside most electronic equipment, the connections which currently make use of copper can easily break down and carry limited capacities. And while people have been used to this trend, it looks like larger capacity and better conductors are on its way as Graphene nannoribbons are slowly making its way to improve chip connections, complementing the growing demand and requirements of advanced electronic equipment coming out today.
And the result is of course longer life span for these connectors and added performance which should be able to handle the brunt of loads on devices which are getting complex and powerful. Electromigration is a phenomenon that causes transport of material, especially at high current density. In on-chip interconnects, this eventually leads to a break in the wire, which results in chip failure.
So once the graphene technology comes out, expect better performance and longer life spans for your electronic devices. This is certainly something that should be a bright note for people who invest heavily on electronic devices and equipment and long for better life span and performance from them.
(Source) Press
DVEO unveils a 2-in-1 SD-SDI and HD-SDI input or output card targeted for use in video servers and workstations. Called the HD-SDI Master I or O PCIe LP, this peripheral allows both input and outputs that converts the input card to an output card, and vice-versa.
HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M) is the primary interface worldwide for High Definition digital uncompressed video. SD-SDI (SMPTE 259M) is the primary interface for Standard Definition digital video.
Features:
The HD-SDI Master I or O PCIe LP carries an MSRP of $995.
(Source) Press
Denon Electronics will be integrating Anchor Bay Video processing chips towards its latest Video Reference Series (VRS) product line that includes seven AVRs and a Blu-Ray player which will be coming out in the next months. Denon will be using Anchor Bay chips to provide video format conversion and enhancement functions.
Anchor Bay’s flagship ABT2010 chip powers the video processing in the $1,999 AVR-4310CI, the $1,499 AVR-3310CI, and the $849 AVR-2310CI receivers, all from Denon’s Custom Integration product line. The ABT2010 also processes video in two receivers from the premium brand’s Retail Home Theater Series line, the $1,499 AVR-990 and the $799 AVR 890. For the $549 AVF-1910 and the $499 AVR-790 receivers, Denon has selected the versatile ABT1030 chip.
(Source) Home Theater Review
We are in the age where converters and advanced means of connectivity has become familiar in any environment we are in. And with the age of DTV upon us, a new cost-effective solution adding a DisplayPort input for computer-to-TV connectivity comes in the person of the PS161.
The DisplayPort input of the PS161 accepts up to four main link lanes at up to 2.7 Gbit/sec per lane, the maximum configuration allowable by the current VESA DisplayPort standard. Parade’s proprietary advanced equalizer technology improves data transmission performance over long cables.
Audio support includes up to eight channels of 24-bit LPCM data at a sample rate of 192kHz, and compressed audio according to IEC 60958. The HDMI/DVI output supports a maximum pixel clock of 165 MHz as allowed by the HDMI/DVI standard, with a color depth up to 12 bits per component for HDMI.
The PS161 is currently sampling and is priced at $3.75 in 100k volume. It comes in a 64-pin TQFP RoHS package.
(Source) Press
For most people who are particular about resolution and the files that they play on a larger screen, you may have noticed that blurry images and some pixelation occurs. And while the recourse would be to capture such images with a better device or a higher resolution, NEC unveils a software, the µPD9280GM, which can reduce blurring that occurs when low-resolution images and video are expanded and displayed in 1920 x 1080-pixel high-definition monitors.
Key Features:
With this new software NEC plans to continue developing super-resolution system-on-chips (SoCs), by leveraging its super-resolution IP cores that can be embedded into ASICs or other ASSP products. With this wide range of products, the company intends to continue to enhance its super-resolution lineup and plans to reach sales revenue of 10 billion yen in 2010.
(Source) Press
When it comes to AVRs, you can be sure that consumers will be looking for satisfactory level audio playback when it is time to relax and watch. However, while many receivers may seem eye-catching, there will always be something sacrificed and it all points to inferior quality audio. But now, thanks to Diodes Incorporated, a new eight-channel DAC and pre-amplifier chip aims to help change all that.
The ZXCZM800, part of the Zetex Direct Digital Feedback Amplifier (DDFA) product line, will reduce circuit complexity and in high-performance differential mode will deliver a dynamic range (DNR) as high as 126db. The outstanding performance of the DAC solution complements that of digital amplifiers created using the DDFA chipset.
A single chip can make all the difference and with this new add-on, you can expect better matching quality sound that is growing in demand. The ZXCZM800 DAC and pre-amplifier chip is supported by an eight-channel demonstration board, details of which will be made available for volume production DAC and pre-amplifier designs, and includes circuit diagrams, bill of materials and Gerber files.
(Source) Electronics Talk
Are you getting the most out of your LCD? Well if you are in doubt, there is one way to find out. The only way to enhance and bring out the best for LCDs is to make use of controllers that specialize in bringing out the maximum capability of LCD monitors today and you can do so with the Digital View High-Performance LCD Controller.
Digital View’s SVX-1920 is a fully buffered, multi-sync interface controller providing true 10-bit support for large format, high-definition TFT LCDs upto WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution. 10-Bit support enables the display of over 1 Billion colors on a compatible LCD panel.
Bring out the power and features of LCD technology with this controller. You may be surprised at the wasted power and quality projection that you should be getting.
(Source) PR Web
Audio quality gets a big reprieve as Atmel has launched its AT73C240 Audio Companion IC for portable multimedia applications. Manufactured on Atmel’s low-cost mainstream CMOS process, the AT73C240 integrates an audio quality 20-bit Stereo DAC and an up to 1W audio power amplifier. The AT73C240 is ideally suited for portable applications where a high-quality audio interface is required, such as new-generation mobile phones, PDAs, palmtop computers, digital still cameras, portable multimedia devices and music players, etc.
The AT73C240 integrates a complete high-performance stereo audio digital-to-analog converter delivering a 90 dB dynamic range, followed by a 32-Ohm stereo headset driver with programmable volume control and mute function. The stereo DAC comprises a multi-bit sigma-delta modulator with dither, continuous time analog filters and analog output drive circuitry. The master clock is 256 or 384 times the sampling frequency, allowing the choice of input data rate up to 50 kHz, including standard audio rates of 48, 44.1, 32, 16 and 8 kHz. The stereo 32-Ohm headset drivers also include a mixer for a pair of stereo inputs.
Atmel offers the AT73C240 in a 5×5mm, 32-pin QFN package in order to satisfy portable device manufacturers’ minimum space requirements. It is available now mounted on a reference design board or as engineering samples. Production quantities are also available, with a reference price below $US 0.80 in large quantities.
(Source) Press
CyberTech International now becomes compliant with the Communication Manager 5.1 solutions from Avaya, providing a better business option as far as recording voice, radio and data. The CyberTech Pro recording system helps businesses drive efficiencies in the capture, storage, retrieval and playback of voice, radio and data communications. The application now is compliance-tested by Avaya for compatibility with Communication Manager 5.1 (DMCC).
“With the compliance certification from Avaya, CyberTech continues to demonstrate that we lead the industry in versatile, flexible and high-quality solutions that exceed expectations for rolling out advanced technologies efficiently, and ahead of the curve,” said Rob de Brouwer, product manager, connectivity, for CyberTech. “This integration affords the world’s most competitive enterprises the agility to profit from open, standards-based platforms to easily incorporate new technology, and to cost effectively uncover new paths to greater profitability.”
CyberTech International is a member of the Avaya DevConnect program, an initiative to develop, market and sell innovative third-party products that interoperate with Avaya technology and extend the value of a company’s investment in its network.
(Source) Press
All companies are trying to adjust accordingly to the new requirements of the latest Microsoft OS and apparently AMD has done its homework well. AMD announced that its Windows 7 driver has received Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL) certification on the first day of the certifying program.
“By delivering a WHQL certified driver for the Windows 7 operating system at the earliest possible opportunity, AMD has once again demonstrated its driver leadership,” said Ben Bar-Haim, corporate vice president, Software Engineering, AMD. “AMD is working closely with Microsoft to ensure superior performance and a reliable Windows 7 experience throughout our line of graphics processors.”
Microsoft WHQL certified graphics drivers for Windows 7 are scheduled for release on AMD.com on May 5, 2009, and a fully unified WHQL-certified driver supporting Windows Vista and Windows 7 is planned for the release of ATI Catalyst 9.5 later in May.
(Source) Press
A new chipset may finally bring wireless HD to HDTVs, Blu-ray players, transmitter/receiver kits, and other products. Israel-based Amimon has completed the chipset for WHDI (Wireless Home Digital Interface) 2.0, a standard backed up by Hitachi, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and LG. It can transmit 1080p/60 video at data rates up to 3Gps with response time of less than a millisecond thru the unauthorized 5GHz band. HDCP 2.0 digital rights management is part of the package.
Reportedly, demos have been impressive. Search for the chipset in HDTVs, Blu-ray players, computers, projectors, a/v receivers, set top boxes, game consoles, and DVRs that can function as wireless bridges between your display and various signal sources.
For the people who want to experience the most in 3D imaging, here is a new chip launched in the market by InvenSense. Invensense today announced the availability of the IXZ-500 and IXZ-650 dual-axis MEMS gyroscopes designed specifically for 3D remote controls and PC mice supporting TVs, home theaters, set top boxes and personal computers.
The IXZ family of dual axis MEMS gyros represents the world’s first and only single-chip integrated pitch and yaw (X- and Z-axis) motion processing products that meet the in-plane mounting requirements for both traditional as well as new generations of slim profile remote controls. Designed for audio/video (A/V) remote controls with 3D pointing functionality, the IXZ-500 features a primary output with a full scale range of up to ±500°/second with a ±110°/second internal secondary gain stage output to track slower motions for precise cursor pointing applications.
The IXZ-650 targets digital TV and IPTV remote controls with its ±2,000°/second primary output to track the widest dynamic range of physical motions and a ±440°/second internal secondary gain stage output for on-screen pointing applications.
The IXZ-500 and IXZ-650 MEMS gyroscopes are sampling now.
(Source) Press
The world of video processing via the PC just got a big boost with the availability of these new transcoder/encoder IC that is now injected by NEC for the VALUESTAR L, N and W Personal Computer’s (PC’s). The XCode 3106 features the ability to transcode real-time HD MPEG2 broadcast video to HD MPEG4 AVC, allowing the VALUESTAR PC to increase its video storage capacity by six times.
XCode 3106 interfaces directly to Dual ISDB-T Demodulators/Tuners and has been engineered to descramble Japanese Secure Broadcast content using its integrated Smart Card controller and Security Engine. These features including high speed transcoding have allowed NEC to build a multimedia all-in-one PC with the ability to support Preview & Record and schedule a 2nd Recording while securing the recorded video content using NEC’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) security on to the Hard Drive Disk (HDD) at 1/6th the original bit rate.
The ViXS XCode Series of ICs has pushed the performance envelope when it comes to single-chip low power hardware transcoders. PC manufacturers now have the unique opportunity to build high performance multimedia PC products with XCode Series by offloading all CPU intensive secure video processing tasks from the main CPU.
(Source) Press
Sportsbuffs who love to spend countless times waiting and watching their favorite team play via television are now given an easier time to tune in thanks to DirectTVs ScoreGuide. Scoreguide is a new on-screen feature of DIRECTV’s industry-leading program guide. Launched today, ScoreGuide enables fans to easily track scores and start times of major sporting events, see a list of channels carrying each event and tune directly to those channels.
Viewers will be alerted to ScoreGuide by a small on-screen icon and have access to the new feature on more than 200 DIRECTV sports channels, including regional sports networks, DIRECTV sports subscription channels (channels 700-799), and national cable networks that primarily cover sports.
ScoreGuide, offered compliments of DIRECTV, displays a lineup of sporting events in progress, as well as upcoming daily and weekly events. ScoreGuide also provides DIRECTV channel numbers associated with each of the events and allows customers to tune to those specific channels with the push of a button on their remote control.
Sports on ScoreGuide will include: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, top 25 college football and basketball, tennis (men’s and women’s Grand Slam event quarterfinals and later rounds), golf (PGA Tour majors) and next season, NASCAR.
(Source) Press
Developers and graphics designers can look forward to better graphical needs as NVIDIA has announced the release of its OpenCL driver and software development kit (SDK) to developers participating in its OpenCL Early Access Program. NVIDIA is providing this release to solicit early feedback in advance of a beta release which will be made available to all GPU Computing Registered Developers in the coming months.
At the core of NVIDIA’s GPU Computing strategy is the massively parallel CUDA architecture that NVIDIA pioneered and has been shipping since 2006. Accessible today through familiar industry standard programming environments such as C, Java, Fortran and Python, the CUDA architecture supports all manner of computational interfaces and, as such, is a perfect complement to OpenCL.
Enabled on over 100 million NVIDIA GPUs, the CUDA architecture is enabling developers to innovate with the GPU and unleash never before seen performance across a wide range of applications.
(Source) Press
NXP has announced that they have adopted Mentor Graphics’ Veloce platform for the complete system-level verification of its next generation of digital Systems-on-Chip (SoC) for High-Definition TV (HDTV) and Set-Top-Box (STB). NXP chose Veloce due to its superior debug capabilities, performance, accuracy, and extensive portfolio of iSolve vertical market solutions for the verification of digital standards associated with HDTV and STB.
“NXP continues to drive system-level integration to provide advanced solutions to our customer,” said Shanthi Padmanabhan, vice president and innovation and technology manager of the home business unit, NXP Semiconductors. “Pre- and post-silicon testing of our SoCs requires a massive number of verification cycles to validate functionality and avoid design flaws. The use of Veloce for hardware-assisted verification has played an important role for NXP to achieve high speed verification and testing required. This ultimately enables us to beat our tight schedules in a highly competitive market. NXP is the first to introduce a global single chip digital TV platform on 45nm, TV550, which enables high-end TV features in mainstream TVs.”
The Veloce platform is the industry’s fastest dual-mode Accelerator/Emulator available, providing MHz performance for both transaction-based verification and traditional in-circuit emulation (ICE). With an extensive portfolio of vertical market solutions, the Veloce platform is the platform of choice for multimedia, networking, wireless, and embedded systems applications.
(Source) Press
