Date: 16/09/2008

Next generation multi-format DTV SoC solutions from Broadcom

Broadcom Corporation launched its next generation of digital television (DTV) system-on-a chip (SoC) devices with advanced functionality for DTV designs. They provide capabilities to address video convergence, network connectivity, image quality and 3D user interfaces. The three new devices are BCM3548, BCM3549 & BCM3556.

Each of these single-chip solutions contains,

1. An advanced multi-format decoder
2. Ethernet network connectivity
3. A 3D graphical user interface
4. And unique 3D color management

The BCM3548 supports WXGA display resolutions while the BCM3549 supports the full 1080p high definition resolution. The integrated picture enhancement processor (PEP), which is fully programmable and can be optimized by TV manufacturers helps to improve picture sharpness and video quality.

The 3D graphics core provides consumers with a graphical user interface for flipping, rotating, moving or manipulating images, and enables OEMs to create specialized user interfaces that differentiates the TV from traditional flat, two dimensional user interfaces.

The home network connectivity via integrated Ethernet media access controller (MAC) and physical layer capabilities enable users to connect with devices such as media servers, PCs, MP3 devices and portable media players and allow access to the Internet-based multimedia content.

Additional features offered in each chip include:

1. The multi-format decoder supports:

1. H.264/AVC Main and High Profile to Level 4.1 (HD), Level 3.1 (SD) - HD/SD AVS Jizhun Profile Levels 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0
2. VC-1 Advanced Profile at Level 3, Simple and Main Profiles
3. HD/SD MPEG-2 Main Profile at Main and High levels
4. MPEG still image decode
5. HD DivX 3.11/4.11/5.x/6x/Home Theater

2. 3D/2D OpenGL ES 1.0-compliant graphics core
3. Ethernet media access controller and physical layer capabilities
4. Integrated video processing:
1. 3D color management
2. Digital, analog and mosquito noise reduction
3. 1080i motion adaptive de-interlacing with 3:2/2:2 pull-down
4. True 10-bit video carried through system

5. Extensive audio support:
1. AAC LC, AAC LC+SBR Level 2, AAC+ Level 2, AAC-HE
2. Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, TruSurround XT
3. MPEG 1 Layers 1, 2, and 3
4. Windows Media and Windows Media Pro audio
5. Audio DACs, input switch and equalizer
6. Dolby Digital, TruSurround XT, MPEG Audio Decoder

6. NTSC/PAL decoder with a 3D/2D comb
7. 400-MHz dual core CMT MIPS32 /MIPS16e class processor
8. Integrated NTSC demodulator, ATSC/QAM receivers, and dual-link LVDS transmitters
9. Dual HDMI 1.3a receivers
10.Dual USB 2.0

For further information visit: www.broadcom.com