Date: 06/03/2011
Two high-MIPS video processors for designing HD video equipments
Texas Instruments (TI) Incorporated has introduced new DaVinci digital media processor chips. They are TMS320DM8168 and the software compatible, less power consuming TMS320DM8148 targeting growing video communication equipment market. Video communications is fast growing in public safety, real-time automotive vision systems.
According to TI DM8168 DaVinci digital media processor streams video data three times faster over competing solutions. DM8168 designed to stream three simultaneous 1080p60 frames per second (fps) video streams, 12 simultaneous 720p30 fps video streams or a combination of lower resolution streams. This chip is suggested for video equipment design where mutiple video sources need to be captured, encoded, decoded and analyzed simultaneously such as multi-channel HD video surveillance systems, video conferencing systems, media hubs and servers and video broadcasting equipments and systems.
The low power version DM8148 is designed to handle 1080p60 fps video stream, three simultaneous 720p30 fps video streams or multiple lower resolution streams at 3 watts. With nearly equal signal analysis capabilities to DM8168, DM8148 is specifically designed for power-sensitive, consumer and medical video electronic applications requiring fewer video streams. Targeted examples suggested include Skype video cameras, interactive digital signage, video surveillance DVRs or IP net cams, streaming media players and network projectors.
The highlights of these processors include:
Easy product migration options between the DM8168 digital media processor to the power-efficient, software compatible DM8148 digital media processor.
Features video accelerators, ARM Cortex-A8, TMS320C674x DSP, 3D graphics accelerator, display controllers and peripherals (PCIexpress Gen 2, SATA 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet Switch, CAN, DDR2/DDR3 and more).
Enables 3D graphics for more complex GUIs with a seamless graphical multi-screen experience while encoding and decoding H.264 video streams (extended multi-format support available)
Offers support for Linux, Android and Windows Embedded CE operating systems.
"The world wants HD video on every device imaginable, and we are prepared to provide it to them," said Niels Anderskouv, vice president, Digital Signal Processing Systems, TI. "In the future, Facebook will no longer be the primary means of connecting with people virtually. TI is an integral part of the technology innovations that will further bring people together - with real-time video conferencing today and 3D video and gesturing technologies tomorrow."
"Quality, life-like video experiences are revolutionizing communications, enriching the entertainment experience and changing the view of video as a productivity tool," said Jim McGregor, chief technology strategist at In-Stat. "The advancements TI is making in video will enable many of the applications we will come to expect on all devices in the future, such as 3D, augmented reality and mind-blowing gaming. Because video processing is becoming a key differentiator for both system-on-chips and discrete solutions, TI is developing its own proprietary video technology, which will help distinguish TI from competing solutions."
Availability:
DM8168: Now in samples
DM8148: 3Q 2011
Price:
DM8168: Each $75 per 1K units
DM8148: Each $51 per 1ku units