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Vivace Extends Media Processor Family with New High Performance Video Processor for Low-Cost QVGA Portable Devices

Vivace Semiconductor
2007-03-12 11:47 793

VSP100 delivers low power, real-time benefits with multi-core chip based on high performance ViViD architecture and programmable platform

BEIJING, March 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Vivace Semiconductor, a leader in digital media processing chips, today announced an extension to its product line with the addition of the VSP100, a low power and cost effective processor optimized for the needs of product developers incorporating high quality video capabilities in small screen (less than 2.5") QVGA portable devices such as mobile phones, MP3 video device (MP4) and embedded video devices. The chip supports real-time decoding and down-scaling of multiple video formats and provides significant new capabilities for systems designers building low cost video capabilities into MP3 players and mobile phones.

The new VSP100 is based on Vivace's ViViD media processing engine, and features three customized VLIW processing cores for video processing in a compact die size. It will be priced in the $5-6 range in volume, making it ideal for low cost devices and to extend the capabilities of existing systems.

The low power, small die solution enables high quality video on mobile devices at very low silicon cost and can be easily integrated into legacy systems. It supports multiple video standards and comes complete with a full application library. The VSP100 is fully programmable enabling developers to create value-added features and adapt to changes in product requirements. The VSP100 complements Vivace's product roadmap that includes the VSP200 for portable/mobile media devices and the VSP300 for high definition devices, both which will ship later this year.

A key value for the chip is to allow consumer devices to run downloaded and streaming video in real-time. Today's low end solutions require consumers to transcode formats and reduce frame sizes on a PC before the video can be run on the consumer device sometimes taking hours. The VSP100 will allow the devices to process the video in real-time removing this inconvenience for the consumer.

"We have built on the proven foundation of our higher end multi-core processors to deliver a solution for the ultra cost-sensitive segment of the mobile multimedia market. The goal of this product is to significantly enhance the consumer's experience using low cost video devices," said Cary Ussery, president and CEO of Vivace. "We are entering a new era of media options for the consumer and innovative semiconductor technology will provide the engine that fuels it."

High quality real-time QVGA video at low power

The VSP100 is powered by a unique tri-core processing engine and is integrated with a 150 MHz RISC CPU. The processors support QVGA capabilities in real-time at 30 frames per second (fps). Video post processing includes de-blocking, de-ringing, scaling, rotation, etc. It also includes an integrated LCD controller that supports user programmable resolution, timing and control and up to 32 bit internal precision.

The new device features integrated power management features that lower overall power consumption and extend battery life. The VSP 100 operates at very low clock frequency requirements for advanced video functions and supports three power modes: active, sleep, and power-down. The chip consumes only 25 to 50Mw operation during media playback and draws almost no power during idle mode. It also supports integration with mobile DDR-1 memories to offer system providers low power system solutions.

The VSP100 supports all major video standards including H.264, MPEG-4, DivX, MPEG-2, WMV and Real Video as well as JPEG image compression and decompression. All media components are provided in complete source code/firmware. The fully programmable VSP 100 includes a complete software development environment including integrated compilers, debuggers, assemblers, and profilers.

Development Support

The VSP100 comes with a complete development platform, reference design and software development tool suite. The Vivace Development System enables quick and easy development, debug, integration and test of hardware and software. The system is PC-based, running under the Windows environment and can be used with Vivace's development boards or customer-designed hardware.

Pricing and availability

The VSP 100 will be manufactured in a SMIC .13-micron process and samples will be available in June 2007. Volume pricing is targeted in the $5-6 range.

About Vivace

Vivace Semiconductor develops high-performance, low-power video processing chips that are optimized for the needs of high-growth consumer market segments. Its chips support a full range of video and audio standards, are based on the company's proprietary ViViD(TM) Media engine and include a complete software suite for media processing and a fully programmable, open platform for additional software integration. Its initial product line is aimed at developers of portable media players and integrated digital display/TV products. The company is based in Beverly, Massachusetts and Beijing, China. More information can be found at http://www.vivacesemi.com .

Vivace and ViViD are trademarks of Vivace Semiconductor, Inc. All other trademarks referenced belong to their respective owners.

Source: Vivace Semiconductor
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