Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe

Fujitsu Introduces H.264 HDTV CODEC with Integrated System Memory and Very Low Power Consumption

Industry's first chip in mass production to encode and decode H.264 HDTV and Dolby Digital sound format

Langen & Cologne, May 22, 2007 — Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) today announces the introduction of a new semiconductor chip capable of real-time compression and decompression of high-definition H.264 video format and Dolby Digital sound format.

Based on an H.264 processing algorithm developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Limited, the MB86H51 builds on the success of its predecessor, the MB86H50. Integrating the company’s high-performance audio and video processing technology with its 90nm process technology the MB86H50/51 are the industry's first such chips to support the H.264 High Profile, Level 4.0 standard used in next-generation H.264 HD consumer equipment.

Applications include high-resolution recording, playback and transmission of high-definition video on audio-visual products such as portable camcorders, hard disk recorders, and home network equipment. The device is also suitable for Multimedia PC applications as well as video security/surveillance systems.

 

Key product features

Real-time compression / decompression of HDTV video and audio
The MB86H50/51 are capable of real-time compression and decompression of high-definition video (up to 1440 pixels x 1080 lines and 1920 pixels x 1080 lines respectively) using the H.264 High Profile Level 4.0 format standard, with simultaneous compression and decompression of sound in Dolby Digital format. This is believed to be the first time in the industry that these processing features have been integrated onto a single chip for general use.

Integrated memory and power dissipation
These are also the industry’s first H.264 HD CODECs featuring two integrated 256Mbit FCRAMs in a fine pitch BGA package. The very small BGA package and the integrated memories enable a smaller form factor and lower power consumption. Fujitsu’s advanced video processing technology in combination with its leading-edge low power technology has resulted in a power dissipation of 600mW for the MB86H50 and 750mW for the MB86H51.

Proprietary compression and image-enhancement technology
Both chips have a proprietary ‘self-tuning’ algorithm developed by Fujitsu Laboratories that automatically applies a lighter compression method to high-action zones where compression artifacts are most noticeable, such as human faces or slow-moving objects, and a stronger compression method in other zones. This enables image data size to be reduced from one-half to one-third of the MPEG-2 format at an equivalent level of image quality.

Availability
The MB86H50 (up to 1440 pixels x 1080 lines) is available now and evaluation boards can be provided to customers. Key customers have integrated the device in their products and mass production has commenced already.

Samples and evaluation boards of the MB86H51 with full-HD resolution (up to 1920 pixels x 1080 lines) will become available in July 2007.

“With this device Fujitsu has taken a leading position in the HD H.264 encoder and decoder market. The high level of system integration in one chip and the video compression efficiency combined with the outstanding low power dissipation will enable customers to build very competitive products for the growing high definition H.264 market,” said Johannes Richter, Director Business Unit Multimedia.

The MB86H51 will be exhibited and demonstrated at the ANGA Cable Trade Fair for Cable, Satellite & Multimedia in Cologne 22-24 May 2007 on Stand A19, Hall 10.2 (Fairground Hall).

---

About Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe

Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) is a major supplier of semiconductor products. The company provides advanced systems solutions to the automotive, digital TV, mobile telephony, networking and industrial markets. Engineers from design centres dedicated to microcontrollers, graphics controllers, mixed-signal, wireless, multimedia ICs and ASIC products work closely with FME's marketing and sales teams throughout Europe to help satisfy customers' system development requirements. This solutions approach is supported by a broad range of advanced semiconductor devices, IP and building blocks. For more information, please see: http://emea.fujitsu.com/microelectronics

Click here to download a medium-resolution photo relevant to this press release: ftp://213.166.4.46/Fujitsu/Press/MRPR872.jpg

Click here to download a high-resolution photo relevant to this press release: ZIPftp://213.166.4.46/Fujitsu/Press/HRPR872.zip

---

Press Contacts