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Fujitsu Launches Full HD H.264 Transcoder LSI

-Extends recording time by more than 2.5 times while maintaining video quality-

Fujitsu Limited

Tokyo, August 23, 2007

Fujitsu Limited today announced the development and launch of a new transcoder large-scaled integrated (LSI) chip that can convert full HD (1920dot x 1080line) MPEG-2(1) video data to H.264(2) data and compress data size to less than one-half that of MPEG-2. Sample shipments of the new chip, the MB86H52, will start from September 1, 2007. This new transcoder makes it possible to extend recording time of recording devices such as hard disk recorders by over 2.5 times, as the chip enables data size compression without compromising video quality. The transcoder can also be embedded in a multitude of equipment requiring reduction of data size, and can realize full HD over narrower bandwidths used for home network, the use of which is anticipated to spread hereafter.

Digital terrestrial broadcasts and digital satellite broadcasts use data compressed into the MPEG-2 format. Because MPEG-2 format video is high-resolution, if the video is recorded as it is without compression, to storage media such as hard disks, the data volume is extremely high and thereby causes the problem of significantly limited recording time.

Focusing on such issues, Fujitsu developed this MB86H52 transcoder LSI that converts MPEG-2 format video data to the H.264 format, which features a higher compression rate. Functionality of this new transcoder is based on the video processing technology of Fujitsu's full HD H.264 CODEC (Encode / Decode) LSI product, MB86H51, currently being shipped. Utilizing proprietary high quality video technology developed by Fujitsu Laboratories, the quality of the input MPEG-2 video data can be maintained when transcoded to H.264 format.

Figure 1: Fujitsu's new transcoder LSI, MB86H52 (unit shown: cm)

Larger View (150 KB)

Fujitsu's new transcoder will be exhibited at i-SEDEX 2007, to be held in Seoul, Korea from September 18-20.

Figure 2: Fujitsu H.264 LSI roadmap

Larger View (308 KB)

Sample Pricing and Availability

Product name: MB86H52
Sample Price (including tax): JPY 25,000
Availability: From September 1, 2007

Sales Target

5 million units in fiscal 2007 (April 2007 - March 2008), inclusive of all H.264 LSIs.

Key Features

1. Proprietary technologies for compression and high quality video

The new transcoder utilizes a proprietary algorithm developed by Fujitsu Laboratories that automatically applies less compression to areas in the image where compression artifacts are most noticeable to human vision, such as human faces or slow-moving objects, and greater compression to other areas. Thus, high image quality for the critical zones is maximized. This technology enables the same video quality to be maintained when transcoding from MPEG-2 to H.264.

2. Includes Full HD H.264 CODEC

As the transcoder includes a full HD H.264 CODEC for video encoding and decoding, uncompressed video data can also be compressed to the H.264 format. The transcoder can also decompress video data from compressed or transcoded H.264. The CODEC is the same as that used in Fujitsu's MB86H51 LSI.

Future Developments

Under the slogan, "Fujitsu for Image Processing", Fujitsu plans to continue to be an industry leader of H.264 video processing LSIs with full HD multi-decoders that can handle various video formats, and will provide customers with video processing LSIs for high-performance digital equipment.

Specifications of the MB86H52 Transcoder

Functions Transcode Video MPEG-2 HD H.264 HD/SD
MPEG-2 SD H.264 SD
Audio Time stamp re-allocation
H.264 CODEC (*1) Video VBS(*2) H.264 HD/SD
Audio ABS(*3) MPEG-1 Audio Layer2, etc.
Video Profile MPEG-2 video main profile / high-level decoder.
H.264 high profile /Level 4.0 half-duplex CODEC.
Resolution 1920x1080x60i/50i, 1440x1080x60i/50i,
1280x720x60p/50p, 720x480x60i, 720x576x50i
Interface SMPTE274M/SMPTE296M-2001, ITU-R BT.656
Audio Formats MPEG-1 Audio Layer2, MPEG2-AAC (LC profile),
Linear PCM, Dolby® Digital(AC-3)(*4)
Channels 2ch
Interface LR serial
System Format MPEG2-TS CBR/VBR
Stream Interface 8 bit parallel or serial
Host Interface General purpose 16-bit interface
Input Clock Frequency 27 MHz
Operating Frequency Internal: 216MHz / DDR2 memory interface: 324MHz
Power Consumption 2 Watt (typ. 1.2V, at HD transcoding)
Package PBGA 496 pin, 27 sq. mm, (1.0 mm ball pitch)
Process Technology 90nm

*1. CODEC: Hardware or software that can compress and decompress images or audio.

*2. VBS: Video Baseband. Refers to uncompressed video data.

*3. ABS: Audio Baseband. Refers to uncompressed audio data.

*4. Dolby: Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.


  • [1] MPEG-2

    A video compression format that is part of the MPEG standard for video compression. Widely used in DVDs and other video products.

  • [2] H.264

    Formally MPEG4 AVC/H.264. A video-encoding format, noted for offering more compression than MPEG-2 and other earlier formats. Jointly defined by the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication Standardization Sector) and ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission), it is the most recent international standard for video compression.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting device technologies, highly reliable computing and communications products, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts uniquely position Fujitsu to deliver comprehensive solutions that create infinite possibilities for its customers' success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 5.1 trillion yen (US$43.2 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com

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Company and product names referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time if publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

Date: 23 August, 2007
City: Tokyo
Company: Fujitsu Limited, , , , ,