Source Decoder Powers Next-Generation Set-Top Boxes

The SC2000 source decoder IC is poised for applications in next-generation, convergence-ready set-top entertainment appliances. The IC will enable sophisticated multimedia capabilities on the set-top by supporting a full spectrum of video and audio using multiple broadcast standards.The chip integrates the functions of the DVB transport and MPEG-2 A/V decoding, a 2D graphics engine, a multi-standard video encoder, audio DACs, and a TinyRISC CPU. The 108-MHz, 32-bit MIPS CPU is said to make the SC2000 the fastest MIPS-based set-top box IC available. A complete development environment is available in the form of the SDP2000 platform. IC samples are available now. Volume shipments begin in Q3 of 1999.