SoC Houses Fourth-Generation DVD MPEG Decoder

Representing a fully integrated DVD MPEG decoder, the STi5588 includes on-chip the video and audio decoder, a powerful 32-bit processor, a digital video encoder with video DACs, and the interface to the optical interface electronics. This fourth-generation device also offers a number of new features not found on third-gen parts. They include a high-quality Progressive Video output mode and support for the new DVD-Audio standard and encrypted DVD-RW or DVD-RAM. New audio post-processing, including SRS-CircleSurround, Vue Meter, Spectrum Analyzer and Graphic Equalizer, is also supported by the STi5588. In addition, the new system-on-Chip (SoC) is designed to work with the recently introduced L6315 DVD optical interface chip to provide an optimized DVD system architecture in which the number of external memories is reduced to only one flash memory and one SDRAM. Another key benefit is a protocol that enables the error code correction process (required while reading a DVD disk) to be shared between the STi5588 and L6315 interface. In this combination, the L6315 does not require any external SRAM. Samples are available now with product quantities to become available in September. Price is expected to run about $15 each/1,000. STMICROELECTRONICS INC., Lexington, MA. (781) 861-2650.