Digital ICs/DSP: Audio/Video Codec Captures And Plays MPEG-4 Video, MP3 Audio

June 23, 2005

The GoldenREEL PR818S audio/video codex processes the video in digital camcorders and other video appliances. The chip consumes less than 450 mW yet delivers or plays MPEG-4 video files and handles PC/Internet applications, MP3 audio, and still images. Able to capture MPEG-4 ASP (Advanced Simple Profile) movies with 720-by-480 resolution, the PR818S supports full-duplex performance at frame rates of 30 frames/s with up to D1 resolution and full transcoding capabilities (to and from MPEG-4 and MPEG-2). The PR818S also handles ADPCM audio and other popular audio formats. A hardwired JPEG engine on the chip supports still-image capture with image sensors that have resolutions of up to 16 Mpixels. And, the chip supports an LCD output and packs a PCI interface to allow 802.11 and Ethernet connectivity. In 100,000-unit lots, the PR818S costs $22 apiece. Samples are available immediately.

Protocom Technology Inc.www.protocomtech.com

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.