Magnum Semiconductor Introduces New Dual-Channel Encoder IC For Set-Top Boxes

DM8803 Improves MPEG-2 Encoding Quality with Integrated Pre-Processing

Apr 14, 2008

Las Vegas, Nevada, April 14, 2008 - At the National Association of Broadcasters show here today, Magnum Semiconductor Corporation, a worldwide leader in video compression technology, announced the DM8803 Dual Channel MPEG-2 Encoder, targeted at set-top box (STB) and personal video recorder (PVR) applications. The DM8803 is the newest member of Magnum's family of video encoders for high volume hybrid set-top applications. It features a 3D comb filter for improved image quality, alleviating the visual artifacts that often result from poor analog signal (NTSC/PAL) acquisition and transmission.

Dual-channel encoders provide new and exciting features for set-top box and home media center designs. Having MPEG-2 encoding allows raw video signals to be compressed to storage, so that STBs can offer live pause and other PVR features. The dual-channel architecture lets user record one program while they watch another, a highly prized feature in today's digital video market.

"Video recording, with dual-channel capability, is an increasingly important feature for differentiated set-top boxes" said Bob Saffari, vice president of marketing for set-top and broadcast products at Magnum. "Our existing DM8802 encoder is a leading solution for this market segment. Now, the DM8803 enables a lower overall system cost for an even sharper picture."

The DM8803 achieves its outstanding video quality by pre-processing the image with its TrueView^TM Pro motion-compensated temporal filtering. This helps to remove motion artifacts from the image. The image is then compressed using Magnum's fifth-generation MPEG technology. A 3D comb filter is used to remove "mosquito noise" from the picture. The result is the lowest-noise image in the industry and excellent video quality at the data rates common in set-top box applications.

Prior generations of MPEG-2 encoders generally required expensive external circuitry for sophisticated pre-processing tasks, a solution which was too costly for multi-channel in-home applications. Saffari noted: "Integration can drive significant economic advantages. The improved system cost for pre-processing with the DM8303 will enable new levels of video quality, as well as richer features, in the set-top box market."

The DM8803 accepts two standard 8-bit YUV video inputs, and is able to perform greater than 30 billion operations per second (30 BOPS) for dual audio and video compression. It delivers compressed video via a multi-program MPEG-2 transport stream. The device uses standard SDRAM, and features a USB port for expansion.

The DM8803 is packages in a 388 BGA, and is available for samples and production orders. It is priced at $20 for 10,000 piece quantities.

About Magnum Semiconductor

Magnum Semiconductor is a leading provider of chips, software, and platforms for consumer entertainment systems and the professional broadcast infrastructure. Magnum provides the tools and technologies for creating, delivering and enjoying video throughout the broadcast infrastructure, around the home, and on-the-go. Magnums chips and software are used in professional video encoders, broadcast transcoders, in-home set-top boxes, consumer DVD recorders, hard-disk based home media centers, digital camcorders, and a variety of in-home and portable media-centered devices. Magnum Semiconductor is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with sales and engineering offices in Canada, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Further information is available at www.magnumsemi.com.