A 2nd Generation Video Decoder IC
A highly integrated and cost effective second generation HDTV IC that supports MPEG-2, ATSC, BS4 and other standards is being developed for SD TV applications. The IC performs system and video decoding. It incorporates MERL Murray Hill's Down Conversion algorithm for viewing High definition broadcasts on 480I/P displays. Video data is output using built-in display processing and 2D graphics functions. Other features include audio and auxiliary data outputs, VCR interface, audio and video clock recovery, and supporting DNTSC input.
Background & Objective: Over fifty television stations are currently broadcasting digital television signals in the US. In order for all consumers to benefit from features that are being broadcast in the ATSC format, a highly integrated and cost effective video decoder IC that can convert from HD to SD format for viewing on today's NTSC type televisions must be developed.
Technical Discussion: This IC is very cost effective because it is able to optimize external memory storage. It must handle the storing of audio, compressed, reference picture, SI tables, and graphics data into low cost 16Mbit SDRAM. This accomplishment is made possible due to the integrated down conversion logic (developed at MERL Murray Hill) that re-scales HD input pictures to a quarter of there size so that only three SDRAM are required for storage. The IC includes a programmable MPEG2 System Demultiplexer that supports transport streams up to 135 Mbps, video and audio clock recovery, synchronization, and 32 independent SI filters and queues. The video decoding function supports automatic error concealment. The internal display processor outputs raster data for 480I/P displays by performing 34 different video format conversions. Finally, the IC contains full-featured 2D graphics functions controlled via a processor interface.
Outside Collaborations: Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies, Murray Hill, NJ.
Contact: Huifang Sun
Publications:
Wren, C.R.; Erdem, M.; Azarbayejani, A.J., "Automatic Pan-Tilt-Zoom Calibration in the Presence of Hybrid Sensor Networks", ACM International Workshop on Video Surveillance and Sensor Networks (VSSN), ISBN: 1-59593-242-9, pp. 113-120, November 2005 (VSSN 2005, TR2005-084)
Technology Areas:
Advanced Digital Television
Digital Communications
Modification Date: September 12, 2007
