Conexant Video Encoder Brings The Ultimate In Multimedia Realism To PCs, Game Consoles And Set-Top Boxes

New Single-Chip Solution First To Support High-Definition Television Output And International Television Display Capability

22-Aug-00

Conexant Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT) expanded its portfolio of video solutions by introducing the industry's first single-chip video encoder to provide high-definition television (HDTV) output capability.Conexant's CX25870/871 solution, combined with the company's adaptive flicker filtering technology, allows the user to view PC, set-top box and video game applications on a TV screen instead of a monitor. In addition, the CX25870/871 is the only solution of its kind to provide true international display capability for global customers.""With unmatched features like adaptive flicker filtering and HDTV output capability, the CX25870/871 is the ideal video encoder solution for PC, set-top box and game console applications,"" said John Graham, Vice President of Marketing for Conexant's Digital Infotainment Division.""The CX25870/871's adaptive flicker filtering capability brings the end-user's viewing experience to a whole new level by automatically determining the optimal amount of flicker filtering for a given application. ""In addition, our encoder is the first to allow consumers to easily connect their PCs, set-top boxes or game consoles to their ATSC HDTVs, enabling them to experience the latest applications with superior video realism and viewing quality.""To provide manufacturers with a turnkey solution for PCs, set-top boxes, graphics cards and game consoles, Conexant has joined forces with NVIDIAÆ (NASDAQ: NVDA), a global leader in advanced graphics processing technology.The two companies collaborated to develop a CX25870 evaluation kit, which includes all the hardware, software and documentation needed for manufacturers to create their own PC, set-top box, graphics adapter or game console design. The evaluation kit includes the NVIDIA GeForce2 GTSô graphics processing unit (GPU) on an advanced graphics port (AGP) graphics card and the Conexant CX25870/871 on a plug-in daughter card.""We are excited to continue our long-standing relationship with Conexant and collaborate on a joint reference design with our newest GeForce2 GTS controller,"" said Dan Vivoli, Vice President of Marketing at NVIDIA.""By combining the industry's leading adaptive flicker filtering encoder with our industry-leading graphics technology, consumers will experience the highest quality display of the latest PC, DVD and game titles on either standard or ATSC high definition television sets.""Exclusive Flicker Filtering Technology Enhances Viewing ExperienceUnlike alternative implementations which can cause users to experience flickering and inferior quality images, Conexant's exclusive adaptive flicker filtering automatically adjusts the amount of flicker filtering based on the content displayed, evaluating image content on a pixel-by-pixel basis and determining the optimal settings. For example, text in an HTML Web page requires a high level of flicker filtering, whereas content with minimal or little text, such as that of a PC game, requires little if any flicker filtering.So if a user is viewing a Web page in one window while watching a DVD in another window, each application will look its best because the adaptive flicker filtering technology will adjust to the optimal setting for both applications, although the settings will be different.Solution Supports Widest Array of Global Television FormatsThe CX25870/871 is the first to provide manufacturers with a worldwide single-chip solution. In addition to supporting NTSC and PAL analog formats, the CX25870/871 offers SECAM output, a popular standard used in France and Russia, and also supports European component SCART output. The product is the first PC video encoder to offer true worldwide support for WSS 16:9 per the Electronics Industries Association of Japan (EIAJ) CPR-1204 and the radio sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) BT.119 popular analog standards in Europe and Japan. In addition, the CX25870/871 supports CCIR656 standards, important video standards required by applications such as set-top boxes and DVD players.Technical DetailsBy supporting resolutions up to 1024 x 768, the CX25870/871 raises the bar for video in contrast to alternative offerings that support only standard resolutions up to 800 x 600. The CX25870/871 also provides HDTV output capability by supporting the output of either analog red, green and blue (RGB) or analog YPBPR signals. The CX25870/871 supports ATSC resolutions including 480p, 720p and 1080i. The CX25871 is fully compliant with Macrovision 7.1.L1, the latest copy protection standard, and the CX25870 is designed for non-Macrovision applications.The CX25870/871 supports all the features of Conexant's previous generation encoder, the Bt868/869, the market's most popular PC video encoder, including five-line vertical and horizontal flicker filtering, a wide range of overscan compensation ratios and 10-bit video digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Fully pin- and software-backward compatible with the Bt868/869 video encoder, the CX25870/871 enables Conexant customers to quickly bring to market new TV out solutions with the latest adaptive flicker filtering and HDTV features. Conexant's proven video encoder solutions have helped popularize PC TV out in systems offered by Dell, Gateway, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and many others, as well as PC cards offered by manufacturers such as 3DFX, Creative Labs and Diamond.Pricing And AvailabilityPackaged as an 80-pin plastic quad flat pack (PQFP), the CX25870/871 is available for $12.50 in quantities of 10,000. The CX25870 evaluation kit is also available now, and is priced at $995.About Conexant's Digital Infotainment DivisionConexant's Digital Infotainment Division is a leading provider of semiconductor systems for broadband and broadcast communications applications. Addressing the convergence of PCs with consumer entertainment products, the division's broad portfolio includes cable and wireless modems, IP telephony products, digital set-top boxes and digital broadcast and video solutions for personal computing appliancesAbout Conexant Systems Inc.With a revenue run-rate of approximately $2 billion per year, Conexant is the world's largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor solutions for communications electronics. With more than 30 years of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications. These products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks. The company aligns its business into five product platforms: Network Access, Wireless Communications, Digital Infotainment, Personal Imaging and Personal Computing. Conexant is a member of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 Indices. For more information, visit Conexant at www.conexant.com.

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