New Motorola DSP Decoder Is to Offer ""Lossless"" Compression Standard For DVD-Audio

Motorola has unveiled a new 24-bit digital signal processor (DSP) solution which is believed to be one of the first to implement the audio industryís ëlosslessí compression standard for DVD-audio. The new unit implements the Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) algorithm, which helps assure the playback contains the original sound without any loss.The new Motorola DSP56362 MLP decoder can offer 100 MIPS performance and is capable of decoding most audio formats available on DVD, including Dolbyô Digital, DTS (Digital Theatre Sound), MPEG Multichannel, MLP and HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital), as well as performing post-processing function such as bass redirection, delay management, graphic equalization, 3D virtualization, and other functions.Meridian has developed a lossless software algorithm for the DVD-Audio format, which compresses audio data by discarding signal redundancy rather than information. The algorithm is encoded on the 24-bi DSP56362 device. This allows DVD-Audio to offer longer playing time, better quality and more features for sound effects, graphics, text and sound, without compromising ultimate sound quality.Motorola 24-bit DSP56362 MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) decoder enables consumer electronics manufacturers to help differentiate themselves in the emerging DVD-Audio market with a high performance, flexible, single-chip solution. It is to be used in the first DVD-Audio players available to consumers, including those being launched by Pioneer and JVC at the Berlin IFA consumer electronics show on 28th August.The DSP56300 family, Symphonyô brand, was used as the development platform for Meridian Audioís ëlosslessí packing compression technology (MLP), which was specified by the DVD Forum as the mandatory audio coding system for all DVD-Audio players. The MLP technology differs from other ëlossyí coding systems, such as Dolby Digital and MPEG, by packing the audio signal into genuine redundant space and leaving the final decoded signal unaltered.""With 100 MIPS, the DSP56362 leads the industry in terms of processing power ñ and flexibility for DVD-Audio manufacturers is one of the greatest advantages of that power"", said John Round, General Manager, Imaging and Entertainment Solutions of Motorola SPS Europe ""DVD-Audio decoding requires consumer electronics manufacturers to differentiate their products with a range of audio function.""The DSP56362 helps deliver speeds of up to 100 MIPS on a single device to handle most major multichannel audio decoding standards (Dolbly Digital, DTS Digital Surround, MPEG2), as well as other requirements, such as 3D virtual surrounds, soundfield effects and Lucasfilm THX Cinema processing. Motorolaís 24-bit DSP embedded architecture is used as the de facto standard in the audio industry and was used be the DVD Forumís Working Group 4 to compare competing audio coding schemes for DVD-Audio.The DSP56362 decoder can also be used in other applications such as digital TV, A/V receivers and ProLogic TV, as well as for DVD Video, which currently offers less sophisticated audio features than DVD-Audio. Ultimately, consumer manufacturers are likely to develop so-called ""universal"" players, capable of playing DVD-Audio and DVD-video discs as well as Compact Discs. Motorola provides a range of DigitalDNAô solution to the audio industry and is a leading player in the audio industry, providing the industryís most powerful audio processing architecture with specialized peripherals, software technologies and development tools. The 24-bit architecture is used as the standard in the professional audio industry and forms the basis of Motorolaís digital audio technology.""Our close relationship with Meridian demonstrates our leadership in the audio industryí, said John Round. ""Our DigitalDNA ëtechnology is clearly one of the essential ingredients for manufacturers creating a leading new markets. Many major movie and compact disc soundtrack are edited and mastered on equipment using Motorola DSPs.""The DSP56362 is currently in production. Motorola is presently working closely with a number of consumer electronics manufacturers to bring its MLP decoder technology to market. Motorola is already developing a derivative DVD-Audio solution by eradicating the need for an external memory. The device is expected to be available in 1Q00.As the worldís #1 producer of embedded processors, Motorolaís Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigiatalDNA solutions which enable its customers to create new business opportunities in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation, and wireless communications markets. Motorolaís worldwide semiconductor sales were $7.3 billion (USD) in 1998.