WISchip Rolls Out High-Definition Audio/Video System-On-Chip Decoder for Next-Generation Consumer Electronics

Single-Chip DeCypher 8100 Decodes H.264 (AVC), VC-1, and MPEG-1/2/4 Formats; Integrates Digital Rights Management and Networking Functionality

SANTA CLARA, CA., September 26, 2005 ­- WISchip International Ltd., a global provider of digital video and audio semiconductor solutions, today announced the DeCypher 8100, a breakthrough multi-stream, high-definition, audio/video system-on-chip (SoC) decoder with integrated digital rights management and networking support. The DeCypher 8100 is a flexible and scalable single-chip solution that will enable OEM consumer electronics customers to develop next-generation IP set-top boxes and high-definition television sets and Blu-ray (BD)/HD-DVD products at a lower cost with faster time-to-market.

The key enabling drivers for these emerging high-definition consumer products, as well as high-quality IP-TV broadcasts and video-on-demand services, are advanced compression technologies to reduce the bandwidth requirements needed to deliver high-definition content. Furthermore, as next-generation digital media becomes pervasive in the home, there will be increasing demand to integrate the various home entertainment devices. This functionality requires the powerful media processing and networking capabilities incorporated in the DeCypher 8100.

“Consumer electronics vendors must overcome some significant challenges in order to make high-definition content ubiquitous in the home,” said Michelle Abraham, principal analyst with In-Stat. “With MPEG-1/2/4 video compression technology, the bandwidth requirements are much too high. There are also multiple content protection schemes that do not interoperate, inhibiting the widespread release of premium content. Plus, connecting devices in the home to view, share and distribute content is cumbersome. WISchip's DeCypher 8100 represents a new class of streaming media decoder that tackles each of these significant problems head on."

Advanced Audio Video CODEC support

The DeCypher 8100 reduces the bandwidth required for high-definition digital video by a factor of two to three when compared to today’s MPEG-2 compression standard. This is achieved by supporting advanced CODECs such as H.264 (AVC) High Profile (ITU/ISO standard) and VC-1 Advanced Profile (SMPTE standard). The DeCypher 8100 also incorporates MPEG-4 Advanced Simple Profile; MPEG-2 and MPEG-1 CODECs for backwards compatibility. The system-on-chip can simultaneously decode a single high-definition and standard-definition stream or any combination of four standard definition streams.
The DeCypher 8100 also supports audio decoding for Dolby Digital, WMA, WMA Pro, AAC, and MPEG audio layers I, II and III (MP3) and other industry-standard audio algorithms.

Robust Security Engine

Security and digital rights management for current and emerging needs are provided through a dedicated security subsystem. The security subsystem incorporates a dedicated processor and hardware acceleration for cryptographic functions such as CSS descrambling, DES/3DES, AES, RC4, Microsoft Janus/Cardea, and Microsoft Block Cipher. Additionally, the security subsystem also incorporates OTP and an NRSS-A interface for renewable conditional access.

Real-Time Streaming Support

As a highly integrated SoC, the DeCypher 8100 combines a real-time IP streaming, network-ready architecture to transmit and receive high-definition content between devices. To simplify content accessibility, the new decoder supports connectivity via UPnP(tm), DLNA and PlaysForSure. In addition, the DeCypher 8100 is the first working solution capable of receiving and processing streaming, high-definition H.264 (AVC), VC-1 and MPEG-1/2/4 content using the latest networking technology.

“The DeCypher 8100 represents a major breakthrough in technology that will dramatically impact the high-definition consumer electronics market,” said Jim Mannos, Ph.D., president and CEO of WISchip. “Our new SoC decoder provides a ‘one-stop’ development platform that enables designers to deliver highly differentiated products to distinguish themselves from what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive market.”
WISchip will provide software development kits (SDKs) for turnkey reference design platforms based on the DeCypher 8100. These reference designs will enable OEM consumer electronics vendors to quickly and cost-effectively develop new classes of high-definition audio/video products.

About WISchip International

Wischip International is a global provider of digital video and audio semiconductor solutions that enable new classes of powerful multimedia products. The company’s portfolio of high-performance, low-power stand-alone and system-on-chip integrated circuits incorporates next-generation standards that enable system developers to quickly bring leading-edge products to market. Patented WISchip technology maximizes digital video and audio quality in a wide range of end-user computing, surveillance, and electronic entertainment products. WISchip International offices are located in Santa Clara, California, with operations, distribution partners, and strategic alliance partners in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.wischip.com.