Sarnoff H.264 Silicon IP Now on ARM Processors for High-Quality Video on Mobile Devices

GISTEL, Belgium and CAMBRIDGE, England -- October 6, 2005-- Sarnoff Corporation and ARM today announced that the latest H.264 silicon IP codecs which enable video on mobile devices, are now available on ARM® processors. The codecs enable PDAs, cell phones, and other portable devices to encode, decode, and display vivid, high-resolution, full-motion video for teleconferences, movies, and other business and entertainment uses.

Sarnoff is demonstrating the codecs on ARM hardware at the ARM Developers' Conference in Santa Clara, CA., Oct. 4-6 (booth 913), and at the Fabless Semiconductor Association (FSA) Suppliers Expo & Conference in San Jose, CA., Oct. 5-6 (booth 414-416).

The codecs, part of Sarnoff's line of SelectCores(TM) silicon IP, were implemented on the ARM processor using ARM RealView® ESL tools with MaxSim(TM) technology, part of the ARCHITECT Series.

"We chose the ARM RealView ARCHITECT design tools with MaxSim technology because they gave us the most efficient implementation of our IP on the ARM platform, and because they let us model our customer's SoC design in detail even before manufacture, thereby minimizing their risk," said Sandip Parikh, product development manager, Sarnoff. "The RealView virtual prototyping tools helped our teams in Princeton, New Jersey, and Bangalore, India, to create the optimum system-on-chip solution."

RealView ARCHITECT tools with MaxSim technology are used to create and deploy SystemC-based virtual prototypes of complex SoCs," said Thomas Kettler, business development manager, ESL Tools, ARM. "Our RealView ESL tools run on multiple platforms to meet customer needs for SoC architecture exploration and pre-silicon software development. ARM provides complete system solutions with ARM IP and tools invented, designed, developed and tested together. Sarnoff knew that the finished product would be compatible with our processors and take maximum advantage of their performance."

Sarnoff's H.264 silicon IP draws low power for long battery life. It also includes hardware-based accelerators for maximum flexibility and scalability. By choosing which accelerators are implemented, users can optimize the cost/power tradeoffs to the specific device being designed. This allows them to customize device performance and maintain brand differentiation.

The IP also enables software or hardware to be used interchangeably for given functions. Device makers can freely integrate proprietary technology with the IP to enable specific functions or boost performance.

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, 3D processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity products. Combined with the company's broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.

About Sarnoff Corporation

Sarnoff Corporation (www.sarnoff.com) produces innovations in electronic, biomedical and information technology that generate successful new products and services for clients worldwide. Founded in 1942 as RCA Laboratories, it develops breakthroughs in ICs, lasers, and imagers; drug discovery, manufacture and delivery; digital TV and video for security, surveillance, and entertainment; high-performance networking; and wireless communications. Its history includes the development of color TV, the liquid-crystal display, and the disposable hearing aid, and a leadership role in creating the new U.S. digital and HDTV standard. Sarnoff also founds new companies to bring its technologies to market. It is a subsidiary of SRI International.