WISchip Rolls Out New System-on-Chip Streaming Media Encoding Solution

Cypher 7108 Provides Highly Versatile Multi-Format Audio Video Encoding with Networking Solution

SAN JOSE, CA., March 21, 2005 ­- WISchip International Ltd., a global provider of digital video and audio semiconductor solutions, today announced the introduction of its

Cypher™ 7108 system-on-chip (SoC), a highly integrated video/audio encoding solution designed to address the increasingly demanding multimedia data storage and transmission requirements of next-generation home entertainment systems, PC and Mac "media centers," and commercial/home surveillance systems.

Based on advanced hardware compression technology, the Cypher 7108 supports a broad range of audio and video encoding formats including MPEG-4 Advanced Simple Profile (without GMC), MPEG-2/1, Motion JPEG, and H.263. Cypher can support video encoding at 720x480 resolution. Audio encoding formats include two-channel Dolby Digital (AC-3) up to 448 Kbps, and MPEG-1/2 layer I &II.

"Cypher's multi-format audio video encoding and networking support will appeal to the needs of the PC and commercial surveillance markets," said Greg Fawson, president of S2 Data Corp, a market research and consulting firm. "At the same time, the introduction of Cypher coincides with the emergence of a host of platforms such as IPTV set top boxes, portable video players, and networked media servers designed to deliver the next generation of TV and entertainment services to consumers.  The Cypher 7108's capabilities squarely address the needs of these rapidly emerging markets."

Based on a third-generation encoding architecture, the Cypher 7108 features two-pass encoding with a MIPS™32-bit CPU. It also features a 32-bit DDR SDRAM memory interface as well as direct connections for ATAPI, Ethernet MAC, PCI 2.2, Host Parallel Interface (HPI), USB 2.0 (OTG), I²C and I²S.

In addition to its advanced audio video compression technologies, the Cypher 7108 features a USB 2.0 OTG device controller, 10/100 Ethernet MAC, an ATA controller, PCI master/client bus, a card bus controller and a transport stream output interface. It also supplies advanced scene change detection and features de-noise filters, a video preview engine, seamless A/V synchronization and video source error-handling capabilities.

"As the most versatile MPEG encoding SoC solution on the market, the Cypher 7108 delivers the highest audio/video quality," said Jim Nguyen, director of marketing with WISchip International. "With only minor modifications to the base design of the Cypher 7108, customers can easily and cost-effectively extend its functionality to support a broad array of applications ranging from personal video recorders (PVRs) to media gateways to IP video streaming camera devices."

Cypher Reference Designs

WISchip has established itself as a key supplier of encoding solutions for PVR devices from Plextor Corporation, LifeView and Miglia Ltd. With the advent of personal media players (PMP) being fueled by Microsoft Corporation's introduction of its Media Center Edition (MCE) for Windows XP, PVRs have the potential to serve as "media filling stations" that supply PMPs with digital content. Using a docking station concept, PVRs equipped with the Cypher 7108 have the potential to supply digital content to a wide range of media players by way of Ethernet, HPI, USB 2.0 or PCI-based connections.

Another example of the Cypher 7108's versatility is the ability to extend the functionality of a PVR to operate as a networked digital storage device to support a high quality streaming video camera for home surveillance. With the addition of an inexpensive CMOS or CCD sensor, a high quality (up to D1, 30 fps) streaming video camera can be easily added by taking advantage of the Cypher 7108's on-chip video processor.

Availability

The Cypher 7108 will be generally available in Q2 2005. Complete technical specifications on the Cypher 7108 are available on the company's Web site at www.wischip.com.

About WISchip International Ltd.

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 standalone and system-on-chip integrated circuits incorporate 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 San Jose , California , with operations, distribution partners, and strategic alliance partners in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East . For more information, visit www.wischip.com .

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