Swiss semiconductor vendor Micronas has announced a Linux-based reference platform for flat-panel, H.264 compatible HDTVs. The Pegasus IDTV (Integrated Digital Television) platform combines two new Micronas chips: the VCT-PlatinumD system processor and an MDX-H multimedia accelerator IC, along with support ICs, says the company.

Pegasus IDTV offers personal media playback, home networking, and enhanced audio options in addition to HDTV functionality, says the company. The chipset supports 1080p HD via its new VCT-PlatinumD system processor, which performs both analog and digital MPEG-2 decoding, picture improvement, and display functions, claims Micronas. The single-chip processor also includes a USB 2.0 interface for plugging in memory sticks.

Micronas did not reveal the core used in the VCT-PlatinumD, but the company's earlier VCT-Pro chip for IDT applications used a MIPS core. And, its “Mini-IP Camera” kit, is built around a MIPS-based Micronas Cypher ESN7108A SoC (system-on-chip) running Linux.

Support chips for the VCT-PlatinumD include the DRX-J and DRX-K demodulators, which are said to provide support for either ATSC or DVB digital broadcast standards. Pegasus also includes the company's FRC-Q frame-rate converter IC, which provides 100Hz/120Hz motion blur reduction, says Micronas.

The MDX-H IC, meanwhile, offers media playback and audio enhancement features, and supports BBE, Dolby, and SRS audio formats. An optional Digital Sound Projector feature is said to enhance audio quality.

Micronas provides a “complete Linux-based software stack” for Pegasus that is said to include middleware support for DVB and ATSC, and a customizable graphical user interface (GUI). The development environment is said to enable third party software suppliers to port DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and other network-connected software applications to the platform.

Stated Wladimir Punt, Director of TV Marketing at Micronas, “Responding to the growing market requirements to decode H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-4 HD and SD streams, the Pegasus platform includes Micronas' new MDX-H multimedia accelerator IC. MDX-H works seamlessly with VCT-PlatinumD and is able to decode an extensive list of audio and video content delivered either over the broadcast network, USB interface, or network connection.”

Availability

The Pegasus IDTV platform will be available in the fourth quarter, says Micronas.

 
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