Nvidia is shipping a graphics processor said to be capable of implementing “high-quality” TV, video, audio, and 3D gaming on mobile phones. The GoForce 5500 handheld GPU (graphics processing unit) offers full-motion digital TV, high-fidelity surround-sound, rapid multi-shot photography, and “console-class” 3D graphics, according to the company.

The G5500 GPU is compatible with several new network standards, including DVB-H, ISDB-T, and DMB, and with commonly used data formats such as H.264, MPEG-4, and WMV9, according to the company.

Additionally, the device is capable of both encoding and decoding full motion video (30 frames/sec.) with NTSC resolution of 700 x 480. It also is said to support photo resolutions up to 10 megapixels, and offer “rapid multi-shot” capabilities.

Key subsystems implemented on-chip include:

• H.264 Video Codec
• WMV9 and Real Video 9 decoder
• MPEG4 / H.263 hardware codec
• 3D graphics engine with OpenGL ES and Nvidia Pixel shading extensions
• 64-bit 2D graphics accelerator
• Image signal processor
• JPEG hardware codec
• Display controller with XGA (1024 x 768) LCD support, with glueless interface
• Programmable audio engine
• SD/SDIO host controller
• Video input with support for 10 megapixel cameras
• Integrated 640KB SRAM
• 32-bit host interface
• On-chip oscillator
• Power management circuitry

Reference design comes with Linux drivers

Nvidia and DiBcom say they have collaborated to create a DVB-H reference design for mobile handset TV platforms. The design incorporates both the GoForce 5500 GPU and the DiBcom DIB7000H DVB-H demodulator, and is supplied with software drivers for Linux, Windows CE 5.0, and Symbian.

“The introduction of the Nvidia GoForce 5500 handheld GPU marks the beginning of a new era for 3G mobile phones,” said Michael Rayfield, general manager of Nvidia's handheld GPU group. “The Nvidia GoForce 5500 GPU delivers high-quality video playback and capture, high-resolution camera support, and stunning 3D graphics — all at impressive performance levels that we believe consumers are going to demand in the next generation of mobile devices.”

The company said it expects phones using the GoForce 5500 to begin shipping from handset manufacturers toward the end of 2006.

 
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