NEC intros SoC for STBs with extensive multi-format video support

IBC 2009, KAWASAKI, JAPAN, DUESSELDORF, GERMANY & SANTA CLARA, USA: NEC Electronics (TSE: 6723) today announced the availability of a new image-processing solution, the EMMA3SL/P system-on-chip (SoC) based on NEC Electronics’ enhanced multimedia architecture (EMMA) platform.

The EMMA3SL/P SoC is a set-top box (STB) device compliant with H.264 high definition (HD), the next-generation image-compression standard, as well as the multi-format video support used for the increasing number of worldwide internet-protocol television (IP TV) STBs, such as DivX, VC-1, and WMV. The new SoC is also the first among the company’s EMMA products to support China’s audio/video standard (AVS).

The EMMA3SL/P device is an image-processing SoC that integrates key functions needed to receive and decode digital broadcasts, including MPEG-2 HD audio/video decoders, transport-stream demultiplexers, as well as display controllers for enhanced display and graphics features.

The new SoC includes these features:
(1) multi-format video support for IP TV STBs, in addition to support for the H.264 HD standard and China’s AVS,
(2) integrated enhanced security features, and
(3) 20 percent reduction in the number of on-board pins compared to the company’s existing products, due to the high level of function integration.

Digital audio/visual (AV) applications are a strategic business focus for NEC Electronics, and the company is actively promoting chips for this market segment.

Having released the world's first digital broadcasting STB SoC in 1998 under the brand name "EMMA," the company has built a formidable range of digital AV SoC devices since then covering three main areas — STBs, digital TVs and DVD recorders.

With these devices, NEC Electronics reached a cumulative total shipment of 100 million as of April 2009. NEC Electronics introduced two EMMA devices in January 2009, the EMMA3SL/LP and EMMA3SL/L SoCs, to the wider H.264 STB market.

Due to specific emerging demand for increased multi-format video especially in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, NEC Electronics announced an expansion of its STB device roadmap with advanced security features and cost efficiency, building on technology gained from previous products.