Silicon Image intros MHL (mobile HD link)-enabled IP cores

SUNNYVALE, USA: Silicon Image, a leader in advanced, interoperable HD connectivity solutions for consumer electronics, announced the availability of intellectual property (IP) cores that support the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) standard.

This announcement follows the Company’s recent introduction of its first MHL-enabled semiconductor products (see press release on October 4, 2010). MHL is a new mobile HD interface standard optimized for connecting mobile phones and other portable devices directly to high-definition televisions (HDTVs) and displays, while enabling power from the display to charge mobile device batteries over a single cable.

With Silicon Image’s new MHL IP cores, mobile and CE semiconductor manufacturers can quickly integrate MHL-enabled IP into their next-generation system-on-chip (SoC) devices, helping to accelerate the time-to-market of MHL-enabled products.

“We are pleased to now be an official adopter of the MHL standard. MHL technology offers unique advantages for the growing mobile market, such as providing full HD video and 8 channel audio between mobile devices and HDTVs and displays using existing connectors,” said Weiheng Shan, VP Sales and Marketing at Sunplus Technology Co. Ltd.

“Sunplus’ decision to license MHL IP from Silicon Image is based on their proven expertise in HD connectivity solutions and the anticipated successful market adoption of MHL.”

“Mobile devices are evolving to possess the processing and storage capabilities of PCs while incorporating additional features such as digital still cameras and HD camcorders,” said Eric Almgren, vice president, IP business group at Silicon Image Inc.

“MHL technology enables these powerful mobile devices to fully exploit their HD video and audio capabilities on HDTVs and home theater systems. Silicon Image’s MHL IP cores will allow SoC manufacturers to integrate MHL technology—reducing power consumption and bill-of-material cost, while ensuring compatibility between HDTVs and mobile products.”

Silicon Image’s family of IP cores includes a broad range of HDMI® technology solutions, Serial ATA (SATA) storage, RAID controller, image signal processor (ISP) camera IP up to 18 megapixels and H.264, MPEG-1/2 and VC-1 video decoders.