ST intros innovative SoC enabling rapid deployment of DisplayPort 1.2 interfaces and high-res 3D for multimedia monitors

INDIA: STMicroelectronics announced a new highly integrated SoC family with unique integration of comprehensive video and audio inputs, advanced video quality and expanded functionality. The new SoCs have been designed for multi-function premium monitors, public displays, All-in-One PCs and high-performance notebooks.

The first three members of the new multi-media monitor SoC family, STDP9320, STDP9210 and STDP7320, combine a DisplayPort 1.2 receiver and transmitter and a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 1.4 receiver. In addition, the STDP9320 and STDP9210 sustain 120Hz 3D Full High-Definition (FHD), very high-resolution WQXGA and WQHD display panels, while the STDP7320 supports 60Hz FHD WUXGA display panels. The new products include first-of-their-kind features, such as multi-stream, multi-monitor daisy chain support, patented active video window detection, simple end-user accessible firmware updating, and ST’s industry-leading Faroudja imaging technology.

The DisplayPort 1.2 receiver/transmitter enables wider bandwidth data – up to 21.6 Gbps – and multi-stream transmission through a single cable for ‘daisy chain’ and ‘tile’ display monitor applications. The HDMI 1.4 receiver supports all mandatory 3D input formats defined by the HDMI 1.4 specifications. Monitor firmware upgrading is made easy for consumers with the patented EZ-FUN (Easy Firmware Upgrade Network) feature, accessed via a simplified On-Screen Display (OSD) menu.

The SoC family provides additional digital-video and audio connectivity, such as dual Digital Visual Interface (DVI), analog component, TTL and SPDIF/I2S inputs. Panel interface options are Quad Low-Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) and Internal DisplayPort (iDP) or Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) formats.

The new SoCs integrate features for advanced image quality and usability not typically found in this category of product, including:

* Active-Video window detection, which automatically detects and optimizes video embedded within Internet multimedia content and applies the Faroudja Adaptive Contrast Control II (ACC II), Active Color Management-3D (ACM-3D) and Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR), independently from the panel’s main settings;

* Non-Uniformity luminance compensation for excellent flat-field performance;

* Six-axis independent Color Control for correcting or customizing color;

* PiP/PaP (Picture in Picture/Picture and Picture) for watching two different video sources simultaneously, which is a benefit of having two integrated independent video processors.

The STDP9320 and STDP9210 (WQXGA and WQHD/ 120Hz FHD) in 521-ball BGA packages are now sampling to early adapter customers. The STDP7320 (WUXGA / 60Hz FHD) will be available for sampling in a 345-ball BGA package in Q4 2011.