Fujitsu releases transcoders with built-in memory, H.264 transrating function

SINGAPORE: Fujitsu Semiconductor Ltd announced the development of three second-generation transcoders with built-in memory – the MB86M01, MB86M02, and MB86M03. The new products, which are bi-directional H.264/MPEG-2 transcoders, can convert both video and audio data, and can also perform full HD (1920 x 1080) conversions. Even with built-in memory, they deliver very low power consumption, consuming only 1.2W. Sample shipments of the new products will begin at the end of March 2012.

The new products are also equipped with a transrating function that enables H.264 video data to be converted into even higher-compression H.264 video data, making them ideal transcoders to install in products for broadcast markets around the world that use H.264, such as Europe, South America, and Asia. Fujitsu’s proprietary transcoding technology delivers industry-leading levels of low power consumption. Moreover, because of their compact size, they can be used in a wide range of products, including mobile products such as smartphones and tablet PCs, as well as home digital broadcast recording equipment, such as TVs, hard disk PVRs, and PCs.

These days, transcoders enabling extended H.264 video recording have become a standard feature on hard disk PVRs and TVs with video recording functions, and many types of equipment have built-in transcoders. Moreover, as there are increasing opportunities to view HD content even on mobile products, such as smartphones and tablet PCs, transcoding functionality is becoming increasingly prevalent in these products as well, to enable high-compression of the heavy, data-intensive HD content for the purpose of transmitting it over the narrow bandwidths of wireless networks.

Fujitsu Semiconductor has responded to these needs by enhancing the functionality of its first generation transcoders, which were widely used in hard disk PVRs and other equipments as well as mobile products, such as accessories for laptop PCs. The company developed second-generation transcoders with built-in memory, the MB86M01, MB86M02, and MB86M03, which can convert H.264 video data into even higher -compression H.264 video data (the H.264 transrating function), and are packaged in an even smaller form-factor, so that they can be used in products for markets around the world.

The MB86M01, MB86M02, and MB86M03 combine Fujitsu Semiconductor’s low power consumption technology with a proprietary algorithm of Fujitsu Laboratories that enables higher image quality while reducing the processing burden, resulting in industry-leading levels of low power consumption, consuming just 1.2W when using the H.264 transrating function, even including the memory. Moreover, the products combine audio transcoding functions, the security functions needed to protect digital broadcast content, and each type of connection interface all in one chip, resulting in one package that includes memory.

The MB86M01 and MB86M03, whose compact packages measure 13mm square, are ideal for mobile products, such as laptops and accessories for smartphones and tablet PCs, while the MB86M02, with a 21mm square package, is better suited for home electronics equipment.

Fujitsu Semiconductor will continue to enhance its line of ASSP products for video recording equipment, mobile products, and cameras, with a focus on LSI devices for video processing.