Xilinx demos plug-and-play HDTV reference design at CES 2010

LAS VEGAS, USA: At the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Xilinx Inc. demonstrated a new Consumer Video Enhancement Reference Design that bundles advanced digital video algorithms with a low-cost Xilinx Spartan field programmable gate array (FPGA) for rapid 'plug-and-play' design of high-definition digital TVs (HDTVs).

Developed in collaboration with Vestek Electronics Research and Development, an internationally recognized provider of video processing ICs and IP, the demonstration showcases an off-the-shelf, fully functional design that makes it easier for DTV OEMs to differentiate with picture quality rather than on price alone in high-volume markets.

It features a configurable digital image engine specifically developed by Vestek to enhance image and video quality of flat panel LCDs and pre-programmed to run on the Spartan FPGA for the optimal mix of cost, power, and performance.

The digital image engine incorporates a suite of production-proven video enhancement algorithms that have been shipping in high volume to the European DTV market. These deliver superior enhancement in color vividness, skin tone, image sharpness, and contrast with each pixel addressed individually instead of universally for the best picture quality and viewer experience.

An easy-to-use graphical interface allows designers to adjust parameters and fine-tune picture quality based on the targeted market region. The Spartan FPGA-based solution eliminates the many engineer-hours required to develop and implement similar algorithms in application-specific standard products (ASSPs) or applications-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

"For OEMs entering the HDTV market, there is a strong need to create offerings that stand out from competitive products on the retail shelf," said Harry Raftopoulos, director of consumer segment marketing at Xilinx.

"The Consumer Video Enhancement Reference Design combines production-proven IP and silicon with a turnkey approach, enabling DTV OEMs to easily integrate the Spartan FPGA-based solution directly into their systems and quickly ship high-volume products while offering enhanced picture quality without requiring a dedicated team of video algorithm experts."