Dual format players were supposed to be the best way of hedging your bets while the format war raged on between Blu-ray and HD-DVD. However, as Samsung’s recent delay to its universal model emphasises, there are not too many players to choose from.
That could soon change with the arrival of Horizon Semiconductors’ Hz7220 decoding system-on-a-chip, which enables dual channel true 1080p/60 decoding for next generation players and should lead to more dual format players in the future.
Having all decoding available on a single system makes the prospect of engineering dual format players a lot more attractive to potential ODMs and OEMs.
The latest chip claims a full specification of features including H.264, VC-1, MPEG-2, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, HDi, BD-J and HDCP among others. The chip is available immediately and is provided with a comprehensive software stack compliant with both HD-DVD and Blu-ray.
And to assist the development of more dual format players, Horizon is also making a reference design kit available.
"Horizon's Hz7220 single-chip solution represents a significant breakthrough in the evolution of universal high-definition DVD players", said Leonid Yavits, Horizon's Chief Technology Officer.
"Our compelling offering that combines native 1080/60p decoding support for both
high-definition optical formats, along with the integration of powerful 2D/3D graphics & display processing, sophisticated HDi and BD-Java acceleration engines and comprehensive software stack, will allow manufacturers to significantly accelerate development & deployment of low cost high-definition HD-DVD, Blu- Ray and universal (combo) players and recorders."
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