Horizon Semiconductors new chip could lead to more dual format HD players
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."
Via
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