Single-chip Video Broadcast CODEC

CODEC offers scalable MPEG encoding for broadcast quality streaming over IP without broadband.

by Wayne Kawamoto

C-Cube Microsystems recently announced its new single-chip broadcast CODEC for one and two-way video networking applications. According to the company, DVxpert 5120 is the first single-chip MPEG CODEC (encoder and decoder) that provides streaming video over Internet Protocol (IP), and offers the potential for broadcast quality video playback over narrow and middle broadband Internet pipes.

The DVxpert 5120 may be used for both one- and two-way enterprise video networking applications that includes streaming video over IP, VOD (video on demand), distance learning, enterprise-to-enterprise video training, video conferencing, telemedicine, security/web camera operations, and satellite news gathering.

The CODEC fully synchronizes audio and video, and offers scalable MPEG, which allows for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoding at varying quality levels. The CODEC can apply MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 compression at bit rates that range from an ultra-low 56Kbps, all the way up to 15Mbps. The CODEC also offers video and audio synchronization, and transport-layer support for system multiplexing and demultiplexing on a single-chip. Packaged on a compact 308-pin BGA, DVxpert 5120 requires only 8MB external SDRAMs and consumes less than two watts of power.

"Streaming video offers a cost-effective solution for highly visual, global communication," says Ray Newstead, vice president and general manager of C-Cube's Broadband Network Division. "C-Cube is offering the enabling MPEG compression and decompression technology that will allow video over IP to be as crisp and clear as it is on television, creating a new performance benchmark for communication applications."

In another announcement, C-Cube Microsystems announced that their single-chip DVxpert 5120 broadcast CODEC will provide MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video encoding for Cisco Systems' newly announced Video-Over-IP Networking product, the IP/TV 3400 Broadcast Server.

DVxpert 5120 is available and shipping now.

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