Product category:
Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs
News Release from: Analog Devices | Subject: Blackfin
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 14 September 2006
Processor helps DVRs to skip the boring
bits
The Blackfin processor enables an innovative feature that allows Hitachi Wooo D series digital video recorders to automatically extract and play back key highlights from recorded video.
The Blackfin processor has enabled Hitachi to implement an innovative feature that allows the Hitachi Wooo D series of digital video recorders (DVRs) to automatically extract and play back key highlights from recorded video Known as "automatic digesting", the capability makes fast forwarding all but obsolete, and is implemented by a custom algorithm running on Blackfin
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 4 Mar 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Hitachi DVRs debuted in April in Japan.
Leveraging the ability of the Blackfin to execute sophisticated, computationally intensive algorithms, Hitachi developed a program that automatically highlights important material on a recording based on changes to audio and video outputs, such as an increase in sound, or a change in the brightness or colour distribution.
Users can enjoy the high points of their recorded shows, such as a big musical number in a concert or the scoring plays in a baseball game, without having to fast forward.
Further reading
Processors add performance, peripherals and power
The performance of the Blackfin processor allows more robust image processing than earlier products, increasing accuracy and speed of transactions.
Upgrade for DSP development
Integrated development environment, debugger, C/C++ compiler, assembler, linker and simulator support Blackfin, SHARC and TigerSHARC processors.
Powering this advanced feature, Blackfin handles the audio and video processing in addition to interfacing with the host storage device.
"Today's consumers demand high-definition entertainment that fits into their busy lifestyles".
"Hitachi Wooo DVRs rely on Analog Devices' Blackfin processor to handle complicated audio and video processing, which brings new convenience to the experience of watching recorded content", said Kazuto Shimagami, Senior Manager, Storage Products Marketing and Product Planning Dept., Ubiquitous Platform Systems, Hitachi.
The easy programmability of the Blackfin architecture was a major reason that the ADSP-BF531 processor was chosen for these high-end DVRs.
Hitachi also selected Blackfin because of its audio/video optimisation performance - at speeds up to 400MHz, Blackfin is ideally suited for multichannel audio and video processing applications - and superior signal processing capabilities.
"Now viewers can eliminate the skipping around needed to 'get to the good part' of a programme and go right to it".
"Hitachi is harnessing the multimedia power and performance of the Blackfin processor to create feature-packed DVRs for the ultimate television fan", said John Croteau, General Manager, Convergent Platforms and Services Group, Analog Devices.
The new Hitachi DVRs feature up to 1Tbyte of media storage and record in Hi-Vision, a Japanese HD (high-definition) format.
All HDD/DVD (hard disk drive/digital video disk) recorders in the series - which includes the DV-DH1000D, DV-DH500D, DV-DH250D and DV-DH160D - come equipped with automatic digesting functionality and have a twin digital tuner system (two terrestrial digital tuners and two BS/CS digital tuners) to enable simultaneous recording of two broadcast programmes with HD quality.
Additionally, the new models come loaded with a unique graphical user interface that allows users to easily sort, select and play programmes recorded in large capacity HDD.
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