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News Release from: ARC International | Subject: ARC Player Subsystem
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 20 September 2006
Preverified package covers many audio
standards
Programmable subsystem offers an MPEG-4 video decoder and multistandard audio codecs coupled with a configurable 32bit microprocessor as a preverified solution.
ARC International has introduced the ARC Player Subsystem - the latest addition to its offering of programmable subsystems that are ideally suited for SoCs targeting media-intensive consumer applications The ARC Player Subsystem is the first in the industry to offer an MPEG-4 video decoder and multistandard audio codecs coupled with a configurable 32bit microprocessor as a preverified solution
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 20 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Ideal for ASIC and SoC implementations, the ARC Player Subsystem operates at very low power in 0.18um technologies.
Components included in the preverified ARC Player Subsystem are a member of the configurable 32bit ARC 600 core family, MPEG-4 video decoder, MP3 decoder, audio/video synchronisation, and voice recorder.
Optional audio decoders include WMA, AAC, and Dolby Digital Consumer (AC-3).
A comprehensive set of software and hardware development tools also are available, simplifying the SoC design process and speeding customers' ARC-based silicon implementations to market.
Jason Blackwell, cofounder and CEO of S2 Data Corporation, said: "An increasing number of lower-end consumer devices, traditionally the domain of 8 and 16bit microcontrollers, are integrating multimedia rendering and playback functionality".
"This is requiring a shift to more powerful and flexible 32bit microprocessors".
"However, due to extreme price sensitivity adding advanced multimedia features can be cost prohibitive making it difficult for manufacturers to exploit new market opportunities".
"The ARC Player Subsystem provides a compelling, low cost migration option for manufacturers by offering configurable 32bit processing and multi-standard audio and video support".
Derek Meyer, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ARC International, said: "The ARC Player Subsystem is another example of how ARC International is leading the IP industry by offering more than a single-function processor core".
"ARC Player is a fully programmable solution that provides MPEG-4 video with key audio codecs in a single preverified package".
"It is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the large installed base of devices that need a cost effective migration path to 32bit platform functionality".
Featured in the ARC Player Subsystem is a member of the configurable 32bit ARC 600 core family.
It is a full-capable embedded core that can serve as a control, applications, and DSP processor using a unified RISC architecture.
ARC Player is also a general-purpose 32bit processor with the power to handle the communications functions required in consumer applications.
Because the ARC Player Subsystem is programmable, SoC designers can include additional codecs or algorithms to extend the market life and reduce the need for future product development.
The ARC Player Subsystem can be evaluated using the ARCangel 4 (AA4) demonstration platform, which also serves as a highly integrated development system.
The AA4 incorporates an FPGA-based ARC Player Subsystem running the open-source Linux operating system.
The AA4 supports all the standard codecs supported by the ARC Player Subsystem.
Supported audio codecs include MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital Consumer (AC-3), and voice recorder.
The supported video decoder is MPEG-4.
The ARC Player Subsystem is available now from ARC International.
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