MPEG decoder is basis for personal video recorder

A highly integrated MPEG decoder combines high-performance operation, with all the features necessary to provide a complete personal video recorder.

Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) announces the release of a highly integrated MPEG decoder intended to combine high-performance operation, with all the features necessary to provide a complete personal video recorder (PVR) solution.

This key component is the latest member of Fujitsu's MPEG decoder portfolio.

The SmartMPEG-E, (MB86H30) was fully designed in FME's European Design Centre in Langen, Germany and incorporates advanced features, such as high-speed USB 2.0 OTG (On-the-Go) functionality, which allows connection to external host, device and OTG products.

In host mode, the MB86H30 can control slave devices, such as hard disk or USB Flash, and in device mode the decoder can be controlled from a PC.

It is possible to connect one hard disk via the ATA interface and another hard disk or USB Flash drive via the USB 2.0 interface, with the ability to transfer video/audio data between these devices.

Security is guaranteed by TriDES encryption/decryption allowing the encryption of data on the hard disk.

High-performance is provided by an ARC Tangent-A4, six-channel DMA controller, supported by a fast memory system, allowing faster read and write speeds.

Better connectivity options also provide superior flexibility.

The device comes with comprehensive PVR middleware and drivers from FME, which will enable faster design-in and a quicker time to market for developers.

The single-chip solution reduces power-consumption and lowers overall costs.

A wide variety of viewing and recording modes is offered for PVR implementation; one channel can be recorded and another channel can be viewed in time shift mode, or two channels can be recorded while viewing one from the hard disk or a live stream.

The two-video decoder also supports picture in picture (PIP) mode, where two programmes can be decoded and displayed at the same time, allowing the viewer to watch one programme, and see the actual recording in the PIP.

The fast mosaic mode allows the display of multiple pictures on the screen, with one running in real-time and the others updated every 2 seconds.

FME has developed fully-featured PVR application software to accompany the device, which includes recording, playback, timeshift and trick modes.

Supporting drivers and software for the device were also designed in the company's European Development Centre, which offers customers superior support for products and applications.

MB86H30 is available in a BGA 256 package and is currently in mass production.

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