Codec features in HD video recorders

New-generation UniPhier uses the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 next-generation codec.

Panasonic is claiming a world first by applying a 45nm system LSI to consumer electronics.

The new device is a new-generation UniPhier in which next-generation AV data compression/decompression (codec) technology is applied to UniPhier, Panasonic's original digital consumer electronics integration platform.

The new LSI is used for six new models of Panasonic's new DIGA-series high definition video recorders, including Blu-ray disc recorders with a hard disc drive (HDD) and HDD/DVD recorders.

The new-generation UniPhier uses the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, a next-generation codec.

This has quadrupled the recordable time for the same media compared with MPEG-2, a representative conventional codec for moving pictures, as the image compression can be performed at twice or three times the usual efficiency.

To mount the next-generation codec on a system LSI, more elements than before must be formed on a limited space; actually 250 million transistors are integrated onto a single chip.

In addition, it is vital to keep the power consumption within a limited range when the number of elements increases.

Mass production of the new-generation UniPhier system LSI has been made possible through a 45nm process technology for much higher integration density than before.

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