Extra bit boosts video decoder performance

Philips Semiconductors has released the SAA7115 9bit video decoder, with high-performance comb filter, enhanced Macrovision detection and advanced VBI data slicing capability.

Philips Semiconductors has released the SAA7115 9bit video decoder, with high-performance comb filter, enhanced Macrovision detection and advanced vertical blanking interval (VBI) data slicing capability.

As part of Philips Semiconductors' Nexperia digital video platform, the SAA7115 provides the front-end digitisation and processing of analogue video inputs on next-generation set-top boxes, digital televisions, video projectors, personal video and DVD recorders.

Designed with service providers in mind, the highly integrated SAA7115 is the latest chip from Philips to comply with Macrovision's Copy Protection Detect Specification Revision 1.00.

The SAA7115 sets a new standard for manufacturers and reference design partners as a cost-effective solution allowing consumers to realise a high-quality digital video experience.

Philips Semiconductors' SAA7115 is the only video decoder to offer dual 9bit low-noise, 2x-oversampled analogue-to-digital convertors.

With a dramatic 10 to 15dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement versus leading 8bit competitors, the SAA7115 provides the industry's highest calibre video decoding in its class.

With the trend toward increasing screen sizes, video performance is key, and beyond optimal SNR figures, a high-performance comb-filter is essential for realising the sharpest possible image on composite video sources, such as analogue off-air and cable TV tuners and VCRs.

The chip, complete with robust VBI slicing capability including Copy Generation Management System (CGMS) and Gemstar, will offer manufacturers greater flexibility by freeing up software overhead for features such as time-shifting, electronic programme guide (EPG) and interactive services.

As the SAA7115 decoder is certified with Macrovision's latest content protection specification, it also assures service providers that programming will remain protected throughout the entire analogue-to-digital conversion process.

This capability preserves the content's original analogue copy protection and prevents the unauthorised recording of copyrighted material at the output of the set-top box to VCR formats.

The SAA7115 is a single-chip 9bit video decoder with 2x-oversampling that captures video for various applications ranging from small-screen products such as digital set-top boxes and personal video recorders to big-screen devices such as LCD projectors and HDTVs.

The device can decode NTSC, Pal and Secam signals with fully automatic standard detection.

The SAA7115 also includes a pixel-accurate H/V scaler, a frame-accurate audio clock, and an optional square pixel output rate.

In addition, the SAA7115 is fully pin-to-pin compatible with Philips highly successful SAA7114 video decoder.

The chip features a best-in-class, dynamically adaptive worldwide four-line comb filter and a universal VBI engine capable of slicing WST 525/625 teletext, VPS, US/European close captioning (CC), WSS 525/625 (CGMS), US NABTS, VITC 525/625, Gemstar 1x/2x and Moji Japanese teletext.

To provide designers with increased flexibility, VBI read-back via the industry standard I2C bus is also available.

Philips Semiconductors' SAA7115 video decoder chip in LQFP100 packaging is now in volume production.

The product will be available throughout the company's global sales team and worldwide network of distributors and will be supported by Philips' extensive field support team.

The SAA7115 MACH-2 Evaluation System is an extremely flexible tool enabling designers to showcase the chip's performance using a wide variety of video input signals.

The advanced modular system enables the SAA7115 to be interfaced with any of Philips Semiconductors SAA712x family of digital video encoders in a completely stand-alone environment to provide customers with a complete end-to-end system evaluation.

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