Scaler switches TV designs to LCDs

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Aug 28, 2003

The Nexperia PNX300x Digital One Chip (DOC) reference design includes the SAA6713 scaler IC for use in mid-end liquid crystal display (LCD) television sets.

The Nexperia PNX300x Digital One Chip (DOC) reference design includes the SAA6713 scaler IC for use in mid-end liquid crystal display (LCD) television sets.

The DOC PNX300x reference design provides set makers with the opportunity to produce affordable mid-end LCD TV sets by adding a scaler to the DOC PNX300x solution.

Philips' proven scaler technology, together with the positive awareness of the DOC system solution, allow TV manufacturers to move from production of cathode ray tube (CRT) to LCD TV sets in a quick, smooth and cost-effective manner.

The LCD market has continued to grow strongly with revenues rising 6.9% during the first six months of 2003, according to iSuppli/Stanford Resources.

The research firm also states that total LCD revenues will reach over US $30 billion by the close of the year - an increase of 12% compared with 2002.

Due to this growth, along with a downward pricing pressure in the market, TV manufacturers need to produce more inexpensive TV sets to meet mass-market demand.

The simple addition of the Philips scaler to the DOC reference design enables manufacturers to produce mid-end LCD TV sets with feature-rich functionality at a price level that opens up the LCD TV market to far greater volume potential.

"The combination of the SAA6713 scaler and the PNX300x DOC solution caters for a quick and cost-effective development of LCD TV sets for TV manufacturers", said Jos Klippert, Marketing Manager High End TV at Philips Semiconductors.

"Philips' Nexperia DOC PNX300x reference design is ideal for the seamless transition from CRT to LCD TV in that it requires minimal investment and manufacturers can remain cost competitive in a market that is poised for further rapid growth".

The highly integrated PNX300x DOC solution is a global low-cost 100Hz TV solution and central to its functionality is a 54MHz MIPS Technologies processor with advanced geometry correction allowing for systems savings.

The DOC combines proven TV front-end technology for Pal, Secam and NTSC with high quality scaler technology, and also allows for excellent de-interlacing and picture improvement capabilities.

The SAA6713 is a dual-input display controller with integrated 110MHz ADC and DVI.

Containing colour advanced programming, it provides the viewer with an even greater picture on an LCD panel.

The application has also additional PC functions in that the consumer can connect a PC or notebook to the LCD television.

Finally, by integrating Philips' DOC system (hardware and software) into LCD television sets, manufacturers gain a sustainable competitive advantage in the mid-end market, and are able to provide end consumers with LCD TV sets that they can ultimately afford.

The PNX300x DOC solution plus SAA6713 scaler is priced starting under US $20 for volume quantities and is available now.