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C-Cube's DVxpert-HD Raises Quality, Lowers Price of HD Broadcast Encoding; New Chip-Set Handles All Predominant HD Formats
MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1999--C-Cube Microsystems (Nasdaq:CUBE) today announced a high definition (HD) broadcast encoder chip-set that will allow television stations to transmit the industry's highest quality HD video to consumer homes.
DVxpert-HD is the first broadcast encoder chip-set to replace discrete and semi-programmable HD solutions with a scalable and programmable design that is easier to integrate and lower in cost.
The new chip-set, DVxpert-HD is based on C-Cube's recently introduced DVx-HD platform architecture for high definition broadcast and video production applications.
With C-Cube based HD broadcast systems, television stations will be able to broadcast the highest image quality, address all the predominant HD formats, have the flexibility to transmit both standard definition (SD) and HD from a single system, and have the critical MPEG-2 HL@MP technology needed to comply with broadcast transmission standards.
"With more than a decade's experience in video compression, C-Cube has already set the quality standard for SDTV broadcast," said Fermi Wang, vice president and general manager for C-Cube's PC/Codec division. "We are now establishing a new level of performance for HD applications and products."
With DVxpert-HD, manufacturers gain access to C-Cube's new HDScan(TM) capability. HDScan is the industry's most formidable image processing technique because it offers a uniform image while efficiently managing the allocation of data bits. A major shift from previous encoding solutions, HDScan horizontally stripes the video image with each chip in the set being responsible for an individual stripe.
One chip in the set is assigned as the encode manager, ensuring that MPEG-2 reference data is shared across the stripes, more bits are applied where necessary and movement from one area of the image to another is clean and artifact-free.
In addition, with C-Cube's DVxpert-HD, manufacturers can prepare video for transmission in all predominant HD transmission formats (480p, 720p and 1080i). From the same system, they can transmit one 1080i channel or multiple SD channels. They also have the flexibility to transmit a 480p and 720p HD signal while using the remaining available bandwidth to broadcast multiple SD signals.
DVxpert-HD offers the broadcast industry a significantly higher performing silicon base than available with C-Cube's standard definition DVxpert product. The new silicon also consumes less power than the first generation solution.
In addition, DVxpert-HD has the following advantages that make it ideal for HD broadcast:
-- The same industry-proven API as C-Cube's SD architecture,
allowing systems manufacturers to rapidly migrate to HD
-- Statistical multiplexing, allowing broadcasters to make the most
efficient use of broadcast bandwidth while delivering the highest
quality video
-- Inverse telecine, allowing broadcasters to preserve image quality
at less bandwidth when converting from film to video material
-- Flexible Group of Pictures (GOP) structure (I, IP, IBBP) allowing
broadcasters to address different level needs of compression
-- Support for closed caption display, eliminating the need for
external encoding devices
Availability
C-Cube is currently sampling DVxpert-HD to broadcast equipment manufacturers for system development.
About C-Cube
C-Cube Microsystems Inc. is the industry leader in the development and delivery of highly integrated digital video silicon and systems solutions. C-Cube's Semiconductor Division delivers highly integrated digital video silicon and systems solutions for the communications and consumer electronics markets, including digital set-top boxes, VCD, and DVD.
C-Cube's DiviCom Division is a leader in the deployment of digital video networks. C-Cube is headquartered in Milpitas, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its stock is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol CUBE. C-Cube can be reached at 408/490-8000 or at c-cube.com. C-Cube's DiviCom Division is based in Milpitas and can be reached at 408/944-6700 or at divi.com.
Note to Editors: C-Cube and the C-Cube logo are registered trademarks of C-Cube Microsystems Inc. DiviCom is a registered trademark of DiviCom, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective companies.
CONTACT:
C-Cube Microsystems
Molly McCarthy, 408/490-8017 (Public Relations)
molly.mccarthy@c-cube.com
Steven Horwitz, 408/490-8561 (Investors)
steven.horwitz@c-cube.com
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