14 DAY TRIAL // Fujitsu Labs has integrated real-time processing of HD content in a large-scale integrated circuit being probably the first ever to succeed producing a LSI chip capable of HD I/O. The LSI IC, with the model name MB86H50, is capable of real-time encoding and decoding of high-definition, high bandwidth H.264 content that is streamed for TV applications.
Compared to current MPEG-2 based chips, H.264 offers settings for higher compression while maintaining a crisp clear picture due to its MPEG4 based encoder and decoder. Because the compression and decompression algorithms that use a H.264 encoder are very complex a powerful hardware-based solution is required for real-time processing of H.264 media. And this is the exact spot where Fujitsu's new LSI comes in because it can deliver real-time encoding and decoding on a single chip.
Among other parameters that are important for the future customers, you might want to remember the fact that Fujitsu's new IC can process high-definition media at a resolution of up to 1440x1080. That may sound a lot but is still far behind 1080p streaming. However, Fujitsu says that with further development of the chip, 1920x1080 image resolution will be available soon, in order to offer fully HD capable machines.
Fujitsu also said that their newly developed LSI uses little power because it comes with embedded memory chips. Fujitsu also claims that a proprietary algorithm behind the decoding and encoding capabilities uses a "self tuning" procedure that automatically applies lighter or stronger compression depending on the current image. The final product will be launched on March 2007 and though pricing is somewhat unknown, rumors have projected a price tag of $130 USD.