Texas Instruments Integrates Four Video Decoders onto a Single Chip

Texas Instruments Integrates Four Video Decoders onto a Single Chip

April 11, 2006

New Quad-Channel Decoder Saves up to 25 Percent in Board Space and Offloads Horizontal/Vertical Scaling from the DSP in Video Security Applications

    DALLAS, April 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Bringing a
high-performance, cost-efficient solution to multi-input
video applications such as video surveillance, Texas
Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced
a new analog-to-digital (A/D) video decoder that combines
four independent video decoders into a single chip.  With
its high level of integration, the new TVP5154 quad A/D
video decoder simplifies layout and saves up to 25 percent
in board space over previous products.  In addition, each
channel of the TVP5154 features a programmable
horizontal/vertical (H/V) scaler that can offload
processing from associated video processors, giving
developers additional headroom for value-added algorithms. 
For more information, visit
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/tvp5154.html .

    The growth of the security and surveillance market has
fueled demand for the inexpensive format conversion of
video captured by traditional analog cameras.  The TVP5154
quad-channel video decoder is designed to meet this demand,
by employing the proven architecture of TI's successful
TVP5150AM1 single-channel video decoder in a highly
integrated, feature-rich new device. Accepting two
composite inputs per decoder for a total of up to eight
separate camera inputs, the TVP5154 converts NTSC, PAL and
SECAM formats to digital video output streams.  Patented
technology helps improve the quality of weak, noisy or
unstable signals, and additional support is provided for
non-standard video signals.  The device operates as a front
end for a wide variety of video processing engines and is
designed for direct connection to TI's TMS320DM642 digital
signal processor (DSP)-based video processor.

    "The TVP5154 quad decoder addresses the needs of
the multi-channel video security market by reducing space
and cost while improving quality," said Yvonne Cager,
video solutions business manager, TI.  "Operating
seamlessly with TI's DM642 video processor, the TVP5154
saves processing overhead which allows our customers to
introduce new value-added functionality to their
products."

    Flexible Design Options

    The TVP5154 quad video decoder provides features that
add flexibility and enhance performance in security
applications.  The device integrates four independent H/V
scalers that permit downscaling of image outputs and
provide a variety of options for single or simultaneous
output of full-scale and down-scaled images. The TVP5154
takes on scaling functions that would otherwise consume
valuable video processor capacity.  In the DM642, for
example, TVP5154 scaling can free from 10 to 15 percent of
the processing load, allowing developers to utilize the
extra processing power for value-added algorithms such as
de-interlacing and object recognition.

    In order to simplify control communications, reduce
board space and layout complexity, the TVP5154 features
four dedicated I2C addresses, which allow for up to four
TVP5154 devices (16 video channels) on a single I2C bus. 
In addition, the device can program all four of the
integrated video decoders of the TVP5154 simultaneously or
individually.  Furthermore, only one 14.31818 crystal is
required to drive each TVP5154, saving additional board
space and cost. 

    The TVP5154 supports a fast lock mode, which enables
the decoder to switch from video inputs in less than 2.5
fields.  When switching between inputs, the gain and offset
settings of the current input are stored, improving the
locking speed and automatic gain control (AGC) convergence
time.  A stable sync output feature allows for a fixed
number of lines during active video, ensuring a stable
output signal. 

    Availability, Packaging and Pricing

    The TVP5154 quad video decoder is in production today
and is available through TI and authorized distributors. 
The device is packaged in a space-saving 16mm x 16mm,
128-pin low-profile quad flatpack (LQFP).  Pricing is $9.00
per unit in quantities of 1,000 units.

    The TVP5154 evaluation module (EVM) with the DM642
video processor provides a complete evaluation platform
with integrated DSP code, Windows(R) control software, and
a high-quality encoder daughter card for video output. The
easy-to-use control software provides one-click settings
for a variety of standard downscaled resolutions, including
VGA, QVGA, CIF, QCIF and SIF, among others.  The EVM is
scheduled for release by the end of April, 2006, with
pricing planned at $649 per unit.  

    About Texas Instruments

    Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP
and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world
signal processing requirements. In addition to
Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors
& Controls, and Educational & Productivity
Solutions. 

    TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has
manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25
countries.

    TRADEMARKS

    All other trademarks and registered trademarks are
property of their respective owners.

    For more information, please contact:

     Christy Brunton	
     Texas Instruments	
     Tel:   [phone]         
     Email: [e-mail] 

     Tara Hanney		
     GolinHarris		
     Tel:   [phone]	      
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Texas Instruments Incorporated