H.264/AVC HDTV video codec LSI

Fujitsu has developed a video codec LSI for the compression/decompression of high-definition television (HDTV) video in conformance with the H.264/AVC standard, which is expected to become the next-generation video compression standard. This LSI uses a "prefetch memory control technique" that reduces external memory access - an important issue in the compression of HDTV video - by 25 to 45% in terms of data transfer rate compared with conventional memory access techniques. It achieves superior picture quality and low power consumption by optimal application of video-encoding algorithms accumulated by Fujitsu over many years. The LSI is embedded with two of Fujitsu's original low-power memory units (fast cycle random access memory [FCRAM]) in a single package under the product name MB86H50. The entire chip including memory consumes only about 600 mW during audio-visual (AV) encoding of HDTV video, achieving low power consumption at an industry-leading level. With the above features, the MB86H50 can record, play, and transmit HDTV video at high quality via a wide variety of equipment including portable AV devices, hard disk recorders, and home network appliances.