Magnum Semi announces DVR and Home Media Server Co-Processors

Advanced DVR and Home Media Server Co-Processors from Magnum Semiconductor Enable New Revenue Streams for Multi Service Operators; The DXT family of multi-media co-processors adds multi-standard encoding, decoding and transcoding to existing and new generation set-top box solutions

MILPITAS, CA — Magnum Semiconductor, the leader in professional grade quality video processors, announced today its DXT family of advanced DVR and home media server co-processors. The DXT co-processors enable a host of novel timeshifting, place-shifting and device-shifting features in set-top box and home media server appliances. They enable longer recording in set-top DVR and whole home DVR applications through transcoding from MPEG-2 to H.264 in HD or SD resolutions. They enable content on-the-go applications through transcoding of MPEG-2 to H.264 or VC-1 and through transizing down to QCIF for mobile devices, such as smart phones and laptops. Finally, they enable robust place-shifting applications, not just through transcoding, but more specifically through efficient rate-shaping.

The DXT co-processor family consists of the DX6215 and DX6225 processors. The DX6215 is capable of rate-shaping, encoding, decoding and transcoding, while the DX6225 is a lower power version, capable of rate-shaping and transcoding only. It is designed to feed entirely off USB bus power, targeting existing set-top box appliances via external USB dongles. The DX6215 is targeted for new set-top box and home media server designs.

“Designed as an add-on co-processor, the DX62xx are easily integrated into existing settop box and home media server designs, or incorporated in aftermarket products, such as USB dongles. This allows set-top OEMs and broadcast operators to seamlessly roll-out value-added solutions and services that extend their revenue streams, such as placeshifting, whole home DVR, content on-the-go, etc.”, said Bob Saffari, VP Marketing at Magnum Semiconductor, responsible for broadcast and set-top box products.

Unlike competing solutions that use tightly-coupled methods, the DXT co-processors use a full decode and re-encode programmable architecture. With this architecture advanced pre-processing and unrestricted flexibility in encoder tool-use is made possible, which produces superior video quality at lower bit rates. Equally compelling, it enables programmable, self-adaptive rate-shaping algorithms, which are important for content redistribution over links with fluctuating transmission bandwidth.

“By leveraging our experience and know-how in the professional market, the DX62xx co-processors deliver the best overall video processing performance in the industry, enabling low-cost flash memory-based storage, best-in-class quality of experience for time- and place-shifting applications, and future-proof 1080p60-processing for Full HDTV broadcast” said Bob Saffari.

Advanced Features

The DX62xx come with the following advanced features:

• HD to HD Transcoding from MPEG-2, H.264 or VC-1 to MPEG-2 or H.264
• HD to SD transcoding from MPEG-2, VC-1 or H.264 to MPEG-2, VC-1 or H.264
• HD to HD transrating for MPEG-2 and H.264
• Transizing from HD down to QCIF or lower
• Faster than real-time MPEG-2 to H.264 transcoding
• Mirror transcoding for HD to HD transcoding with simultaneous creation of content on-the-go
• DX6215 only:
  • Encoding up to 1080i60 HD in H.264 or MPEG-2 format
  • Decoding up to 1080p60 Full HD in H.264 or MPEG-2 format
• Audio transcoding between Dolby Digital, AAC-LE, HE-AAC and MPEG-1 Layer II
• Audio encoding and decoding of Dolby Digital, AAC and MPEG-1 on DX6215
• Cipher transcrypting between DES, 3DES, AES, SHA, M6, ECDSA, etc.
• Encryption of external DRAM content
• Low-power

Pricing & Availability

The DX62xx come in a 24mmx24mm PBGA package and is currently sampling to select customers. General availability is scheduled for Q2 of this year. Specific development platforms are available to support OEM application development. Contact Magnum Semiconductor for pricing.