AUSTIN, Texas -- Nov. 3, 1998 -- Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) today announced two new Crystal® multi-standard TV encoder DACs (digital to analog converters) that promise to reduce the cost of DVD movie players and digital set-top boxes. The new mixed-signal chips (CS4954 and CS4955) specify exceptional video quality and numerous high-end features, along with multi-format video output capable of driving all NTSC and PAL standard television sets worldwide.
According to Cirrus Logic, the new Crystal encoder DACs offer an impressive feature set and superb quality video reproduction not found in more expensive competitive devices, making them ideal for differentiating high-volume digital video-based consumer electronics. The CS4954 and CS4955 devices are identical with the exception that the CS4955 includes Macrovision revision 7.01 anti-taping output protection.
Top Video Quality via 10-Bit Data Converters
Consistent with the industry-leading quality and precision of Crystal audio ICs, the CS4954/55 devices deliver extraordinary visual clarity with six independent 10-bit DACs. "Most competitive low-cost parts today utilize only a pair of 8- or 9-bit DACs," said Doug Holberg, business manager of Crystal Digital Imaging at Cirrus Logic. "Our six 10-bit DACs are software-configurable, enabling all popular output formats of video: composite, S- Video, component or RGB." Holberg noted that the multi-format output is ideal for systems in Europe where SCART connector compatibility is a necessity.
For home theater applications, the new encoder DACs deliver the high quality RGB or component output demanded for video projectors and premium grade TVs. In addition to lossless color output capability, the CS4954/55 devices are equipped with an enhanced luminance mode called "Super Black/Super White" which is used in conjunction with a Pluge test pattern to properly calibrate the output brightness level of DVD players or set-top boxes. This mode can paint videophile-grade images with deeper blacks and brighter whites as desired.
Rich Feature Set
As the third generation of Crystal TV encoders, the CS4954/55 devices incorporate four years of customer enhancements and validation, resulting in a rich and robust feature set that includes:
"We took no short cuts with the CS4954/55 development, and have worked closely with customers to create mixed-signal solutions that meets all of the requirements necessary to be globally successful," said Terry Ritchie, Crystal marketing director at Cirrus Logic. "The CS4954/55 devices are loaded with some killer features such as teletext support that allows end users to simultaneously record video onto a VCR while they look at teletext pages on the TV."
Largest Feature Set, Smallest Package
The new Crystal TV encoders deliver exceptional video quality plus an impressive feature set in the industry’s smallest package -- a 48-pin 7mm x 7mm TQFP. This smaller, yet feature-rich package is optimal for compact, space-sensitive designs.
Newest Set-Top Family Member
The CS4954/55 encoders join other Cirrus Logic ICs already in set-top box designs, including CS492x MPEG and Dolby Digital audio decoders, CS433x stereo audio DACs, CS533x stereo audio ADC’s, CS422x audio codecs, CS84xx SPDIF receivers/ transmitters, CS89xx Ethernet controller products and the CL-PS7500FE ARM-based Internet access device.
Price and Availability
The CS4954/55 encoders are available in sample and production quantities now, and each device is offered at under $3.00 each in 100,000 unit quantities. Additional information on the new encoders and other Crystal digital imaging and audio solutions areavailable at www.cirrus.com.
Cirrus Logic Inc.
Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of precision linear circuits and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions, the latter of which demand high-performance mixed-signal processing, embedded DSP, algorithms and firmware. The company’s products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable high-volume applications in mass storage, communications, consumer electronics and industrial markets. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.
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Note to editors: Cirrus Logic and Crystal are registered trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.
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