3-D graphics branch out to set-top boxes

-- EDN, 1/6/2000

ATI has released its Rage standard-definition-TV (SDTV) and high-definition-TV (HDTV) set-top-box video/graphics controllers. Each controller integrates 2- and 3-D graphics, an ISO-compliant transport demultiplexer, and either a standard- or a high-definition digital-video decoder that can decode all 18 high-definition MPEG-2 formats. The decoder can also convert between formats and perform line-doubling as well as other advanced video-graphics features. A unified memory-graphics architecture reduces the need for three separate memories-2- and 3-D, transport, and MPEG-into one memory as small as 8 Mbytes. The Rage SDTV is similar to the HDTV device but is limited to the decoding of standard-definition MPEG-2 video and targets the worldwide digital-video-broadcast market. The chips are pin- and software-compatible with each other, enabling one architecture to support a worldwide market.

The 3-D engine enables high-performance 3-D gaming, improved user interfaces, fades and wipes between channel changes, and other applications. The 2-D engine supports 16- and 32-bit color depth, 8-bit alpha blending with alpha values set on a per-pixel basis, and unlimited graphics planes. The Set-top-Wonder HDTV reference platform provides a back end to a high- or standard-definition set-top box and includes a MIPS CPU, graphics, memory, flash, I/O, and multiple PCI slots.

The Rage HDTV controller costs $30, and the Rage SDTV controller costs $25 (100,000). Samples and reference design are now available.

ATI Technologies, 1-905-882-2600, www.atitech.com.

-by Nicholas Cravotta