DVD decoder prepares for future formats

-- EDN, 11/23/2000

With high-end features such as progressive-scan video outputs and DVD Audio disc compatibility in mind, C-Cube Microsystems started from a clean slate when planning the successor to its popular ZiVA-4 DVD system processor. The result, ZiVA-5 (Picture), integrates numerous functions that previously required multiple chips, migrates to a unified memory model, and leverages already-proven logic from other chips in the vendor's product line (see "Set-top-box IC plays loose with lingo," EDN, Oct 12, 2000, pg 26).

ZiVA-5 employs an integrated 150-MHz, dual-issue, dual-execution 32-bit SPARC processor with 16 kbytes of instruction cache and 16 kbytes of data cache. The processor handles copy-protection, watermark-detection, user-interface navigation, and overall system-coordination tasks. Speaking of user interfaces, ZiVA-5 includes the 2-D graphics engine from the company's AViA-9600 and 9602, which supports an unlimited number of regions and as many as 256 levels of alpha blending. Dual on-board DSPs with 225-MIPS combined performance, one in the form of a hardware multiply-accumulator coupled to the SPARC, handle Dolby Digital, DTS, and MP3 decoding, 2x MP3 encoding (for audio-plus-video-jukebox applications), Meridian Lossless Packing decoding, postprocessing tasks such as HDCD (high-definition compatible digital), virtual surround sound and karaoke, and other audio functions.

urning to video, ZiVA-5 includes a field-adaptive deinterlacer and a 54-MHz video encoder; the encoder supports NTSC, PAL, and 480-line progressive scan YCcrCb formats courtesy of the five onboard video DACs. To hook the chip directly to a digital monitor, though, you have to include an external DVI transmitter. Consumer-electronics-equipment connectivity via USB or IEEE 1394 also comes from nonintegrated logic, at least in this product generation. ZiVA-5's 32-bit memory bus hooks up to single-data-rate SDRAM operating as fast as 166 MHz, and the included DVD-drive-track buffer processor further reduces overall parts count, complexity, and cost.

The 208-pin PQFP ZiVA-5 costs $22.50 (100,000). The ZiVA-5M targets mainstream DVD players and lacks 24-bit and 192-kHz audio support, MP3 encoding, and progressive-scan capability; it costs $16.50 (100,000).

C-Cube Microsystems, 1-408-490-8000, www.c-cube.com.

at www.rscahners.ims.ca/ednmag/.

-by Brian Dipert