ETC DVXPLORE

DVXPLORE CODEC
DVD-QUALITY VIDEO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK FOR CONSUMER PCS
KEY FEATURES
The DVxplore™ codec from C-Cube Microsystems is the industry’s first single-chip MPEG-2 and DV consumer codec, delivering DVD-quality video recording and playback for consumer
applications. The DVxplore codec enables exciting new content
creation and PC/TV applications for the home, based on DVDquality video recording.
For the first time, PC manufacturers can offer consumers
DVD-quality video recording and frame-accurate MPEG-2
editing, turning PCs into complete DVD recording and content
creation stations. Manufacturers can incorporate sophisticated
digital video recording features, such as automatic television
program recording using an electronic program guide (EPG),
into consumer PC/TV products. Digital recorder applications
can provide time-shifting capabilities such as instant replays
of broadcast programs. As a result, manufacturers and applications developers can use the codec to establish DVD-quality
(MPEG-2) video as a standard data type on consumer PC and
PC/TV platforms.
The DVxplore codec leverages C-Cube’s highly flexible DVx video
compression and decompression architecture to provide an
unprecedented range of capabilities that aren’t limited to a single
video format. PC users can acquire video from analog, DV, or
MPEG sources and edit it with frame accuracy to create MPEG-2
videos that play back on any MPEG-2 or DVD decoder. Employing MPEG-2 compression, users can extend recording time tenfold compared to Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) or DV
solutions. They can also use the codec to address low-bandwidth applications such as MPEG-1 video for websites
and email.
SIX KEY FUNCTIONS ON ONE CHIP
The versatile DVxplore codec provides these six key functions:
• MPEG-2 Encoding: PCs can record DVD-quality video using C-Cube’s advanced, highly reliable PerfectView™
encoding algorithm.
• Dual-Stream MPEG-2 Decoding: Two MPEG-2 data streams can be decoded simultaneously to provide frameaccurate editing of MPEG-2 video. Hardware rendering of special effects (fades, wipes, or dissolves) enables realtime preview of the edited video.
• Realtime DV to MPEG-2 Transcoding: Users can convert digital video from consumer DV camcorders to MPEG-2
video, enabling playback on any MPEG-2 or DVD decoder. The all digital conversion process delivers DVD quality while minimizing the storage requirements for captured video.
• DVD Decoding: Hardware DVD video decoding provides
the highest video quality with minimal host CPU
requirements. The DVxplore codec performs full decoding of CSS-encrypted MPEG-2 video and subpicture
streams.
In conjunction with a software AC-3 decoder running on
the host processor, The DVxplore codec provides C-Cube’s
market-tested DVD playback feature set: MPEG-2 decoding, subpicture decoding, PCM audio, A/V synchronization,
and SecureView™ CSS copy protection.
• MPEG-1 Encoding: Users can take advantage of MPEG-1
video capture for low-bandwidth Internet and intranet
video applications such as live “webcams,” video clips on
websites, and video email attachments.
• Single Stream DV Codec: The DVxplore codec also
allows users to capture and edit video in native DV
format.
KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
DVD-QUALITY VIDEO
The DVxplore codec delivers MPEG-2 video to consumer
PCs, allowing full-screen DVD-quality video recording and
playback at consumer prices. The codec runs downloadable
microcode that lets it operate as both a DVD-quality digital
video recorder (encoding) and player (decoding). C-Cube’s
patented PerfectView encoding algorithm produces superior
images using a number of techniques—including multilayer
motion estimation, variable bit-rate encoding, inverse
telecine, and optimal bit allocation—that work together to
improve encoding efficiency and picture quality.
CONSUMER VIDEO EDITING
With the DVxplore codec, personal video content creators
get WYSIWYG (“what you see is what you get”) simplicity.
Hardware acceleration for dual-stream decoding and video
postprocessing lets users perform seamless MPEG editing
in realtime using C-Cube’s revolutionary FAME™ (Frame
Accurate MPEG Editing) technology. FAME allows users to
implement special effects on the fly, and accomplish A/B
roll transitions across frames such as fades and dissolves.
Because the DVxplore codec records and edits the video in
MPEG-2 format, all files can easily be stored on an ATAPI
hard disk.
DV VIDEO CAPTURE AND TRANSCODING
The DVxplore codec is a forward-looking solution that
supports DV-format digital camcorders as well as conventional analog camcorders. This feature is especially desirable as consumers increasingly turn to digital video
cameras and consumer PCs come equipped with an IEEE
1394 “Firewire” interface. The DV to MPEG-2 transcoding
capability creates video files that are playable on any
MPEG-2 or DVD decoder. Transcoding also saves disk
space by increasing compression 5 to 10 times.
MicroSPARC
Video
D-Cache
DSP
Motion
Estimator
Memory
Memory
EPROM
Interface
Data
Serial
Interface
Data
Clock
Clock
Audio
Interface
Video
Interface
PCI
Interface
Audio
SDRAM
Controller
SDRAM
Array
0139a
PCI Bus
I-Cache
DVxplore System Block Diagram
C-Cube
CONVERGENCE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE HOME
The DVxplore codec may be used in DVD-RAM bundles
and upgrade kits that provide a complete content creation
upgrade. In addition, PC and set-top hybrids will be able to
offer DVD-quality video recording, authoring, and storage
in one box.
EASY PC INTEGRATION
Personal Content Creation with DVxplore
INTERNET-READY VIDEOS
The codec’s MPEG encoding capability creates MPEG-1
videos that are perfect for low-bandwidth Internet and
intranet applications. For example, users can go beyond
banners and still photos to create video content for a
website, including live “webcam” images. They can also use
video email software to add life to their mail attachments.
INTELLIGENTTV APPLICATIONS
With a DVxplore codec on board, PC/TV products have the
power to deliver a wide range of video recording and interactive viewing options. For instance, viewers can:
• Automatically record TV shows by selecting items on an
electronic program guide
The DVxplore codec’s PCI bus interface allows easy integration with PCs. It takes advantage of bus mastering to minimize CPU utilization and maximize bus throughput. The
codec also supports output of uncompressed video to a
dedicated PC video port for display on the PC’s monitor.
The highly compressed MPEG video streams (2 to 10 Mbps)
created by the codec can easily be transferred to and from
standard PC ATAPI hard disk drives, eliminating the need
for expensive SCSI hard disk drives.
TARGET APPLICATIONS
The DVxplore codec makes it possible to record, edit,
author, and archive DVD-quality video on the PC. It
enables a wide range of end-user applications, including:
• Intelligent TV applications with high-quality smartrecording
• Digital VCRs with timeshifting
• Consumer video editing
• DVD playback
• Personal content creation
• Internet/intranet video creation
• Video email
• Use time-shifting features such as realtime rewind,
pause, and fast-forward to manipulate live broadcasts
• Interact with broadcast TV programs and conduct
searches in the same way they can interact with a
program on a DVD disc
• Make use of an application that monitors closed-caption
material in the Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) for key
words that will automatically trigger recording
EXTENDED RECORDING TIME
DVxplore variable bit-rate (VBR) technology lets users
record hours of DVD-quality video on DVD-RAM, PC hard
disks, or other media. For example, users can store up to
one hour of video per gigabyte of storage capacity. This
makes high-quality video recording economical and practical on consumer PCs.
TV
Tuner
Analog
Video &
Audio
In / Out
NTSC
Decoder
NTSC
Encoder
8MB
DVxplore
ADC
DAC
PCI
0140a
• Simultaneously access the Internet while recording or
viewing a program
DVXPLORE SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM
C-Cube
SPECIFICATIONS
Mode
Video Rate
(Mb/s)
Video
Resolution
Audio Rate
(kbps)
Total
(MB/min)
8 GB
Datarate
MPEG-2 Extended Play
2
352x480
224
16.68
360
39
Comparison
MPEG-2 Long Play
4
720x480
224
31.68
189
21
82
MPEG-2 Short Play
6
720x480
224
46.68
129
14
56
MPEG-1
1.15
352x240
192
10.07
596
65
258
DV25
25
720x480
768
193.26
31
3
13
Video
MPEG-2
Encoded Bit-rate Range
Electrical
Capacity (Minutes)
CD/R
DV25
DVD
156
MPEG-1
2 to 10 Mbps
25 Mbps
64 Kbps to 2 Mbps
GOP Options
I-only, I, B, P
I-only
I, B, P
Video Input Resolution
Horizontal 720, 352
Horizontal 720
Horizontal 352, 176
Vertical NTSC 480, PAL 576
Vertical NTSC 480, PAL 576
Vertical NTSC 240, 112, PAL 288, 144
Motion Search Ranges
Horizontal ±202 pels; Vertical ±62
Frame Rates
NTSC 29.97 Hz
NTSC 29.97 Hz
NTSC 29.97 Hz
PAL 25 Hz
PAL 25 Hz
PAL 25 Hz
Film 23.976 Hz
N/A
Film 23.976 Hz
Video I/O Interface
Audio I/O Interface
Horizontal ±166 pels; Vertical ±70
CCIR-656
I2S (up to 8 channels)
Host Interface
PCI Rev. 2.1
Test Interface
IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG)
Input Voltage
3.3 V (5 V I/O Tolerance)
System Voltage
1.9 V
Power Consumption
2W
System Clock
110 MHz
Package
308-pin BGA
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© C-Cube, 2000. All rights reserved.
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Printed in USA
Part Number: 90-5160-101
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