TI's Latest DaVinci Processors

Optimizations Include Reduced Cost and Dual Power Modes for Portable Video Applications

Continuing to fuel the digital video revolution, Texas Instruments (TI) today announced the sampling of the TMS320DM6441 system-on-chip (SoC) based on DaVinci technology. Additional DaVinci software and development tools for the DM6441 make it possible to deliver high-quality video combined with power saving modes for portable audio and video applications, including portable media players (PMPs), consumer video security devices, medical devices, data terminals, IP netcams, automotive/in-flight entertainment systems and other digital audio and video applications. For more information, see www.ti.com/dm6441pr.

"TI has brought together the optimal blend of performance, flexibility, and power efficiency for portable media players," said Henri Crohas, founder and chief executive officer, ARCHOS. "The DM644x device easily supports multiple video formats, which has given ARCHOS the base technology to develop and launch three devices of our latest Generation 4: the ARCHOS 404, the ARCHOS 504 and the ARCHOS 604."

The DM6441 is a dual-core SoC that consists of an ARM9® and TMS320C64x+™ digital signal processor (DSP) core plus video/imaging co-processors. By offering this device, TI expands the possibilities of DaVinci technology for those seeking video performance of H.264, MPEG 2, MPEG 4 or VC-1, among others, at 30 frames per second combined with power efficient optimizations for a whole new realm of consumer applications. The DM6441 provides the key peripherals required for today's portable media applications, including Ethernet, MMC and SD card interfaces, ATA hard disk drive interface, USB 2.0 and multiple UARTs, while offering developers the programmable flexibility and customization they need to design cost-effective portable entertainment products. Furthermore, the power optimization of the device makes it possible for developers to implement power over Ethernet, which is suitable for many video security systems.

"By releasing an SoC with specific power management capabilities to the broad market, TI is further driving the adoption of digital video technology into an increasingly wide array of consumer portable audio and video applications," said Greg Mar, SoC platform marketing manager, TI. "Building on DaVinci technology, we are able to provide the optimized application software developers need to design cost-effective, power-efficient digital video products and bring them to market quickly - Texas Instruments.