LSI Logic L64781 Single-Chip DVB-T Demodulator Extends Digital Terrestrial TV Coverage

LSI LOGIC Extends Lead in Digital Terrestrial TV Market with True Single-Chip Demodulator

Improved Architecture Will Extend DTT Services to a Wider Market

Taking the next step to extend its leadership position in the rapidly growing digital terrestrial TV (DTT) market, LSI Logic today announced the availability of its next-generation single-chip demodulator that will improve DTT coverage and performance.

Building on the proven technology of its L64780 predecessor, and resulting from continuing collaboration with BBC Research and Development, LSI Logic's L64781 integrates the forward error correction (FEC), 10-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) and demodulator blocks on a single chip to offer set-top box and digital TV manufacturers better integration, lower overall production costs and faster time to market.

"The L64781 next-generation DVB-T receiver has greatly benefited from field experience and feedback from actual customer deployment of the L64780. The L64781 has consequently achieved better performance levels, especially in the area of co-channel interference. This is particularly important for the deployment of DTT while analogue transmissions remain on-air", said Justin Mitchell, senior research and development engineer, BBC. "The co-channel immunity of the L64781 is such that, in certain modes, it is possible to receive a perfect digital picture even in the presence of a strong analogue signal on the same frequency. The analogue signal, on the other hand, offers a viewable, if somewhat snowy picture, on a conventional analogue TV set."

The high-performance of the L64781 guarantees implementation of a DVB-T receiver that will benefit the transmission chain as a whole. End-users benefit from enhanced reception capability without requiring additional antennas. Broadcasters gain the benefits of wider coverage or lower power transmissions. Dr. Ian Childs, Head of Research at BBC R&D said "we have estimated that the increased sensitivity and robustness of the new chip could increase the potential number of Britons able to receive the channels carrying digital television broadcasts by more than one million viewers."

The L64781 also has excellent mobile reception capabilities and has been proven to work at speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Key attributes of the L64781 include:

True single-chip solution including a 10-bit ADC, Forward Error Correction (FEC) and OFDM demodulation blocks, featured in a small 100-pin package with low power consumption

Fully digital timing and frequency loops, removing the need for a voltage controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) and allowing the use of a low cost XO

Variable bandwidth capability - can work with 6, 7 or 8 MHz systems

Supports all DVB-T modes - including 2k (for the current UK market) and 8 k (for the rest of Europe), hierarchical transmission, and both single and multi-frequency network (SFN/MFN) configurations

Improved co-channel interference - increased robustness where analogue sits in same band as the digital signal to be demodulated

Developer's Kit - allows manufacturers to select the option best suited to their target markets and applications, and accelerates development time

Integra(R) Set-top Development Platform - provides a complete development environment for fast time to market, including complementary devices such as the single-chip SC2000 source decoder, permitting a seamless two-chip set-top box solution.

Set-top boxes and integrated digital televisions (iDTVs) receive digital terrestrial television broadcasts in the same way as traditional broadcasts, with an antenna, but rely on demodulator chips, such as LSI Logic?s L64781, to "translate" these signals into the higher quality sound and images available with digital TV.

In addition, as many more channels can be broadcast digitally than with previous analogue broadcasts, it is critical that the demodulator chip effectively eliminates interference and noise to deliver optimum performance. Broadcasters and viewers can expect to see improvements in both coverage and reception.

"Digital terrestrial TV has been hugely successful in the UK and in Sweden and is soon to be rolled out in the Spanish market. LSI Logic's aim is to enable equipment manufacturers and broadcasters in other European markets to repeat that success, while strengthening our leadership in existing markets", said Elie Antoun, executive vice president, Consumer Products Division, LSI Logic. "While other solutions fall short of industry performance benchmarks, our second generation, true single-chip solution will enable LSI Logic to maintain its position as the dominant player in this market."

L64781 samples, together with an evaluation daughter board for the set-top box development platform (SDP) are available immediately. The evaluation board includes the L64781 device, software drivers and a tuner module. LSI Logic has shipped samples and evaluation samples to lead customers. The chip is priced at sub $17 for volume purchase.

About LSI Logic

LSI Logic Corporation (NYSE:LSI), The System on a Chip Company(R), is a leading supplier of custom high-performance semiconductors with operations worldwide. The company enables customers to build complete systems on a single chip with its CoreWare® design program, thereby increasing performance, lowering system costs and accelerating time to market. LSI Logic develops application-optimized products in partnership with trendsetting customers and operates leading-edge, high-volume manufacturing facilities to promote submicron chips. The company maintains a high level of quality, as demonstrated by its ISO 9000 certifications. LSI Logic is headquartered at 1551 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, California 95035, 408-433-8000, www.lsilogic.com.

About the BBC
The BBC is a public corporation, set up by Royal Charter to provide broadcasting services at home and abroad. The BBC's core home services are funded by the television licence fee which pays for national television networks BBC ONE and BBC TWO; national radio stations - Radios 1,2,3,4, and 5 Live; national radio services in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales - including services in Welsh and Gaelic languages; and 38 English local radio services. It also pays for the BBC's new digital services - BBC CHOICE, BBC NEWS 24, BBC PARLIAMENT, BBC ONLINE and BBC KNOWLEDGE.

The BBC World Service - the international radio service funded by Government Grant-In-Aid - broadcasts to 144 million regular listeners a week in 45 languages, including English. The BBC generates further revenue to support its home services by exploiting its assets at home and abroad through its commercial arm - BBC Worldwide.

For further information, contact The BBC Press Office. Tel: 0181-576-1865