Next-Generation All-in-One LCD TV Solution Builds on Success of Micronas VCT(R) Platform

Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a leading supplier of innovative application-specific IC system solutions for consumer electronics, today announced the second- generation of the widely-accepted VCT-P family of single-package flat-panel TV processors. VCT-Pro addresses the demand for bigger display sizes and better quality.

"Micronas has been very successful with its VCT-P in the competitive LCD- TV market. Major OEMs all over the world have selected it for their HD-ready and IDTV LCD and plasma TVs," states Wladimir Punt, Director Marketing TV at Micronas. "The VCT-Pro is designed to meet new market demands in terms of screen-size and display type, new picture and sound requirements, and the chassis-mix between HD-ready and IDTV."

The VCT platform includes the VCT-P and the VCT-Pro. These compatible IC families offer leading-edge features and excellent picture and sound performance, scalable over a wide range of LCD-TV segments, as well as for mainstream plasma TVs. "Our family concept has been proven to offer our customers relevant benefits in terms of development time and effort while providing matching features for the customer's TV-chassis line-up," confirms Hermann Zibold, Director Business Line TV at Micronas.

The VCT platform features a very high level of integration. VCT-P and VCT- Pro include all essential TV functions that contribute to A/V and PC connectivity, audio and video decoding, picture and sound quality, TV control, and LCD panel drive in one QFP208 package. Flash and SDRAM memory, required for a full TV system, are also integrated. This high level of integration enables customers to realize very compact chassis designs and reduces the bill of materials.

Addressing new display and picture quality market challenges, the VCT-Pro includes an enhanced 2D/3D comb filter and picture quality algorithms, including Micronas Dynamic Backlight Control and Micronas Adaptive Contrast Enhancement. VCT-Pro also integrates the next-generation SD/HD motion-adaptive de-interlacer.

Picture performance can be further enhanced with Micronas' FRC 94xyH. This IC offers the truD HD(R) technology which offers unique features such as vector-based motion-compensated de-interlacing, 100/120 Hz motion blur reduction and film de-juddering. When combined with the VCT-Pro, it delivers unparalleled picture quality on large flat panel displays.

VCT-Pro supports sophisticated audio features such as BBE VIVA(TM) and extended audio delay-line capabilities (Lip Sync). Further system cost benefits result from supporting Spread Spectrum Technology for the LVDS output signals.

Advanced services include storage of 2000 pages of Teletext for instant page-access and support for advanced PiP, PaP, and Multi-PiP applications.

The VCT platform is ideally suited for IDTV, both for DVB-T and ATSC reception. Micronas offers proven reference designs to address these markets. Customers currently using the VCT-P can benefit from Micronas' evolutionary strategy and will be able adopt the VCT-Pro within a very short time-frame.

Samples of the VCT-Pro, evaluation boards, development tools and a comprehensive software package will be available in the third quarter of 2006.

NOTE: VCT-Pro is a trademark of Micronas GmbH. VCT, FRC, and truD(R)HD are registered trademarks of Micronas GmbH. BBE VIVA is a registered trademark of BBE Sound Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Further information: http://www.micronas.com/VCT-Pro/

About Micronas

Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a semiconductor designer and manufacturer with worldwide operations, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge IC and sensor system solutions for consumer and automotive electronics. As a market leader in innovative global TV system solutions, Micronas leverages its expertise into new markets emerging through the digitization of audio and video content. Micronas serves all major consumer brands worldwide, many of them in continuous partnerships seeking joint success. While the holding company is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), operational headquarters are based in Freiburg (Germany). Currently, the Micronas Group employs about 2000 people. In 2005 it generated CHF 845/USD 676/EUR 545 million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit http://www.micronas.com.

Author:  

Email:    

Topic:    

Content: