Conexant Introduces Broadcast Decoder For PC-Based Multimedia Applications

Newport Beach, CA -- Conexant Systems, Inc. introduced the PCI Express 1.0a-compliant and 1.1-ready audio/video (A/V) broadcast decoder. The CX23885 is targeted at multimedia applications such as watching television or listening to the radio on a personal computer (PC). PCI Express is a serial bus technology that enables scalable video capture on PCs and other consumer electronics devices. The company also announced cumulative shipments of broadcast decoders and encoders exceeding 50 million units.

The CX23885 is the first in a family of planned devices. The device captures and decodes both analog and digital television broadcasts, and supports worldwide audio and video standards. In addition, the single-chip solution integrates all of the functions required to perform television and external A/V capture.

"New technologies such as PCI Express are required to support higher-quality multimedia applications on consumer electronics devices," said Al Servati, division director of Convergence Video products for Conexant. "Our new A/V decoder provides manufacturers with a single-chip solution that speeds and simplifies the transition to PCI Express, allowing them to bring products to market more quickly and economically."

The high level of audio and video integration in the CX23885 eliminates the need for additional broadcast audio decoding and processing chips, or external sound demodulation chips. The chip is optimized for regional broadcast requirements, and is backward-compatible with the company's CX25843 A/V decoder. Additional planned devices will also be offered in pin-compatible configurations.

To enable faster time to market, Conexant offers multiple CX23885 PCI Express and ExpressCard reference designs. All of the reference designs include schematics, layout files, and evaluation boards with production-ready device drivers.

SOURCE: Conexant Systems, Inc.