Xilinx launches solutions that can address video and audio development
1. What products did Xilinx announce?
Xilinx, a leading provider of programmable logic solutions, recently unveiled a comprehensive set of tools and technologies aimed at supporting the development of next-generation broadcast and media applications. These include 3D TV (3D-TV), Ultra HDTV, IP-based television (IPTV), digital cinema, and H.264 video encoding. The new solutions are designed to help professional broadcast equipment designers create more cost-effective products that can adapt to evolving industry standards while accelerating time-to-market. These offerings are part of Xilinx’s broader target design platform strategy, which focuses on enabling faster and more flexible development for specific market segments.
The key products announced by Xilinx include:
a. A broadcast connectivity kit developed in partnership with Tokyo Electron Device. This kit is based on the Spartan-6 FPGA family and supports triple-rate SDI, HDMI, DisplayPort, and V-by-One interfaces. It offers a range of pre-defined video interfaces tailored for the professional broadcast market.
b. A broadcast processing engine IP core that enables customers to perform all necessary video processing tasks directly on Xilinx FPGAs, eliminating the need for external video processing hardware.
c. A low-latency H.264 AVC-Intra solution developed with VSofts, designed to reduce encoding data rates and minimize real-time latency in live broadcasting scenarios.
d. A new audio codec IP core from Coreworks, supporting advanced audio standards such as MPEG1 Layer II, Dolby E, Dolby Digital, and AAC+.
2. Why is this release so far-reaching?
This release marks a significant step forward in the broadcast industry, as it leverages the power of FPGAs to meet the growing demand for high-performance, flexible, and cost-effective solutions. FPGAs offer the necessary performance, efficiency, and scalability required to support rapidly evolving broadcast standards. By partnering with ecosystem players, Xilinx has delivered ready-to-use boards, IP cores, and system-level solutions that allow engineers to start their designs quickly. Moreover, the reprogrammable nature of FPGAs means that broadcasters can easily update their systems without redesigning the entire architecture, giving them greater agility in a fast-changing environment. Ultimately, this allows designers to focus more on product differentiation and bring innovative products to market faster.
3. What is driving the broadcast industry's demand for FPGAs?
The broadcast industry is increasingly turning to FPGAs due to the rapid evolution of standards such as 3D TV, digital cinema, advanced audio formats, and higher bandwidth requirements. These changes are driven by consumer demand for cutting-edge technology and the need for manufacturers to stay competitive. By adopting programmable solutions like FPGAs, companies can quickly adapt to new standards, reducing time-to-market and extending the lifespan of their products. This flexibility gives manufacturers a strategic advantage in an industry where innovation is key.
4. Who is interested in Xilinx solutions?
Broadcast and audio equipment manufacturers seeking a more affordable, lower-risk alternative to ASIC or ASSP solutions are highly interested in Xilinx’s offerings. Additionally, audio designers looking to replace traditional DSP chips with more efficient and cost-effective options will find these solutions appealing. Xilinx’s broadcast and audio platforms provide a powerful combination of performance, flexibility, and cost savings, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in the media and entertainment sector.
5. Are there other alternative solutions on the market?
While there are still some alternatives available, such as ASIC, ASSP, and DSP-based solutions, they generally come with higher development costs and less flexibility compared to FPGAs. For example, using multiple DSPs instead of Xilinx’s audio codecs could increase both cost and power consumption, as well as require more board space. In contrast, FPGAs offer superior performance, scalability, and adaptability, making them a more attractive option for modern broadcast applications.
6. Compared with Spartan-6 series FPGA, how is the application of Virtex-6 series in broadcasting equipment?
The Virtex-6 and Spartan-6 FPGA series both serve as programmable alternatives to custom ASICs, offering a balance of performance, power efficiency, and flexibility. However, the Virtex-6 series is optimized for high-performance applications that require high bandwidth and complex signal processing, while the Spartan-6 series targets cost-sensitive, low-power designs. Both families include advanced features such as on-chip signal processing, transceivers, and memory interfaces, making them suitable for a wide range of broadcast and media applications.
7. Xilinx mentioned Coreworks and VSofts, so how does Xilinx cooperate with third-party vendors?
Xilinx’s approach to the broadcast market involves close collaboration with strategic third-party partners to enhance its offerings. These partnerships enable Xilinx to deliver value-added technologies such as IP cores, reference designs, software tools, and design services. By working with industry leaders like Coreworks and VSofts, Xilinx ensures that its customers have access to the latest innovations and specialized expertise. This strategy is a core component of Xilinx’s target design platform initiative, which aims to provide end-to-end support for all FPGA-based applications in the broadcast sector.
8. What is the target design platform?
The Xilinx target design platform is a comprehensive solution that integrates hardware, software, IP, and reference designs to accelerate the development process. It provides customers with pre-validated boards, tools, and technologies that simplify design implementation and reduce time-to-market. At the heart of the platform are Xilinx’s advanced programmable devices, which offer the flexibility and performance needed to meet the demands of the broadcast industry. The platform also includes specialized features for video, audio, and network connectivity, as well as real-time HD processing and multi-channel encoding/decoding capabilities.
Examples of the target design platform include the broadcast connectivity kit with Tokyo Electron Device and the broadcast processing engine demonstrated at IBC. These tools are designed to streamline development and ensure compatibility with the latest industry standards.
9. What is the importance of providing IP in cooperation with other companies?
Collaborating with third-party IP providers is crucial for Xilinx to deliver complete and competitive solutions to its customers. By working with specialized partners, Xilinx can offer a wider range of IP cores and tools that address specific market needs. This not only enhances the functionality of Xilinx’s platforms but also helps customers speed up their design processes and reduce time-to-market. Such partnerships enable Xilinx to provide more comprehensive and integrated solutions that meet the evolving demands of the broadcast and media industries.
10. What is the price of products launched during IBC? When will it be listed?
The Spartan-6 FPGA broadcast connectivity kit is currently available for purchase at a price of $1,995 and is scheduled for shipment in December. A beta version of the broadcast processing engine is expected to be released before the end of the year, with the full version planned for Q1 2011. VSofts’ H.264 AVC-Intra IP core will be added to Xilinx’s encoding IP portfolio, and the overall broadcast design platform will be launched in late 2010. Coreworks’ audio codec IP core is expected to be available in October, starting at $10,000, with additional licensing fees for Dolby-related components. Bundled IP packages will also be available simultaneously.
11. The development trend of the broadcasting industry?
With its broad portfolio of solutions, Xilinx is actively engaged in shaping the future of the broadcasting industry. Our experts are working closely with industry stakeholders to explore and develop innovative technologies in areas such as 3D TV, Ultra HD, digital cinema, H.264, IPTV, IP video, JPEG2000, digital signage, and mobile TV. These efforts reflect Xilinx’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, flexible, and scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global media landscape.
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