A multimedia reference design for a PC add-in card that extends
the multi-media capability of a PC to play full-resolution, full-motion
video and CD stereo sounds was announced in September by Texas
Instruments and AuraVision Corporation. The reference design provides
an MPEG-compliant multimedia solution for less than $100 in high
volumes.
Multimedia add-in cards based on this design will allow PC users
to enjoy movies, music videos, games, and educational software
that is based on the MPEG-1 (Motion Pictures Experts Group) data
compression standard. MPEG-1 data compression provides the VHS-quality
motion picture and CD-quality sound currently used in CD-based
karaoke systems and video CD players.
This reference design combines TI's DSP expertise in digital compression with AuraVision's leadership in windowing control to bring full-resolution, full-motion video to the PC. With the TI-AuraVision design, computer manufacturers or add-in board manufacturers have an ISA-based multimedia solution that includes DOS and Windows software drivers, sample applications, and a hardware solution that minimizes the host interaction by synchronizing the audio and video and decoding the MPEG system stream on chip.
Both TI and AuraVision have recently introduced cost-reduced integrated circuits (ICs) that make the technology affordable to the consumer. Three highly integrated ICs comprise the reference design: TI's TMS320AV220 Video CD MPEG-1 Decoder, TI's TMS320AV120 MPEG Audio Decoder, and AuraVision's VxP201 Video Playback Processor.
These three ICs combine to form the core of this full-motion video playback board. Features include an ISA bus interface, support of up to 1280 x 1024 resolution, high-quality interpolated zoom, and full color control.
Design kits will include a suite of driver software licensed by AuraVision to complement the hardwire design. Specifically, software drivers, applications, and libraries for Windows and DOS will be included.
Availability of the reference design is planned for late fourth quarter of 1994 from AuraVision. Suggested U.S. pricing for the design kit, which includes an evaluation board, schematics, parts list, PC-board layout, software, and documentation, is $3,000. This price includes a one-time royalty-free software license to the source code. OEMs wanting more information about the design kits should contact AuraVision at (510) 252-6800 or the nearest TI Field Sales Office.