Sun, LSI Logic and David Sarnoff Research Center to jointly develop high-quality, low-cost, MPEG-2, video encoding solution — hastening the digital video revolution

Business Wire, Dec 12, 1994

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 1994--Sun Microsystems Computer Company (SMCC), LSI Logic (LSI) and David Sarnoff Research Center (Sarnoff) Monday announced plans to develop encoding systems for MPEG-2 video that will greatly lower system cost and dramatically improve video compression technology for cable broadcasting, corporate communications, distance learning and video on demand.

The encoding systems are expected to spur the coming digital video revolution, enabling customers to receive a broad range of services in the home or office, including movies, video games, banking, mail order catalogs, and other interactive on-line programs.

MPEG-2 is one of the standards developed by the Moving Pictures Expert Group, an organization responsible for the standardization of coded representations of video and audio for information systems. MPEG-2 has been chosen as the leading digital video compression standard for a broad range of future video and broadcast applications. According to market forecasting company Frost and Sullivan Inc., the market for digital video products will grow to $3.4 billion annually by 1997.

Based on memoranda of understanding among the three companies, the group will work to jointly develop an MPEG-2 encoding capability based on SMCC's SPARCstation 20 workstation. The new encoding systems will deliver industry-leading performance at low costs by leveraging the three companies' expertise in systems innovation, digital video IC design and algorithm development.

SMCC's SPARCstation 20 will be the industry's first system to feature the encoder chipset, with system shipments scheduled for the summer of 1995.

Based on an open, non-proprietary architecture, the encoder chipset will be made available to all systems vendors. The encoding systems will cost approximately half the price of conventional systems available today, which are priced at more than $100,000. The encoding systems will also offer real-time MPEG-2 encoding and full MPEG-2 compliance, a combination not found in workstations currently on the market.

SMCC, the world leader in UNIX workstations and servers, will bring its innovative systems design and volume system manufacturing abilities to the alliance. Combined with Sarnoff's recognized expertise in algorithm development and television technology, this will ensure the highest-quality video possible at a given bit rate and price. Added to this will be LSI's use of its CoreWare design methodology to develop an encoder chipset based on a scalable architecture for a variety of compression applications such as video CD.

"By contributing our systems expertise at this early stage and working with LSI and Sarnoff, Sun will be the first systems manufacturer to deliver this new standard of video compression technology," said Jon Haass, multimedia product line manager, SMCC. "These systems will offer affordable, technologically advanced solutions for markets such as network news services, large broadcast organizations and small businesses."

Market analysts such as Frost and Sullivan expect MPEG-2 to be the dominant video standard that is implemented for a broad range of applications. The customers for encoders will include content providers and service bureaus, in addition to the cable and telecommunications companies seeking advanced systems to bring interactive digital video capabilities to homes and businesses.

"Our ability to develop products that are highly integrated, yet flexible in terms of hardware and software, will enable our customers to target a wide range of video encoding systems," said Peng Ang, vice president of LSI's digital video products group.

"As proponents of the MPEG standard, we are very pleased to be working with Sun and LSI to develop MPEG-2 products," said James E. Carnes, president and chief executive officer at Sarnoff. "We feel MPEG-2 systems will serve many applications in the new digital age."

Sun Microsystems Computer Company (SMCC), the world's top supplier of open network computing solutions, is an operating company of Sun Microsystems Inc. Built on Sun's legacy of "The Network is The Computer," SMCC's SPARC/Solaris workstation and server family leads the UNIX market. The company has its headquarters in Mountain View.

LSI Logic Corp. (NYSE:LSI) is a Fortune 500 supplier of high-performance semiconductors, with operations worldwide. The company enables customers to build complete solutions on a single chip with its CoreWare methodology, thereby increasing performance, lowering system costs and accelerating time to market. LSI Logic develops customized products in alliance with trend-setting customers, and operates leading-edge, high-volume manufacturing facilities to produce submicron chips. The company maintains a high level of quality, as demonstrated by its ISO 9000 certification. LSI Logic is headquartered at 1551 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Tel: 408/433-8000.

The David Sarnoff Research Center is a subsidiary of SRI International that conducts research in consumer electronics, solid state physics, materials science and communications. Sarnoff's expertise includes software and digital IC design, process and materials research, digital signal processing hardware and software, electromechanical devices, and displays. -0-