Genesis Microchip First to Implement Macrovision 525P Copy Protection in New Integrated Circuits; Company Introduces gmCP1 And gmCP2 Chips For DVD Players And Set-Top Boxes

Business Wire, June 7, 2000

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2000

Genesis Microchip (Nasdaq:GNSS) today announced two new chip products designed to help DVD player and set-top box manufactures offer progressive-scan video with copy protection.

The new gmCP1 and gmCP2 chips -- companions of Genesis's gmVLX1A-X and gmAFMC video processors -- represent the first commercial implementation of Macrovision's 525p analog copy protection scheme.

"The new chips are key building blocks in providing content protection solutions for high-volume consumer products like DVD players," said Peter Mandl, Genesis Microchip's Marketing Director for Consumer Video. "We are broadening our revenue base by expanding into consumer products ... this chip will help manufacturers create end-product differentiation."

The 525p progressive scan output operates at twice the scan rate of conventional 525 NTSC interlaced outputs and transmits twice as much information in a given period of time. For TVs, monitors or projection TVs with the capability to display the higher scan rate, DVDs with 525p playback will produce pictures with less flicker and better resolution. Copy protection for 525p was developed in response to the rights holders' need to protect material distributed on DVDs. It is a requirement under licenses issued to DVD player manufacturers by the DVD Copy Control Association (DVD CCA).

"We're delighted Genesis is the first to use the Macrovision 525p encoding specification," said Andrew Mellows, Macrovision's Director of Technical Support. "As a leader in their field, we look forward to working with them as their DVD customers start implementing 525p analog copy protection."

In addition to copy protection, each new chip features 30-bit 4:4:4 YCbCr/RGB inputs/outputs, glueless interface to gmVLX1A-X and common DACs, digital sync insertion, gain/offset controls, I2C compatible serial host interface and U.S./Japan CGMS (Copy Generation Management System) insertion.

Genesis has several gmCP1/2 design wins with leading DVD manufacturers. The difference between the chips is the gmCP1 has the Macrovision scheme disabled, which allows rapid prototyping for manufactures who have not yet been Macrovision 525p authorized.

The gmCP1/2, available in a 144-pin TQFP package, will be sampling in July. Volume unit pricing is $8 (US).

Macrovision Corporation (Nasdaq:MVSN) develops and markets content copy protection and rights management technologies to prevent the unauthorized duplication, reception or use of video and audio programs and computer software. Macrovision provides its products and services primarily to the home video, consumer multimedia software, pay-per-view, cable, satellite, and video security markets. Macrovision has its headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif. with subsidiaries in London and Tokyo. Further information can be found at: http://www.macrovision.com.

Genesis Microchip Inc. -- an ISO9001-registered company -- is a leading supplier of analog, digital and dual analog-digital interface solutions for the LCD monitor markets. The company's highly integrated semiconductors are also used in digital displays, DVDs, home theater equipment and many other applications. Genesis chips have been used in products from Acer, Apple Computer, Daewoo, Dell, Fujitsu, IBM, In Focus Systems, Hitachi, LG Electronics, Mitsubishi, NEC, Philips, Samsung, SGI, Sharp, Sony, Tatung, ViewSonic and more than 200 other companies.

Genesis is headquartered in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, while its U.S. subsidiary is located in Alviso, Calif. Further information is available at: http://www.genesis-microchip.com.

Acronyms:

-- DACs (digital-to-analog converters)

-- NTSC (National Television Systems Committee)

-- RGB (red, green, blue)

-- TQFP (thin quad flat pack)