TDA19997 and TDA19998 Enable New Audio Return Channel (ARC) Option
EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 29, 2009 — NXP Semiconductors today unveiled intelligent switches supporting the new HDMI 1.4 specification released in June 2009. The NXP TDA19997 and TDA19998 smart switches support the Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature, a new option introduced in the HDMI 1.4 release, which reduces the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. Building on the success of previous HDMI smart switches from NXP, the TDA19997 and TDA19998 also include support for all mandatory 3D over HDMI features. NXP is the one of the first semiconductor companies to deliver silicon supporting HDMI 1.4.
The new Audio Return Channel specified in HDMI 1.4 enables HDTVs directly receiving audio and video content to send the audio stream to an amplification system over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable. The NXP TDA19997 and TDA19998 smart switches also include built-in auto-adaptive equalizers that can handle up to four HDMI 1.4 inputs, automatically maintaining audio-visual quality over HDMI cables up to 30m in length. Their highly integrated design offers a compelling solution that eliminates the need for external components, reducing the overall Bill of Materials for TV manufacturers while delivering an enhanced viewing experience. The TDA19997 and TDA19998 are embedded with five EDID extensions for HDMI and VGA, as well as high levels of ESD protection.
“By the end of this year, nearly one billion HDMI-ready systems will have been shipped worldwide. With the Audio Return Channel, HDTV viewers will be able to enjoy top quality sound, without cable clutter,” said Denis Marsault, media interfaces product line, NXP Semiconductors. “By bringing our HDMI 1.4 smart switches to market quickly, we’re demonstrating our commitment to helping TV manufacturers deliver exceptional high-definition entertainment with the most energy-efficient solutions that fit easily into the home theater environment.”
The TDA19998 smart switches take advantage of NXP’s patented F3 (Fast, Fair and Faithful) architecture, which guarantees fast port switching between HDMI devices while keeping a secured HDCP-protected HDMI stream at the output. The F3 architecture also enables best-in-class power efficiency of all system in both active and stand-by modes.
The NXP TDA19997 and TDA19998 comprise the second generation of NXP’s highly popular HDMI smart switches, and are part of a wide portfolio of highly scalable solutions for the digital home, enabling TV makers to target a broad audience – from the most price-sensitive segments to the most feature-oriented markets. The TDA19997 and TDA19998 are pin-to-pin compatible with previous generation smart switches from NXP, and provide TV makers with unprecedented flexibility in adapting to end user demand in terms of price, features and power consumption, as well as operator and content providers’ requirements for security and performance.
Availability
Engineering samples of the TDA19997 are available immediately from NXP. The TDA19998 smart switches will be available in mid-October 2009. Additional information is available at http://www.nxp.com/pip/TDA19997_PL_0.html.
About NXP Semiconductors
NXP is a leading semiconductor company founded by Philips more than 50 years ago. Headquartered in Europe, the company has about 29,000 employees working in more than 30 countries and posted sales of USD 5.4 billion (including the Mobile & Personal business) in 2008. NXP creates semiconductors, system solutions and software that deliver better sensory experiences in TVs, set-top boxes, identification applications, mobile phones, cars and a wide range of other electronic devices. News from NXP is located at www.nxp.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of NXP and certain plans and objectives of NXP with respect to these items. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
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