Renesas Technology Releases R8J66954BG Single-Chip LSI for Use in LCD Digital TVs for the North American Market

Tokyo, October 17, 2007 −− Renesas Technology Corp. today announced the R8J66954BG offering single-chip implementation of major signal processing functions, from front-end signal input to later stages such as signal output to an LCD panel, for North American LCD digital TVs. Sample shipments will begin in December 2007 in Japan.

The R8J66954BG supports the ATSC digital broadcasting system used in North America, and also incorporates video decoder and closed caption functions compatible with the NTSC analog TV broadcasting system.

Features of the R8J66954BG are summarized below.

< Product Background >

In recent years the TV set market has seen a dramatic increase in the demand for LCD digital TVs. Calls for higher picture quality have been accompanied by major price reductions, leading to a demand for component devices that enable this combination of features to be achieved. LCD TVs supporting digital broadcasting decode a digital broadcast signal and display the resulting image on an LCD panel, a process that requires an MPEG decoder together with functions such as noise reduction and De-Interlacer. In addition, a 3-dimensional processing video decoder function is essential for achieving high picture quality.

Meanwhile, in the current period of transition from analog to digital broadcasting, there is a demand for digital broadcast compatible TV sets that can also handle analog broadcasting, and these require A/D conversion, Y/C separation, and suchlike signal processing functions. In response to this need, Renesas Technology has developed the R8J66954BG LCD digital TV LSI incorporating the main North American LCD digital TV signal processing functions in a single chip, while also supporting analog broadcasting.

< Product Details >

The R8J66954BG provides single-chip implementation of the main LCD digital TV signal processing functions, from pre- to post-stage, for the ATSC digital broadcasting system used in North America.

The main on-chip functions include: a. an MPEG decoding processing circuit, b. a noise reduction circuit (a circuit that detects and extracts noise components from an analog video signal and prevents screen flicker, etc.), c. De-Interlacer, d. a Y/C separation circuit (a circuit that separates luminance and chrominance signals), e. data slicer functions (such as a closed caption function), plus f. NCM performing color management as an LCD panel control function.

Of the above, b. the noise reduction circuit, c. De-Interlacer, and d. the Y/C separation circuit incorporate 3-dimensional processing, enabling high set picture quality to be achieved.

The R8J66954BG also includes a variety of other functions. Functions previously performed by six chips (a digital signal processing chip, NTSC signal processing chip, VSB demodulator, and so on) are incorporated in a single R8J66954BG chip.

This rich set of functions enables the number of parts to be reduced and the board size to be made smaller. This makes it possible to reduce EMI noise and power consumption, and to create a set featuring a smaller system board and high picture quality at a lower cost.

The package used is a 345-pin PBGA.

Renesas Technology will continue to develop products that meet evolving market needs, and ensure their timely release on the market.

* Product names, company names, or brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

< Typical Applications >

• LCD digital TVs for the North American market

< Prices in Japan > *For Reference

< Specifications >

Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.