New decoder chip to play both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats

The world’s first high definition (HD) audio/video decoder chip that is fully compliant with the Blu-ray and HD DVD optical disc has been announced by the Broadcom Corporation. Compliance with Blu-ray and HD DVD formats permits the recording and playback of high definition video on blue laser-based optical disc media and drives.

Broadcom’s latest high definition decoder chip enables a new generation of consumer electronics devices that can decode compressed HD video stored on Blu-ray or HD DVD formatted discs.

“Broadcom has proven itself to be a leader in the broadband communications semiconductor market, and with this new high definition decoder chip, it will power a wide range of new high definition optical disc devices,”

said Kevin Unangst, Director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft Corporation.

“By adding support for VC-1, Broadcom is ensuring its product will meet the highest standards for performance excellence.”

The BCM7411D chip supports the H.264 and VC-1 recording standards used by the Blu-ray and HD DVD formats. It also includes support for high-definition MPEG-2 encoding.

Broadcom has also made available to manufacturers the BCM97438 reference platform, which will allow them to develop Blu-ray and HD DVD media players using the BCM7411D chip and a companion chip.

Source: Broadcom press release