TI develops DSP media processor for Pocket PCs

[Alexander Turcic]

Future Windows Mobile-powered PDA and smartphone devices are likely to be a mix of organizer and multimedia player (Dell already makes the point by using a true video accelerator for its Axim X50v series). To make the integration of audio/video easier and more cost-effective for developers, Texas Instruments is working with Microsoft on a "Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Center Software Kit."

The kit is based on a TI system-on-a-chip (SOC), a highly-integrated Digital Media processor targeted specifically for portable applications, capable of supporting QVGA resolution for Windows Media Video 9, as well as up to D1 resolution of other commonly used video formats (it integrates a video encoder and a hardware video accelerator). DSP chips often offer superior performance while minimizing power consumption.

"Portable Media Centers have created new opportunities for people to take their entertainment — video, photos and music — with them anywhere, anytime," said John Pollard, director of Windows Mobile Applications and Services Marketing at Microsoft Corp. "TI's Digital Media processors will help our Windows Mobile-based device manufacturers deliver more choices as the category continues to evolve and expand."

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