The Dolby Digital Professional Encoder-Technology Delivers Three Times the Channel Density of Existing Designs on a TI Platform

Dolby selected TI's flagship TMS320C6713 floating-point DSP as the basis for its reference platform. Running at 300 MHz, a single programmable C6713 encodes three stereo pairs and enables a universal broadcast encoder platform, allowing broadcasters to standardize on audio encoding hardware platforms. Previous implementations of the professional version of Dolby Digital, also known as AC-3, required users to have a separate DSP processor for each stereo pair. With the increased capabilities of the TI DSP-based platform developers will be able to reduce the board space required for end equipments.

"When we selected TI as the base hardware technology for our new Dolby Digital Professional Encoder reference design, we had high expectations," said Sabine Jennings, professional licensing manager, Dolby. "Backed by TI's expertise in the audio market, along with their unparalleled development tools and support services, our expectations were exceeded when we confirmed that we could increase the number of stereo pairs encoded per DSP by three times. With this level of efficiency, we will be able to bring the professional quality of Dolby Digital in a smaller, more cost-effective, flexible implementation that has been demanded by our customers."

Created by Lyrtech, the reference design is available for evaluation of the Dolby Digital Professional Encoder platform. This design supports 6 S/PDIF inputs (12 digital audio channels) and three S/PDIF outputs (six digital audio channels) with the ability to embed Timecode and Metadata information into the digital audio output streams, the reference board uses a USB 2.0 interface to connect to a host computer, enabling real-time configuration of Dolby Digital encoder parameters as well as transfer of data. A standard TI DSP Starter Kit (DSK) peripheral connector is also provided to allow this flexible board to support existing daughter card adapters as well as custom modules.

The C67x floating point DSP generation has been broadly accepted by the digital audio industry and appears in consumer electronics equipment. It is the core technology for the family of Aureus(TM) audio DSPs that do the multi- channel audio processing in A/V receivers, such as those from Harman/Kardon, JVC, Yamaha and Denon, and multimedia/gaming systems. The C67x continues to gain momentum in other markets, such as musical instruments, biometrics, machine vision and instrumentation.

"As this engagement with Dolby demonstrates, the C6713 DSP provides the outstanding audio performance Dolby's customers expect for their end equipment," said Gerard Andrews, DSP audio solutions marketing manager, TI. "With the C67x architecture, TI will continue to provide the continuing innovation required to drive the professional audio broadcast and recording markets over the coming years."

Dolby's choice of Texas Instruments' C6713 DSP in the Dolby Digital Professional Encoder reference platform demonstrates the growing strength of the relationship between Dolby and TI. Last year, for instance, Dolby approved TI's Aureus audio DSP when developing its Pro Logic(R) IIx enhanced Surround Sound technology. TI has developed implementations of all of the firm's world-renowned audio technologies including Dolby Digital, Dolby(R) Digital Ex, Pro Logic(R) II, Pro Logic(R) IIx, Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker.

Software for the Dolby Digital Professional Encoder is available now from Dolby. Customers interested in learning more about the licensing program for the Dolby Digital Professional Encoder from Dolby should e-mail prolicensing@dolby.com . The production-ready hardware reference design from Lyrtech, already certified by Dolby, is also available. More details on the hardware solution are at http://www.lyrtech.com/ . The reference design is based on the 300 MHz TMS320C6713, which has a suggested retail price of $34.29 each in volumes of 10,000.

About Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

Dolby Laboratories creates technologies that intensify and enhance the entertainment experience. For nearly four decades, Dolby has been instrumental in defining high-quality audio and surround sound in cinema, broadcast, home audio systems, cars, DVDs, headphones, games, televisions, and personal computers. Based in San Francisco with European headquarters in England, the privately held company has entertainment industry liaison offices in New York and Los Angeles, and licensing liaison offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit http://www.dolby.com/ .

About Texas Instruments, Inc.

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real-world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductors, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com/ .

Trademarks

TMS320C67x(TM) and Aureus(TM) are trademarks of Texas Instruments. Dolby(R), Dolby(R) Digital Ex, Pro Logic(R) II and Pro Logic(R) IIx are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Lisa Ferrara of Texas Instruments Incorporated,
+1-281-274-4213, or lferrara@ti.com ; or Tara Strong, +1-713-513-9561, or
tstrong@golinharris.com , for Texas Instruments Incorporated. Please do not
publish these numbers or email addresses.

Web site: http://www.ti.com/
http://www.dolby.com/
http://www.lyrtech.com/