InterVideo Introduces MPEG-4 Codec with Tensilica’s Xtensa Processor For High-Quality QCIF and CIF Image Processing

Update: Cadence Completes Acquisition of Tensilica (Apr 24, 2013)

Ideal for Next-Generation Wireless Consumer Video Devices

FREMONT, Calif, and LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 7, 2003 – InterVideo, Inc. today introduced and demonstrated its MPEG-4 Codec application package in booth SU7126 at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show. This high-quality codec uses Tensilica's Xtensa processor to provide significant improvements in the performance of key MPEG-4 algorithms without the requirement for an expensive video coprocessor. InterVideo's MPEG-4 Codec provides encode and decode of QCIF (176 x 144 pixels)- and CIF (352 x 288 pixels)-resolution images at up to 30 frames-per-second, ideal for next-generation consumer video devices including digital still and video cameras as well as cellular phones and PDAs. This codec was jointly developed with InCOMM Technologies Co., Ltd.

InterVideo's MPEG-4 Codec application package is a complete solution for system-on-chip (SOC) designers. It includes optimized MPEG-4 application code, documentation, and TIE (Tensilica Instruction Extensions) language extensions to the Xtensa microprocessor instruction set. Using this package, system developers can integrate an MPEG-4 codec into a SOC without the need for additional optimizations or software development.

By using InterVideo's MPEG-4 Codec application package with the Xtensa processor, designers can implement MPEG-4 QCIF 15 fps decode in only 15 MHz and MPEG-4 QCIF 15 fps encode in only 30 MHz over a wide range of memory latencies (0-25 cycles). The optimized package results in an efficient implementation supporting simultaneous encode and decode in only 45 MHz.  Utilizing advanced rate control, superior quality is delivered at these low clock rates, making it ideal to provide high-quality video even over bandwidth constrained wireless applications.

"By optimizing the Xtensa processor for this specific application, we're able to get industry leading performance and outstanding quality for MPEG-4 video," said Steve Ro, founder and CEO of InterVideo. "InterVideo's MPEG-4 Codec provides the quality our customers require for demanding 3G mobile phone applications."

InterVideo's MPEG-4 Codec provides full compliance with MPEG-4 Version 1 (ISO/IEC 14496-2) simple profile @ level 1,2 and 3 (SP@L1, SP@L2 and SP@L3). High-quality encoding is achieved via a large motion search range and sophisticated rate control. Both constant and variable bit rate encoding modes are supported with enhanced visual quality.

This MPEG-4 Codec was jointly developed with InCOMM Technologies Co., Ltd., a Tensilica authorized design center. The MPEG-4 Codec can be integrated with InCOMM's comprehensive Xtensa processor based SOC design platform to meet demanding cost and time-to-market requirements for wireless and mobile consumer devices supporting low bit rate and high quality video. InterVideo will market and support this product. For more information, check www.intervideo.com or email vb@intervideo.com.

About InterVideo, Inc.

InterVideo is a leading provider of DVD software.  InterVideo has developed a technology platform from which we have created a broad suite of integrated multimedia software products that allow users to capture, edit, author, distribute, burn and play digital multimedia content on PCs and consumer electronics devices.  The company is headquartered in Fremont, CA and with regional offices in Europe, Taiwan and Japan. For more information contact InterVideo at 510-651-0888 or visit the company's Web site at www.intervideo.com.

About Tensilica

Tensilica was founded in July 1997 to address the growing need for optimized, application-specific microprocessor solutions in high-volume embedded applications. With a configurable and extensible microprocessor core called Xtensa, Tensilica is the only company that has automated and patented the time-consuming process of generating a customized microprocessor core along with a complete software development tool environment, producing new configurations in a matter of hours. For more information, visit www.tensilica.com.

About InCOMM

InCOMM Technologies Co., Ltd., an SOC integration service provider, was founded in January 2001. Composed of an experienced team of 30 senior engineers with strong knowledge of system, software, firmware and IC design, the firm was established to help customers to complete SOC integration, and offer turnkey ASIC design of communication and connectivity applications. InCOMM has offices in both Taipei and HsinChu, and is headquartered at 9F, #473, Sec. 2 Tiding Ave., Neihu district, Taipei, Taiwan.  InCOMM can be reached at 886-2-2659-9609 or visit its Web site at www.incomm.com.tw

Editors' Notes:

• "Tensilica" and "Xtensa" are registered trademarks belonging to Tensilica Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

• This new product also will be demonstrated in Tensilica's booth 710 at the Embedded Systems Conference, April 22-25, 2003, in San Francisco.