Analog Devices Brings SoundMAX to HDTV

Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications, today announced that its SoundMAX® audio processing algorithms and silicon solutions are now available for next-generation HDTV (high-definition television) designs. Part of ADI’s comprehensive line of Advantiv® advanced television solutions, SoundMAX for TV audio solutions provide the critical audio sub-system functionality to enable high-quality sound in flat-panel plasma and LCD digital TVs.

“The proliferation of flat-panel plasma and LCD TVs is placing new demands on the audio signal processing chain,” said Bill Bucklen, segment director for Advanced TV, Analog Devices, Inc. “While designers strive to deliver a realistic audio experience that approximates surround-sound speaker systems or pre-packaged home theater-in-a-box systems, manufacturers must contend with smaller HDTV form factors that leave little room for high-fidelity speakers. Consumer Electronics Association market data indicates that 85 percent of HDTVs will not be connected to an external AV receiver or multiple speakers. This means that most HDTVs must be capable of providing a high-quality audio experience using internal audio systems.”

With the SoundMAX library of over 60 algorithms, television audio designers can take advantage of the industry’s only platform to address the design needs of the entire HDTV audio signal chain. This complete portfolio allows system designers to unlock the full audio potential of the HDTV experience and provides a single resource for designing multiple TV platforms across a wide range of price points.

“By combining ADI’s audio building blocks, algorithms, system-level innovations and design support into one platform, the SoundMAX audio solutions portfolio enables HDTV designers to deliver the gold-standard in TV audio,” said Bucklen. “In addition, designers can reduce development costs by 20 percent or more over solutions that require customers to purchase TV audio components and software from multiple vendors.”

World-class Audio Performance for HDTVs

The SoundMAX for TV audio solutions portfolio includes all necessary analog and digital signal processing, multi-channel audio decoding, post-processing and algorithm-supported audio enhancements required to build a complete high-definition (HD) audio signal chain. This includes ADI’s advanced television audio processors, Class-D amplifiers, HDMI receivers, design environments, such as the SigmaStudio™ graphical programming tool for ADI audio processors, and audio algorithms. Both ADI-developed and third-party audio algorithms are included.

Audio Processors: Heightened HDTV Experience and Reduced Time-to-Market

The SoundMAX for TV audio solutions platform includes a broad spectrum of cost-effective, fully programmable audio processors that speed delivery of audio enhancements in flat-panel plasma and LCD HDTV designs. ADI’s ADAV4622, ADAV4601 and ADAV4322 SoundMAX audio processors incorporate a powerful embedded processing engine to manage the audio performance of space-constrained speakers in today’s thin, flat-panel, LCD and plasma TV designs. This “digital audio enhancement engine” does all the processing necessary to deliver the big sound required to match high-definition video quality. This feature is coupled with high-performance, multi-channel, 24-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that accept analog line inputs from HD components, such as set-top boxes and DVD players, and drive either analog or PWM (pulse width modulated) digital audio to power amplifiers for speakers or auxiliary outputs. Designed to work with ADI’s newest HDMI receivers and Class-D power stages, the audio processors allow designers to reduce “pop click” audio errors during system start-up, change audio sources seamlessly and deliver the high-quality audio required to match today’s HD video display.

Class-D Amplifiers: Big Sound from Small HDTV Speakers

HDTV audio designers can take advantage of ADI’s SoundMAX Class-D audio amplifiers, the ADAU1592 and ADAU1513, which optimally interface to HDTV audio processors and can deliver two-channel output at up to 18 W with 0.005 percent THD+N. In addition, ADI’s space-saving Class-D audio amplifiers provide the power needed to deliver the same audio experience consumers are accustomed to receiving from large HDTV cabinets. These Class-D amplifiers are designed to work seamlessly together with SoundMAX audio processors.

Comprehensive Library of HDTV Audio Algorithms

World-class audio performance requires a comprehensive library of SoundMAX audio processing algorithms. Analog Devices’ library of SoundMAX audio enhancement algorithms includes support for popular audio algorithms from third-party developers, such as Dolby Laboratories, Inc.; SRS Labs, Inc.; and BBE Sound, Inc.; and a wide range of ADI-developed TV audio algorithms including:

—Automatic Volume Control - compensates for volume changes

—Surround - delivers five discrete channels of surround from just two audio channels

—Virtualizer - converts 5.1 channel surround audio to two channel binaural format

—Dynamic Bass Boost - ensures that lower levels of audio receive more bass boost

—Midnight Mode - calms high-level audio passages and raises quiet levels of audio

—Spatializer - enriches 3D surround audio for headphones and stereo speakers

—Lip Sync Delay - compensates for any delays in video processing

—Programmable Parametric EQ - delivers custom home theater audio effects

Requiring no DSP programming knowledge, designers can use the SigmaStudio “drag-and-drop” interface to select from the large SoundMAX library of pre-developed TV audio processing blocks and easily build multi-channel audio platforms.

For more information on ADI's SoundMAX for TV audio solutions portfolio, visit http://www.analog.com/soundmaxtv. For more information on ADI in audio, visit http://www.analog.com/audio.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “ADI” and is included in the S&P 500 Index. http://www.analog.com

SoundMAX and Advantiv are registered trademarks and SigmaStudio is a trademark of Analog Devices, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.