Conexant and Stretch partner for video surveillance product development

March 31, 2008
New reference design features real-time, PC-based digital video recording capabilities, H.264 compression

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--Conexant Systems, Inc. and Stretch Inc. today announced that they have developed a reference design for PC-based video surveillance products with digital video recording (DVR) capabilities. The design includes Conexant's CX25853, the world's first eight-channel video decoder, which allows users to capture and record multiple analog video streams simultaneously. Video processing and compression functions are performed by Stretch's software configurable S6100 and S6105 processors, which are designed specifically for high-speed video and image processing. The high channel-density reference design includes an industry-standard PCI Express (PCI-e) interface that enables cost-effective and scalable video capture on PCs and other consumer electronics devices.

"Combining Stretch's advanced processors and our industry-leading video decoders into a single integrated hardware and software platform enables manufacturers to economically develop add-in cards for personal computers used in video security applications," said Bernd Lienhard, senior vice president and general manager of Conexant's Imaging and PC Media business. "In addition, the flexibility of our jointly developed solution allows product developers to quickly adapt to changing market needs, and capitalize on the growing demand for security products with digital video recording capabilities."

"We are delighted to be working with Conexant on this project," said Craig Lytle, Stretch president and CEO. "The combination of Conexant's high channel-density video decoder and our versatile software-defined architecture provides product developers with time-to-market advantages and significant cost-savings."

Conexant's CX25853 features a high-density architecture that lowers per-channel costs by approximately 35 percent, and substantially reduces board space requirements compared to using two separate four-channel devices. The device contains eight high-quality video decoders with surveillance-specific features such as the capability to lock-on low-level video signals. Other product attributes include horizontal and vertical scaling as well as hue, brightness, saturation, and contrast controls.

Stretch's S6100 and S6105 solutions are capable of compressing all eight channels of D-1 video input from Conexant's decoder into H.264 streams in real-time while simultaneously performing video pre-processing and analytics functions. D-1 is a standard for full-resolution digital video, and H.264 is an advanced video coding compression standard. Both Stretch processors include an array interface module (AIM) which allows the devices to seamlessly communicate with each other at high-speeds.

Demonstrations highlighting the capabilities of the new reference design will be conducted at Stretch's booth (#4136) and Conexant's meeting room (#3502) in the Sands Expo and Convention center during the ISC West trade show, which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 2-4, 2008. Customers can contact their local Conexant sales office to schedule an appointment to view a demonstration of the reference design.

Conexant offers a complete suite of components and system solutions for standard- and high-definition video applications including PC TV and video surveillance. The company's video and multimedia product offering includes analog and digital video encoders/decoders, PCI video decoders, software, and complete reference designs.

Conexant's comprehensive portfolio of innovative semiconductor solutions includes products for Internet connectivity, digital imaging, and media processing applications. Conexant is a fabless semiconductor company that recorded revenues of $809 million in fiscal year 2007. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. To learn more, please visit www.conexant.com.

Stretch Inc. is the world leader in software configurable processors, and the first to embed programmable logic within the processor. Using familiar C/C++ programming tools, system developers automatically configure Stretch's off-the-shelf processors to achieve extraordinary performance, easy and rapid development, significant cost savings, and flexibility to address diverse markets and changing application needs. Stretch devices are used in video processing, machine vision, and wireless applications worldwide. For more information, visit www.stretchinc.com.