Micronas Presents a Quantum Leap in the TV Viewing Experience

Micronas Presents a Quantum Leap in the TV Viewing Experience

With truD(TM), Micronas brings the TV viewing experience to a new level, one that truly harnesses the full capabilities of large flat panel displays. Whether the source is broadcast TV, cable movies, or DVD, Micronas' vector- based motion processing delivers unparalleled visual quality, with real-life motion, enhanced sharpness, and contrast; all without motion judder or jaggies. And it is done with a single chip.

CES, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN; Frankfurt: MNSN; Prime Standard Segment; TecDAX) presents FRC 9429A, the latest generation of frame rate converter with vector- based motion estimation and compensation. With this technology, the chip calculates the shift in position of every object on the screen between each frame. It then uses this information to precisely interpolate the object's location in intermediate frames. The result is smooth real motion, instead of the edgy movements and blurring common to conventional DTV displays.

"With our new truD technology, we bring the viewing experience to a whole new level of realism and clarity. The vector mathematics involved are complex, but the results speak for themselves," says Hans Weierer, Director of System Marketing -- High Line TV at Micronas. "truD technology is a quantum leap for the industry, and puts us far ahead in picture quality for DTVs."

truD does indeed "speak for itself": The FRC 9429A has a built-in demonstration capability which is ideally suited to support TV retailers. It splits the screen, enhancing half with truD and leaving the other half un- enhanced. A moment's glance will convince anyone of truD's advantages. Consumers ultimately get excited by the new viewing experience of truD- enhanced DTVs.

Why add all this technology to a television? Flat panel displays are capable of superior picture quality, but this capability goes unused if the flat panel is driven by conventional DTV signal processing. Broadcast TV was originally targeted to the limited display quality of CRTs. Movies make the problem worse; they are shot at 24 frames per second; but TVs are 60 frames per second. When watching a movie on broadcast or DVD, there is a frame-rate mismatch. It is further complicated by the fact that video signals traditionally use an "interlaced" format, where only half the picture is delivered on each pass, with the other half on the following pass. All these differences cause flicker, distinct motion judder, and jaggies along diagonal lines.

Getting the best DTV picture begins by de-interlacing the TV signal to match the "progressive scan" mode for flat panel displays. This is accepted practice, but truD goes beyond this to fill in the missing frames between the 24 fps of the film source material and the 60 frames per second of flat panels TVs. Accurate vector-based motion estimation makes these fill-in frames as sharp as the originals. truD further improves the image quality by enhancing image contrast and sharpness with advanced video algorithms. These include peaking, sub-pixel luminance sharpness enhancement (LSE), chrominance sharpness enhancement (CSE), and dynamic histogram-based contrast adjustment.

The FRC 9429A integrates all the functions of a high-end frame rate converter for DTV, including video memory, in one monolithic IC. It is ideally suited to work together with video systems solutions for CRT, LCD, Plasma, and Digital Light Projection (DLP) displays, such as the Micronas deflection processor DDP3315/16 or the DTV scaler DPS9455B.

The FRC 9429A comes in a QFP-144 package. Fully qualified samples and reference designs are available now and volume production has started with major OEMs. Prices for high quantities range from approximately $20 to $26 (US), depending on the product version and volume.

About Micronas

Micronas, a semiconductor designer and manufacturer with worldwide operations, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge IC and sensor system solutions for consumer and automotive electronics. As a market leader in innovative, global TV system solutions, Micronas leverages its expertise into new markets emerging through the digitization of audio and video content. Micronas serves all major consumer brands worldwide, many of them in continuous partnerships seeking joint success. While the holding is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), operational headquarters are based in Freiburg (Germany). Currently, the Micronas Group employs about 1900 people. In 2003, it generated CHF 767 million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.com.


Source: Micronas GmbH

CONTACT: Micronas Press Office, +49-761-517-2324, or fax,
+49-761-517-2622, or media@micronas.com; or Anja Maria Hastenrath,
+49 171 1959330, for Micronas GmbH

Web site: http://www.micronas.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Further information: http://www.tru-d.com . A press photo (300 dpi) is available for download at this URL: http://www.micronas.com/press/pressreleases/pressrelease.php?ID=398 Visit Micronas at CES in Las Vegas from January 6-9, 2005 at Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 4, Booth 35628 (LVCC SO 4/35628). Should you have any questions or like to arrange for an interview, contact Anja at mobile number: +49 171 1959330.

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