Broadcom has announced an advanced video decoder chip with support for MPEG-4.

The latest chip is designed to support cost-effect decompression of H.264, also known as MPEG-4 Part 10 or AVC (Advanced Video Coding), in consumer products, including next generation satellite, cable and internet protocol set-top boxes, personal video recorders, and high-definition DVD players.

“Broadcom’s introduction of this advanced compression chip, coupled with our extensive offerings for consumer electronics products, enables us to be the first company to deliver complete solutions that support these new emerging audio and video consumer applications,” said Daniel Marotta of Broadcom.

The new processor can operate as a single channel high-definition or dual channel standard definition decoder. It supports MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 decoding as well as multiple audio compression schemes.

The BCM7411 chip is expected to ship in quantity in the first quarter of 2005.

www.broadcom.com