eng TELE-audiovision 1305

new
from
HISILIcon
vitor Martins Augusto
In the 11-12/2012 issue we reported
on HISILICON‘s HI1376C.
Now this SoC manufacturer has introduced
additional versions to the
market that would be incorporated
in future receivers. We took a closer
look at their specifications.
„SoC“ stands for „System on Chip“.
It‘s a chip that consists of not only the
processor but also incorporates numerous
other functions. Unlike a standard
computer, with an SoC you don‘t need
separate chips for audio and video interfaces,
even USB and SD cards are
linked directly to the SoC. This saves
on costs and simplifies development.
Receiver manufacturers can specifically
implement the planned functions
of their new receiver based on the
matching SoC. HISILICON also offers
reference layouts of the circuit boards
so that the customer (receiver manufacturers)
merely needs to add a tuner,
front display and a remote control. Added
to that, of course, is firmware development
and a housing and just like that
you have a finished receiver.
The advantage of this is that a manufacturer
is able to develop a model
that is truly their own - the firmware is
matched to the manufacturers tastes
and the operation of the receiver is
based on the manufacturers ideas. Another
advantage is the significantly reduced
production costs.
Many small providers will buy finished
products on which they add their logo
and any extra accessories in the packaging.
Today‘s customers are quick to
realize that these kinds of receivers are
mass produced and through which the
actual value of the brand name gets
lost. The customer buys the cheapest of
the OEM models and often installs the
firmware from a competitor if it turns
out to be better or nicer looking.
Because of this it absolutely makes
since for receiver manufacturers to
consider investing in a design based on
190 TELE-audiovision International — The World‘s Largest Digital TV Trade Magazine — 05-06/2013 — www.TELE-audiovision.com
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SoCs like those from HISILICON; they
would end up with their „own“ product.
HISILICON offers among others these
three SOCs that each have different
functions and, thanks to reference designs
and development environments,
greatly minimize the development work
of the manufacturer. Not only that,
these SoCs introduced here are also
interesting because they are explicitly
laid out for Linux and even the Android
operating system. This simplifies the
development and adaptation of software.
So, when components are selected
(tuner, RAM, Flash memory, inputs/
outputs, etc.) and software is matched
to it, a unique product is created that
can‘t be copied by competitors. This allows
the manufacturer to support the
product for long periods of time which
ultimately benefits the brand name.
The current Hi3716 SoC generation is
available in three versions and are laid
out for different receiver types.
Hi3716c –
Smart Tv Hybrid STB
We already talked about this chip in
the 11-12/2012 issue. The highlight is
that its ARM9 kernel makes it possible
to use the Android operating system
that is so popular with SmartPhones
and Tablets. This opens up never-before
imagined possibilities on your TV. Operation
is made extremely easy through
its modern interface. Add to that are
applications such as IPTV, web browser,
video telephony, etc. And it‘s especially
those providers of Triple Play (TV, Internet
and telephone) who should take a
much closer look at this wonderful SoC.
In Ausgabe 11-12/2012 haben wir schon von HISILIcons HI3716c
berichtet.
www.TELE-audiovision.com/12/11/hisilicon
With it ideal receivers can be developed
with which these combined triple play
features could actually be used. Especially
interesting: the chip incorporates
three network interfaces: two RJ-45
jacks with 10/100 MBPS serve to provide
connections to a standard home
network while a third RJ-45 jack with
1000 MBPS provides a perfect connection
for IPTV.
Hi3716H – Advanced HD
This SoC is for the development of
Linux receivers with a „Personal Video
Recorder“ (PVR) that for one would
be used for the reception of digital TV
(such as DVB-S/S2, DVB-C/C2, DVB-
T/T2, etc., depending on tuner) and,
thanks to the ARM9 kernel, it would
also have enough processing power
as today‘s Linux receivers offering unimaginable
features. Whoever installs
this SoC wants to develop a receiver
that is also compatible with video telephony
- as you can see in the block
diagram there‘s an additional interface
- and social media applications can also
be anticipated just like other Internet
content.
This SoC is topped off with a SATA
interface that allows the connection of
internal or external hard drives. This
is basically a complete computer with
ARM9 architecture and we‘re already
sitting on pins and needles waiting for
the first premium receiver to appear
based on this SoC!
Hi 3716M v300
If you as a receiver manufacturer
want to be able to offer an inexpensive
PVR compatible Linux receiver with an
ARM9 processor then you should take
a look at the Hi 3716M V300. It offers