SONY TO SUPPLY CHIPS FOR HP'S KAYAK SET TOP BOX
Sony's Chips Are First to Allow Direct Overlay of Digital Data on Analog Video
ANAHEIM, Calif., November 28, 1995 -- Sony Semiconductor Company of America today introduced the CXD1911Q,
a digital video encoder, and the CXA2015Q, video graphics overlay chip at the Western Cable Show. The chips' genlock
capability allows direct overlay of a digital OSD (On Screen Display) on an analog video signal enabling the use of
electronic program guides such as TV Guide On-Screen, StarSight and Prevue Express. Hewlett-Packard Company has
selected the two chips for use in its smart set top box, the Kayak System.
"In developing of the Kayak System, HP has worked with world-class partners to deliver best-in-class
technologies," said Harry W. (Webb) McKinney, general manager of HP's Home Products Division. "Sony's ability
to genlock and mix two composite NTSC signals is significant in enabling HP to provide excellent video quality."
Genlock, a term which means to generate lock, allows one video signal to "lock" another video signal. Because
it eliminates the need to convert analog information to digital format, the unique genlock feature of Sony chips
enables superior picture quality. When the CXA2015Q is used, the horizontal phase lock loop (PLL) locks a 27MHz clock
to H-sync. Horizontal and vertical reset are provided to line lock the CXA2015Q and CXD1911Q.
The subcarrier phase detector works in conjunction with the CXD1911Q to phase lock the burst of video input signals.
The subcarrier phase detector provides color lock with the composite video of the CXD1911Q. This allows for direct
overlay of digital data on an analog video signal.
Competitive alternatives can cost twice as much as the Sony solution and require digital-to-analog conversion prior to
overlaying digital data, which degrades video quality.
The CXD1911Q, designed for set top box, digital VCRs and other digital video applications, features NTSC and PAL
encoding modes. The device accepts CCIR601 (ITU-R601) compatible Y, Cb and Cr data, and outputs composite video and
separate Y/C video (S-Video) signal. The CXA2015Q is designed to work in conjunction with the CXD1911Q and contains
the circuitry required to genlock and mix two composite signals. The CXD1911Q is among the first to license the
Macrovision Pay-Per-View copy protection system.
Sony's extensive experience with analog and digital video enabled its designers to implement this unique solution
very cost effectively. The CXA2015Q was designed by Sony engineers at the Mixed Signal Design Center located in San
Jose and established in 1994. Sony also has a Digital Audio/Video Design Center in San Jose where a series of cost-
effective chipsets that will meet the future needs of set top box manufacturers are under development.
Sony manufactures a wide range of products for set top box manufacturers including RF modulators, digital encoders
and MPEG 2 video decoders. QPSK demodulators, DVB compliant descramblers, transport and MPEG A/V integrated decoders
are currently under development.
Packaging, Price and Availability
The CXD1911Q and the CXA2015Q are offered to Macrovision licensees only. Engineering samples of the CXD1911Q will
be available in Q1 1996 packaged as an 80-pin plastic QFP. Sample pricing for this part in 100 piece quantities will
be less than $15 each. The CXA2015Q will also be available in Q1 1996 packaged as a 48-pin plastic QFP. Sample pricing
for this part in 100 piece quantities will be less than $10 each. Production quantities of both products will be volume
priced at less than $15 total.
HP is supplying the Kayak System to TCI, Comcast and Cox Communications, and has orders for one million Kayak units.
Hewlett-Packard is a leading global manufacturer of computing communications and measurement products and services
recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 99,900 employees and had revenue of $25 billion in its 1994
fiscal year.
Sony Semiconductor Company of America is part of Sony Electronics Inc. The company is a leading OEM supplier of
semiconductors, including Static RAM, CCD, D/A and A/D converters, TV and audio ICs, serial/optical communication ICs,
cellular/PCS ICs and multimedia/digital A/V devices. The company's discrete components include laser diodes, variable
capacitance diodes and GaAs FET devices.
Customer contact:
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