Thread: Play H.264 video on TI SoC

Texas Instruments has announced a digital media processor based on the Da Vinci technology, the TMS320DM357. The DM357 is a low-cost, ARM-based processor that includes a royalty-free H.264 codec at D1 resolution for video compression, as well as MPEG-4, JPEG and G.711 codecs that do not require licensing fees or royalties to TI, and an integrated Ethernet Media Access Controller (EMAC) to help developers reduce their bill of material (BOM) costs.

The DM357 processor includes an ARM926EJ-S core that runs at 270 MHz, as well as a co-processor to speed H.264, MPEG-4 and JPEG (HMJCP) processing, in addition to an integrated video processing subsystem. The DM357 processor and DVEVM take advantage of all the tools and support included in the Da Vinci technology portfolio to help OEMs save months of time. The application programming interfaces (APIs) common across Da Vinci offerings also means that developers familiar with Da Vinci technology or ARM development can quickly begin creation of their products with virtually no learning curve.



When coupled with the DVEVM, developers are able to get started inunediately with product development. The DVEVM helps them achieve the fastest possible time to market, with optimised Monta Vista Linux, a uboot loader and drivers for the complete peripheral set. Rounding out the DVEVM are the H.264, JPEG, MPEG-4 SP and G.711 codecs, plus Video Input/Output, Audio InI0ut, an external EMAC, USB 2.0On-The-Go and JTAG for test.

The TMS320DM357ZWT processor is now open for order entry from TI and TI authorised distributors. The highly integrated device is packaged in a 16 x 16, 0.8 mm pitch ball grid array package. The TMDSEVM357 Digital Video Evaluation Module is also now open for order entry at a cost of US$ 895. Codecs will be available for download in mid December.