Fujitsu launches ultra-low power full HD H.264 CODECs

The two new products have built-in memory to offer a small package size of 15mm x 15mm, making it ideal to record, play and transmit superior picture quality HD video on portable devices such as digital camcorders, as well as on home networked appliances, commercial broadcast equipment, and security cameras.



For digital camcorders, the H.264 compression format has become mainstream, providing longer recording times than the previous MPEG-2 compression format. At the same time, longer battery life is essential to increase the length of time it is possible to continuously record or play on one battery charge. However, with the ever-shrinking size of digital camcorders, large batteries cannot be used, making low power consumption of the internal components a key requirement.



Fujitsu has provided its MB86H51 full HD H.264 CODEC featuring built-in memory, since 2007. The new low power MB86H55 has a power consumption of only 500mW during full HD encoding, including the built-in memory power consumption. This allows an extension in the length of time it is possible to continuously record and play HD video on digital camcorders and other portable devices while maintaining superior picture quality.



The other new CODEC, MB86H56, extends the reputation for high picture quality of the existing MB86H51, by further increasing the picture quality with processing at 60-frames-per-second (progressive).



These two new products, together with the existing MB86H51 CODEC, use Fujitsu Laboratories’ proprietary picture quality algorithm to realise superior picture quality and a reduced video processing burden enabled by high-compression technology. Leveraging Fujitsu’s highly regarded expertise in image processing-related technologies and products, the company will continue to strengthen its imaging and video processing ASSPs.