ESS Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESST) today at the Computex 2001 in Taiwan introduced its third-generation, single-chip, progressive-scan DVD solution. This advanced DVD multimedia processor is based on ESS Technology’s Programmable Multimedia Processor (PMP) architecture integrated with an NTSC/PAL TV encoder for a single-chip solution. This DVD chip’s full set of features includes DVD-audio, progressive scan output, Internet Web browsing, and more.

The ES4438 PMP architecture includes two advanced embedded processors; a 32-bit RISC CPU for general system management and a 64-bit digital signal processor (DSP) for audio/video and graphics acceleration. The programmable core is flexible in order to accommodate future applications and feature development.

The ES4438 single-chip solution integrates a video DAC and NTSC/PAL TV encoder, which reduces system costs and increases design efficiency. The video outputs support S-Video, composite, and YUV component video to satisfy the general requirements of the marketplace. The built-in SmartScan(TM) capability is high-quality, field-adaptive, de-interlace progressive scan for high-end video output. This feature supports Macrovision AGC version 1.03 for 480P. The ES4438 is DVD-audio compliant and includes multichannel meridian lossless packing (MLP) audio decode, linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) audio decode, audio watermark detection, and copy protection for prerecorded media (CPPM), and supports up to 192-kHz sampling rates and 24-bit resolution, high-resolution still pictures, and DVD-Audio navigation.

The ES4438 supports the leading audio and video standards and formats and full disk playback capabilities, including CD-DA, SACD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, Dolby Digital, Dolby ProLogic, DTS decoding, and MP3. The ES4438 also integrates the karaoke functions, 3D sound effects, and adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) for voice recording.

The ES4438 comes in a 208-pin plastic quad flat pack (PQFP) package and will be sampled to customers in June. Production will commence in the second half of 2001.