To provide high-quality audio system for high-definition (HD) TVs, Analog Devices (News - Alert) (ADI), a company specializing in semiconductors for signal processing applications, launched SoundMAX audio processing algorithms and silicon solutions.

 

Analog Devices’ SoundMAX solutions are designed to provide critical audio-subsystem functionality for flat-panel plasma and LCD digital TVs.

 

The SoundMAX library contains more than 60 algorithms. This portfolio provides television audio designers a single resource for designing multiple TV platforms across a wide range of price points, ADI said.

 

According to Bill Bucklen, segment director for advanced TV at Analog Devices, proliferation of flat-panel LCD TVs has created a new demand for innovative audio signal processing chain.

 

“While designers strive to deliver a realistic audio experience that approximates
surround-sound speaker systems or pre-packaged home theater-in-a-box systems, manufacturers must contend with smaller HDTV form factors that leave little room for high-fidelity speakers,” Bucklen said.

 

Referring to a market data from Consumer Electronics Association, Bucklen said that 85 percent of HDTVs would not be connected to an external AV receiver or multiple speakers, suggesting that most HDTVs must be capable of providing a high-quality audio
experience using internal audio systems.

SoundMAX for TV audio solutions are part of Analog Device’s line of Advantiv advanced television solutions. According to the company, SoundMAX portfolio consists of all necessary analog and digital signal processing, multi-channel audio decoding, post-processing and algorithm-supported audio enhancements required to build a complete high-definition (HD) audio signal chain.

 

The signal processing performance requirements for HD video, audio and interconnect functions are significantly higher than for standard-definition TVs. To meet these challenges, ADI provides cost-effective analog, digital, and mixed-signal solutions to enable the latest in HD home entertainment systems.

 

SoundMAX includes ADI's advanced television audio processors, class-D amplifiers, high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) receivers, design environments such as the SigmaStudio graphical programming tool for ADI audio processors, and audio algorithms. Both ADI-developed and third party audio algorithms are included.

 
“By combining ADI's audio building blocks, algorithms, system-level innovations and design support into one platform, the SoundMAX audio solutions portfolio enables HDTV designers to deliver the gold-standard in TV audio,” said Bucklen. “In addition, designers can reduce development costs by 20 percent or more over solutions that require customers to purchase TV audio components and software from multiple vendors.”