Multimedia platform enables SH772x development

The first product in the series is the MS7724 platform for the SH7724, the newest entry in the SH772x Series.

The MS7724 provides improved functionality and performance over current evaluation and development boards incorporating the SH772x Series, while achieving a more compact area approximately 50 per cent that of previous Renesas products.

The platform includes software for developing systems running the Linux OS, including navigation systems with support for terrestrial digital broadcasts, portable media players, audio and video equipment, and digital signage.

The MS7724 includes a Linux Board Support Package (BSP) featuring a Linux kernel, compiler and tool-chain versions, as well as all the drivers needed for a quick start.

Sample middleware for audio and video processing and several sample applications, such as video recording and video playback, enable customers to develop high-end audio-video systems incorporating the SH7724 multimedia processor running the Linux OS.

The sample application is a complete software program supporting implementation of an IP security camera.

It encodes video captured by a camera in H.264 format using the SH7724 hardware, then transfers the resulting signal from the Ethernet interface of the SH7724 to a LAN network or display device via an HTTP server.

The MS7724 covers almost all the capabilities of the SH7724 while providing additional functions designed for system development and enhanced flexibility.

Existing key functions include encoding (recording) and decoding (playback) of HD video (1,280 x 720 pixels) at 30fps, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC*2, and camera input pins for two channels to support systems requiring input from two cameras, such as security cameras or Event Data Recorder (EDR).

Flexible system development is aided by the addition of a Power over Ethernet (PoE) function utilising 10/100Mbps Ethernet interface.

This allows power to be supplied via a LAN cable and eliminates the need for an AC adapter.

A three-axis motion sensor detects the orientation of the board and movement, while a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is designed to provide maximum picture quality on digital-display devices for connecting to an LCD controller.

An LCD board and a set of camera boards are also available.

The 7in WVGA TFT LCD (800 x 480 pixels) with resistive touch-panel functionality is used for developing an intuitive user interface and is configured to mount on top of the similarly sized main board.

The set of two camera boards incorporates a 3.2-megapixel 1/4in CMOS image sensor and a camera module with autofocus function, capable of capturing video in HD format.

All materials used comply with the RoHS Directive*3.