Broadcom has announced the industry's first complete system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution for Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD. The BCM7440 incorporates the decoding, processing and memory functions for both formats, eliminating the need for two different hardware platforms.
Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced the industry's first complete system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution that combines both Blu-ray and HD DVD optical disc formats into a highly integrated, single-chip design. Building upon its successful first-generation Blu-ray/HD DVD SoC solution, Broadcom has developed a next-generation universal player SoC that not only significantly surpasses current chip technology in integration and performance, but will further the advancement of high definition media players. The new Broadcom SoC has an advanced feature set, coupled with a software stack that is compliant with both Blu-ray and HD DVD specifications, providing OEMs with a complete platform for future generation media players that support both disc formats, as well as other home entertainment and network applications.
I wouldn't hold my breath, hoping for a hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD player. However, solutions like this should help reduce the costs of single format players. If you'd like to read more, Broadcom's entire press release can be found here.
