Video interfaces take content protection onboard

Two new DVI transmitters support high-bandwidth digital content protection and comply with Intel's serial digital video output PC interface specification.

New from Chrontel are two DVI (digital visual interface) transmitters, the CH7312 and CH7313, which support HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protection) and comply with Intel's SDVO (serial digital video output) PC interface specification.

The CH7312 device was revealed at the Intel Developer's Forum (IDF) in San Francisco in the first public demonstration of a SDVO-compliant DVI/HDCP transmitter IC.

DVI/HDCP transmitters are mixed-signal ICs that transmit copy-protected video pixel data over a secure link from PCs to external displays.

With these devices, consumers will be able to watch copy-protected high-definition content on PC displays, LCD monitors, video projectors or HDTVs equipped with a DVI/HDCP receiver.

DVI/HDCP transmitters accept RGB video data from a graphic controller on the CPU motherboard of a PC, and convert the video data for secure transmission to an external DVI-compliant display using HDCP content protection to authenticate the license of the receiving display device.

Video data are then encrypted for transmission to the properly licensed DVI/HDCP receiver.

Content creators and owners, such as movie studios and musicians, can confidently release digital content for PC playback if it is protected by robust and secure authentication and transmission schemes like HDCP.

The SDVO interface specification is a high-speed serial data interface designed into Intel's latest PCI Express-enabled chipsets: the Intel 915G, 915GV, 910GL and 945G Express chipsets.

Manufacturers that design PCs using PCI Express will require SDVO-compliant DVI/HDCP transmitters to link the internal integrated graphic device of a PCI Express chipset with external displays that use the popular DVI/HDCP standard to receive and display high-definition video content.

"As PCs increasingly become the media hubs of the modern home, it is critically important that they support robust content protection standards like HDCP", explained Dr David Soo, Chrontel President and CEO.

"As a leading vendor of DVI solutions to the global PC industry, Chrontel placed a high priority on offering cost-effective DVI devices that support HDCP encryption/authentication and Intel's new SDVO interface specification".

Chrontel's new CH7312 and CH7313 transmitters support the 1-2Gbit/s high-speed video input rate of the SDVO interface specification.

Both Chrontel devices support video output rates up to 165Mpixel/s, suitable for driving high-definition external monitors and displays with resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 pixels) at a 60Hz refresh rate.

The CH7312 uses an external device to store the HDCP authentication and encryption key.

The CH7313 incorporates an internal HDCP key.

"Intel believes the SDVO and HDCP technologies are important for advancing the utility of PCs for consumers", said Sunil Kumar, Intel's Director of Chipset and Software Marketing.

"We are pleased that Chrontel is moving quickly to adopt the SDVO interface for their new DVI/HDCP transmitters".

The mixed-signal CH7312 and CH7313 are the latest in a family of SDVO-compliant devices that Chrontel began releasing in 2004.

Chrontel offers the most complete line of SDVO-compliant video interface devices, including LVDS and DVI transmitters plus standard and high-definition TV transmitters.

The Chrontel CH7312 and CH7313 will be sampling in 2Q05, and production volumes will be available early Q3 2005.

The devices are offered in low-cost 48-pin LQFP packages, and come complete with Windows driver support.

The CH7312 is priced at $3.75 in 10,000 piece quantities.

The CH7313, with an internal key, is priced at $4.00 in 10,000 piece quantities.

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