Chrontel's CH7017 integrates video functions that previously required three separate chips: a dual LVDS (low voltage differential signal) transmitter, which supports all flat panel display resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 pixels at a 60Hz refresh rate; a display scaler, which automatically adjusts the selected pixel resolution to the physical size of the display; and a TV encoder (or TV-out), which sends video signals directly to a conventional NTSC or PAL television. Notebook PC manufacturers can now design an array of display options into their products by using a single low-cost IC.

Almost every notebook computer contains an LVDS chip, which is the standard industry technology for transmitting the output of a graphics processor on a PC motherboard across the open hinge of a notebook case to a flat panel display. Many PCs also incorporate scaler technology, which automatically resizes the user-selected pixel resolution to occupy every square inch of the notebook's display. In addition to the notebook's internal display, PC users increasingly demand direct video output to conventional TVs, so that information, presentations, movies and games can be shared with multiple viewers.

Until now, PC OEMs that wanted to support all graphics formats --from VGA (640 x 480) all the way up to QXGA (2048 x 1536)--and also support automated 2D scaling and direct analog video output to a TV, had to purchase as many as three separate ICs for their notebook design. By integrating all of these video display options into a single device, Chrontel has dramatically lowered the complexity and part count for next generation notebooks.

"DVD drives are becoming standard on today's PCs, so users want TV-out capability to display movies on a large TV screen. At the same time, notebook displays are growing larger, so LVDS transmitters must support resolutions up to QXGA," explained Dr. David Soo, Chrontel's president and CEO. "This PC-TV convergence is changing the economics of video display chips. It is now more cost-effective to use one device to drive both the notebook display and an external TV. Chrontel's new device wraps all these video options into a single IC, which means the cost of convergence just decreased."

Highly Integrated Device Offers Multiple Video Features

The CH7017 supports LVDS pixel rates up to 330M pixels/second, which is required for resolutions up to QXGA. The device includes an adaptive and programmable on-chip scaler, patented flicker filter, and text enhancement technology for superior text display. The chip also integrates four 10-bit DACs that allow the CH7017 to drive both TV composite video and component S-video outputs, while simultaneously driving an alternate image on the notebook's flat panel display. Using a PC built around the CH7017, a user can display a slide presentation on a TV to a roomful of people, while simultaneously viewing speaker's notes on a notebook's internal display.

To meet the system requirements of the broadest range of PC OEMs, Chrontel also offers the CH7019, which eliminates the scaling feature of the CH7017 for PC designs that either omit or employ discrete ICs for that function. Notebooks from leading PC manufacturers incorporating the new CH7017 and CH7019 chips should begin appearing on store shelves this autumn.

Pricing and Availability

The CH7017 and CH7019 are both available now in production quantities. The devices are packaged in 128-pin LQFP and come complete with Windows and DOS driver support. The CH7017 is priced from $7.50 each in quantities of 1000, and the CH7019 is priced from $5.50 each in quantities of 1000.

About Chrontel

Founded in 1986, Chrontel is a leading supplier of video interface ICs and technology to PC manufacturers worldwide. The company introduced the world's first VGA-to-TV encoder, and currently offers the industry's most complete product line of video interface ICs for notebook and desktop PCs.

Chrontel video display chips are incorporated into reference designs offered by Intel and other leading microprocessor and graphics processor vendors. Chrontel components can be found in PCs sold by dozens of leading manufacturers, including the world's six largest computer brands. Additional information about Chrontel can be found on its website: http://www.chrontel.com .