C-CUBE ADDS ADVANCED MPEG-1 ENCODER TO PRODUCT LINE; Four-Chip Set Dramatically Improves Video Quality at CD Data Rates.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 1995--C-Cube Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:CUBE) announced today the CLM4550 Advanced MPEG-1 Video Encoder, a second-generation real-time encoder that dramatically improves the video quality achievable for low bit-rate media such as VideoCD, CD ROM, T1 video distribution and local area network video.

Applications for video on compact disc include music video, Karaoke, movies, educational, reference and game titles. The CLM4550 will also improve the quality of video distributed networks, including video on demand, video conferencing, video mail and private video networks. The encoder runs on four C-Cube Video-RISC Processors, allowing the encoder to be implemented on ISA, PCI or NuBus add-in boards.

A real-time encoder, the CLM4550 Advanced MPEG-1 Video Encoder builds on the video compression algorithms incorporated in the two-chip CLM4500 by adding the advanced video preprocessing required for high image quality at low bit rates. The integration of video preprocessing and C-Cube's proprietary MPEG video compression algorithms on a four-chip VideoRISC array allows the CLM4550 to produce video quality rivaled only by non-real-time main-frame solutions.

"Our on-going MPEG algorithm developments have allowed us to produce the CLM4550, which will set a new standard for MPEG-1 video quality on compact disc," said David Taylor, C-Cube's director of broadcast marketing. "The demand for high quality encoding platforms to master and store Karaoke, music video and movie titles is high. The CLM4550 will also offer cable system operators, telcos and broadcasters the opportunity to deliver more channels with better quality than has every been achieved at low bit rates. The CLM4550 addresses all of those applications."

MPEG-1 is an international standard for the compression of audio and video. MPEG-1 was designed to allow the distribution of video on compact disc, but has also found use in private video networks, video on demand, ad insertion and other low bit rate applications. The standard that has been embraced by major consumer electronics and computer multimedia suppliers worldwide, including JVC, Panasonic, Sony, Goldstar, Samsung, Apple Computer, Sigma Designs, Creative Labs and others.

Product Description

The CLM4550 Advanced MPEG-1 Video Encoder supports SIF resolution for both NTSC (352x240) and PAL (352x288) scanning formats. Frame rates of 24 (film), 25 (PAL) and 30 frames per second are supported at compressed data rates of from 1 to 5megabits per second.

To achieve a high level of quality, the CLM4550 employs a range of video pre-processing including spatial, temporal and frequency-domain noise reduction and advanced adaptive interfield filtering. The CLM4550 also extends the MPEG compression algorithm by adding automaticly detecting and adapting to scene-changes, fades and dissolves.

Because the CLM4550 runs on four VideoRISC Processors, the CLM4550 microapplication can run on any of C-Cube's larger encoder arrays, including the CLM4750 and CLM4700, allowing broadcasters to use advanced SIF encoding to increase channel efficiencies.

Price and Availability

The CLM4550 will sample in the second quarter of 1995; release of production firmware is expected in late summer. The price for the product including microapplication software and four VideoRISC Processors is $1950 (in 100 unit per month quantities). A SPARC-based encoder development system is also available, complete with an MPEG-2 Main Level, Main Profile encoder design example.

C-Cube Microsystems

C-Cube Microsystems Inc. designs and markets integrated circuits that implement international standards for the compression of digital images and video. Compression allows digital video to be used in fast-growing applications such as multimedia computing, CD-based consumer electronics and direct broadcast of television programming from satellites. C-Cube Microsystems has its headquarters in Milpitas, Calif. and has offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company employs 140 people worldwide. Its stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol CUBE.

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Note to Editors: C-Cube and C-Cube logo are registered trademarks and VideoRISC is a trademark of C-Cube Microsystems.

CONTACT: C-Cube Microsystems

Scott St. Clair, 408/944-6300

or

The Benjamin Group

John Radewagen/Mary Sharpless, 408/559-6090