C-Cube Unveils World's First Single-Chip MPEG-2 Codec; C-Cube's DVx Architecture To Address Volume Recordable Applications for Digital Video.

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 25, 1997--Continuing its lead in enabling new digital markets, C-Cube Microsystems today unveiled its revolutionary DVx digital video architecture, the world's first real-time, single-chip MPEG-2 codec.

Until now, high-quality MPEG-2 encoding has been too cost-prohibitive to address volume recordable applications in the multimedia authoring, PC and consumer electronics arenas. DVx will allow MPEG-2 to penetrate future cost- and space-sensitive applications, including recordable DVD-PCs and players, nonlinear editing, two-way set-tops, digital VCRs, and consumer camcorders.

"DVx revolutionizes the digital video industry by providing the first cost-effective platform in which real-time MPEG-2 encoding can extend into consumer markets," said Dr. Alex Balkanski, president and CEO for C-Cube Microsystems. "Our new architecture represents a fundamental industry shift by transforming MPEG-2 digital video into a recordable and transmittable tool for robust communications and entertainment applications."

"The ability to cost-effectively record and play back high quality digital video in the consumer space will open up a host of new opportunities for the consumer electronics market," said Tsuneyoshi Hidaka, associate director of R&D for JVC.

"By developing an MPEG-2 codec to easily address future recordable consumer applications, C-Cube is executing on the industry's ultimate vision of establishing a single interoperable video format across all video applications."

DVx provides a highly flexible and programmable platform, allowing PC OEMs and professional video equipment manufacturers to effectively address the needs of the rapidly expanding video market. C-Cube's new patented PerfectView