Chrontel Offers HDMI Encoder Chip

Chrontel, a provider of video interface technologies, has announced a low-power video integrated circuit (IC) for Internet computers.

Designed specifically to interface with highly integrated low-power processors that rely on LVDS video outputs – like Intel’s recently announced N450, D410 and D510 Atom processors – Chrontel’s mixed-signal CH7036 IC converts LVDS inputs into HDMI, DVI or VGA video outputs for external displays and digital TVs.

The CH7036 also has an additional output port that can retransmit graphic data in LVDS format to the netbook’s display while one of the external video outputs is enabled.

The CH7036 has a single-channel LVDS receiver and transmitter that is compatible with resolutions up to 1366 x 768. The device’s integrated frame buffer scaler and HDMI/DVI encoder supports output resolutions up to 1080p. The CH7036 also incorporates three high-speed 10-bit DACs for VGA output.

"Low power processors like Intel’s very successful Atom line, have integrated graphic controllers. They typically rely on LVDS for video interface," said David Soo, Chrontel president and CEO, in a statement. "To enable netbook and nettop designers to add an HDMI option for high-def display, a conversion chip is required."