H.264 Video Compression Cuts Security DVR Costs

Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX9530 - a four-channel analogue-to-digital front end for converting analogue video and audio signals to the digital format required for compression. An on-chip memory controller is integrated to support a variety of output formats, including the optimal format for direct connection to Maxim's range of H.264 processors. This eliminates the need for the costly FPGA or interface logic required by competitive solutions.

When used together with Maxim's MG3500 H.264 video processor, the MAX9530 is claimed to reduce system BOM cost by more than USD1 (GBP0.60) per channel while delivering excellent system video quality for compression. The MAX9530 will therefore enable a new generation of multi-camera security DVRs that demand superb video quality, competitive cost and the time-to-market advantages of an end-to-end single-source solution. In the video security market, large-scale deployments can involve hundreds of analogue CCTV video cameras and microphones, each requiring analogue-to-digital conversion for subsequent digital compression, recording and transport over IP networks.

To meet aggressive price targets in this market, system designers need a cost-effective solution for interfacing multiple video and audio channels to an H.264 video processor. Typically, designers require an FPGA to interface the video decoder with the H.264 video processor. Costing around five dollars apiece, the FPGA can increase total installation cost by several hundred dollars in large-scale deployments. The MAX9530 was designed to eliminate this interface requirement by directly connecting to Maxim's MG3500 and other H.264 video processors. It performs all digital conversions required for up to four channels of analogue video and audio input.

Paired with the MG3500, the MAX9530 provides a complete 'analogue-to-compressed-digital' video/audio signal path. This gives system designers a two-chip, end-to-end solution that simplifies design and reduces cost in security DVRs. Direct connection is made possible through the MAX9530's integrated memory controller, which assembles four channels into a single optimally formatted data stream for H.264 compression. Unlike other four-channel decoders that rely on the compression engine to reformat all four channels separately for compression, the MAX9530 performs this function automatically in advance to preserve critical video processor performance.

Analogue-to-digital conversion (video decoding and audio conversion) is the first step in the signal path for any system that accepts analogue video/audio inputs and incorporates digital processing. Video decoders and audio ADCs are therefore critical in determining the level of video and audio quality available downstream for compression and further processing. The MAX9530 features a 54MHz 10-bit ADC, differential inputs, video equaliser and interchannel crosstalk of greater than 60dB. The differential analogue inputs improve noise immunity on dense digital boards, easing system layout and design. Its four-channel digital EQ function restores high-frequency losses on each video input to maintain signal integrity in applications with long cables.

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