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Socionext demos 'world's first' single-chip 8K video decoder

Socionext Inc., a provider of SoCs for imaging applications, has introduced what it says is the 'world's first single-chip SoC that can process decoding of 8K resolution HEVC video.'

March 25, 2016

Socionext Inc., a provider of SoCs for imaging applications, has introduced what it says is the "world's first single-chip SoC that can process decoding of 8K resolution HEVC video."

Socionext's SCH801A was developed in cooperation with Nippon Hoso Kyokai Japan Broadcasting Corp., and has successfully performed decoding of 8K test streaming data, the announcement said.

Hardware makers will be able to utilize their existing digital TV SoCs in combination with the SCH801A to develop 8K TV sets and accelerate the move of 8K TVs into the market, the company said.

The company said "8K" means an ultra-high-definition format of digital video with 33 million pixels, 16 times as many as that of full HD, which is widely available today. In Japan, test broadcasting of 8K is scheduled to be launched in 2016, and the start of the full service will follow by 2018, delivering a super-realistic image enabling a completely new viewing experience, the company said.

The SCH801A conforms with the standard "ARIB STD-B32 Part I" for HEVC encoding of super-high definition satellite broadcasting in Japan, and is capable of decoding 8K 60P at one channel with a single chip, the company said. It is equipped with one lane of PCI Express Gen2, and four channels of HDMI 2.0 Tx as external interfaces. Utilizing test-generated streaming data, Socionext said it successfully performed the decoding of 8K images. The company plans to start volume shipping of the device in November.

Socionext will feature a live demonstration of the 8K decoder solution during the NAB 2016 in April in Las Vegas.