HEVC IP cores target IoT & wearable devices

The devices are suitable for applications requiring a flexible encoder able to offer a choice of resolution and bitrate support at the highest quality, covering markets from 720p at 30fps to 4K at 60fps and beyond. The first three IP cores in the series include encoders optimised for high-efficiency mass market, high-performance mainstream mobile and Ultra-HD (UHD) content creation.

HEVC/H.265 video compression technology is designed to deliver video quality comparable to content encoded in the current AVC/H.264 standard, at approximately half the bitrate. This is critical for transmission of HD and UHD video content over today’s limited bandwidth connections.

The Series5 encoders are designed to deliver all the key benefits of HEVC in terms of quality and bitrate reduction relative to H264. In addition, the architecture features advanced search algorithms, a full toolset implementation and optimised rate control algorithms which enable the PowerVR solution to require typically 30% fewer bits than competing solutions to achieve the same quality. The devices are capable of high frame rate encoding up to 1080p at 240fps, enabling faster than real-time transcoding, slow motion recording and multi-stream encoding.

“The emerging demand for 4K video drives the need for a fully-featured H.265 encoder along with a low-energy streaming architecture to achieve the required bitrates and power profile. Imagination’s PowerVR video encoders deliver on these requirements and will be at the heart of many next-gen devices where ultra-high definition video content is a must,” commented Chris Longstaff, Director, Business Development, Imagination.

Since HEVC will be used for a wide range of applications, Imagination is offering a corresponding range of targeted encoder cores, all of which support Android, Linux and RTOS. The PowerVR E5800, a prosumer-level encoder, is designed to enable 4K at 60fps. The core features enhanced colour depth with 10-bits of precision, enabling video stream compliance with ITU-R rec BT.2020. Designed to enable 4K at 30fps, the PowerVR E5505 is suitable for tablets, mobile phones, home media gateways and security cameras. The PowerVR E5300, which is designed to enable 1080p at 60fps, can be used for wearables, camera-equipped IoT devices, entry-level mobile devices and automotive applications such as ADAS.

The Series5 encoders have unique features that lead to even lower latency, power and bandwidth encoding compared with other solutions. This includes ultra-low latency modes that enable sub-frame delays, and a direct input/output option that removes the need to access system memory at either the input from the camera pipeline, or before transmission over the network.

To help customers get to market quickly with lower risk and lower cost, Imagination is ensuring advanced, comprehensive software support for the encoders including full driver support for Linux and Android. Multiple flexible rate control options are provided. RTOS support is also available.