First IP core approved for Dolby MS12 Multistream Decoder

11th January 2016

Nat Bowers

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Cadence Design Systems has announced that its audio core for SoC designs has been approved for use with the Dolby MS12 Multistream Decoder, an all-in-one audio solution for TVs with universal decoding, that supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby, Digita, HE-AAC decoding, Dolby Audio Processing (DAP) post-processing, system sound mixing and speaker tuning.

The Dolby MS12 Multistream Decoder is critical to next-gen designs because it enables viewers to receive content not only from traditional broadcast and operator sources, but also from the Internet and USB devices. This array of source content is matched with a corresponding array of audio codecs which Dolby has consolidated into MS12. To ensure compatibility with the worldwide base of existing home theatre systems, the solution converts the audio output to a standard Dolby Digital bitstream of up to 5.1 channels or a Dolby Digital Plus bitstream of up to 7.1. In addition, a decoded two-channel downmix from any multichannel input is created, so consumers always get a signal that matches their specific home systems.

DAP brings years of audio research into a new post-processing solution with the audio optimiser, audio regulator and bass enhancer to get the best sound out of the TV. It includes features such as the volume leveller, dialogue enhancer and virtual surround that provide a more immersive experience for the consumer.

Larry Przywara, Group Director of Marketing, audio/voice IP, Cadence, commented: “Cadence has licensed HiFi to four of the top five TV OEMs for their own SoC development. These leading system OEMs and our semiconductor customers are already developing next-gen technologies to support MS12. The Dolby MS12 Multistream Decoder provides our customers with a single-license universal decoder that reduces the codec integration complexity and cost to support the broadcast audio technologies globally. By being the first IP company to pass this certification, we are providing our customers with a significant head start.”

“Cadence continues to show leadership and a commitment to its customers by enabling support for great Dolby sound. As more HDTV and STB manufacturers begin to develop products based on the Dolby MS12 Multistream Decoder, its availability on the Tensilica HiFi Audio DSP can help speed the development of new products that deliver unparallelled audio,” added Mathias Bendull, Vice President, Broadcast Consumer Audio, Dolby Laboratories.