Maxim’s H.264 video compression solution cuts cost in security DVRs

When used together with Maxim’s MG3500 H.264 video processor, the MAX9530 reduces system BOM cost by more than $1 per channel while delivering excellent system video quality for compression. The MAX9530 will thus enable a new generation of multicamera security DVRs that demand superb video quality, competitive cost, and the time-to-market advantages of an end-to-end single-source solution.

Meeting aggressive price targets for security DVRs
In the video security market, large-scale deployments can involve hundreds of analog CCTV video cameras and microphones, each requiring analog-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.

Maxim’s end-to-end solution for digital video compression
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 the digital conversions required for up to 4 channels of analog video and audio input.

Paired with the MG3500, the MAX9530 provides a complete “analog-to-compressed-digital” video/audio signal path. This gives system designers a two-chip, end-to-end solution that greatly simplifies design and reduces cost in security DVRs.

Direct connection is made possible through the MAX9530’s integrated memory controller, which assembles 4 channels into a single optimally formatted data stream for H.264 compression. Unlike other 4-channel decoders that rely on the compression engine to reformat all 4 channels separately for compression, the MAX9530 performs this function automatically in advance to preserve critical video processor performance.

Unparalleled video quality
Analog-to-digital conversion (video decoding and audio conversion) is the first step in the signal path for any system that accepts analog 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 delivers unparalleled video quality, thanks to its 54MHz 10-bit ADC, differential inputs, video equalizer, and industry-leading interchannel crosstalk (> 60dB). The differential analog inputs improve noise immunity on dense digital boards, easing system layout and design. Additionally, its unique 4-channel digital EQ function restores high-frequency losses on each video input to maintain signal integrity in applications with long cables.

Summary of key features
• 4-channel NTSC/PAL video decoder with 54MHz, 10-bit ADCs and 5-line filter
• Flexible video output with byte- or frame-interleaving modes at 27/54/108MHz
• 4-channel audio ADC with 48kHz/16-bit capture and sample-rate conversion
• 2-channel analog audio output
• Digital audio input/output through I2S interfaces
• Multichip cascade configuration with direct connection
• Independent auto-equalizer processing for each video channel
• Individual video scalers for each video channel