Imagination provides Dolby MS11 multi-stream technology solutions

     Imagination Technolgoies has announced that its Meta processor has received Dolby MS11 certification. Meta processors have been deployed in a wide range of digital audio products including extension docks, radios and networked audio subsystems. The MS11-certified Meta processor can decode a wide range of multi-stream audio standard content with a single thread.

     According to Dolby, the MS11 multi-stream decoder provides television and set-top box manufacturers with a single package technology solution for decoding all top audio formats, including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, HE AAC with Dolby metadata, and all HE AAC/AAC streams. It ensures optimal compatibility with installed home theater systems worldwide and future broadcast audio standards.

     The Meta family of embedded processors uses hardware multithreading to combine general-purpose 'application' processor and DSP capabilities in a single processor. By using true hardware multithreading and efficient DSP architecture, the Meta processor has exceptional tolerance for SoC system latency, while providing both complex DSP and mathematical capabilities, as well as an application level that is perfect for real-time response needs such as audio SOCs.

     Broadcast systems are being deployed in a variety of formats to cater to new television audio standards around the world. With Meta processors with Dolby MS11 certification, manufacturers can ensure that their TV or set-top box products are compatible with a wide range of audio formats and standards by providing a unified, cost-effective solution for all current and soon-to-be-deployed audio needs.

     "Meta has gained a reputation as a compelling digital signal processor (DSP) for audio, and it has been used by many major brands including Pure, SONY, Roberts, Alpine and other indoor, portable and in-car audio brands." Tony King-Smith, Vice President of Marketing at Imagination, said: "Imagination believes that perfect audio is a necessary complement to perfect video and graphics; Our PowerVR technology is the recognized market leader in video and graphics. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Dolby to provide our customers with the best multi-stream audio solution."

     Jason Power, Senior Director of Broadcast Audio Ecosystem at Dolby LABS, said: "Dolby is committed to providing advanced solutions for the diverse needs of the global broadcast ecosystem. "We are excited that with Dolby MS11, the Meta processor is now fully compatible with a wide range of HD broadcast and online audio formats, enabling listeners to enjoy a consistent, high-quality audio experience."

     By adding support for Dolby MS11 on Meta processors, Imagination further expands its silicon semiconductor intellectual property (IP) product platform for HDTVS, which includes Ensigma multi-standard 'universal' broadcast demodulators and 'SmartTV' network connectors; PowerVR graphics processors for advanced gaming, advanced applications and user experience interfaces, PowerVR multi-standard, multi-stream video decoder and encoder up to 4Kx2K, Meta multi-stream audio and application processors, And HelloSoft V. VIP 'video chat' software technology.