Linux OS for IP-STBs to support proprietary codec

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Jan. 20, 2005

A Linux-based operating system for IP-TVs based on single-core DSPs (digital signal processors) will support a proprietary video codec claimed to perform better than H.264, VC1, and other commonly used codecs. The VP6.2 codec from On2 Technologies will be ported to Softier's MediaLinux OS, the companies say.

MediaLinux

Softier's MediaLinux was among the first implementations of Linux capable of running alongside real-time signal processing BIOS software on a single-core DSP. The approach is intended to simplify the design and reduce the bill of materials in inexpensive IP-enabled media devices, such as the FlikIt IP-STB, which launched last May. Softier launched an IP-STB software reference design based on MediaLinux in September.

Other Linux implementations for single-core DSP designs include a BlackFin uClinux port developed by Metrowerks, and Jaluna's STB reference design, which is based on its OSware virtual platform technology.

VPx codecs

The VP6.2 codec is a proprietary compression technology from On2 Technologies that, in internal testing, it claims offered "better image quality and faster decoding performance than Windows Media 9, Real 9, H.264, and QuickTime MPEG-4." That conclusion appears to have been based on peak signal-to-noise ratios with MPEG-2 files.

On2 says the VP6.2 codec is used in video conferencing and video surveillance systems, and in set-top boxes, desktop PCs, and satellite systems. The company sells VPx server software that supports Linux, but the TrueCast player that is needed to decode VPx files and streams on the client side is currently available on the company's website as a Windows-only download.

On2 began previewing its VP7 codec, which it says features 50 percent better video quality than VP6, earlier this month.

On2 CEO Douglas A. McIntyre said, "It means a great deal to have the VPx family of codecs integrated into their system. This will make the process of using VPx on set-tops much easier."

No timeframe has yet been announced for the availability of VP6.2 codecs on MediaLinux.

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