### Broadcom BCM7404 SoC (System-on-a-Chip) for Satellite, IP, and Cable Systems
The Broadcom BCM7404 is a comprehensive System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solution designed to support advanced video processing and multimedia functionalities in satellite, Internet Protocol (IP), and cable applications. This chip integrates various components necessary for high-quality video and audio playback, enabling manufacturers to develop robust and efficient digital video systems.
#### Key Features:
**1. Advanced Video Decoding Capabilities:**
- **AVC/MPEG-2/VC-1 Decoder:** The BCM7404 supports decoding of multiple video formats including H.264/AVC (up to level 4.1), VC-1 (advanced profile @ level 3), and MPEG-2.
- **DivX Support:** The chip also supports DivX versions 3.11, 4.11, and 5.x.
- **MPEG-4 Part 2 SP/ASP:** Compatibility with MPEG-4 part 2 Simple Profile (SP) and Advanced Simple Profile (ASP).
**2. Audio Processing:**
- **Advanced Audio Codecs:** Supports AAC LC, AAC LC + SBR level 2, AAC+ level 2, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, MPEG Layer 1, 2, and 3 (MP3), and Windows Media audio.
- **High-Fidelity Audio DACs:** Features one pair of on-chip stereo high-fidelity audio Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs).
- **3D SRS Audio Support:** Enables enhanced surround sound experience.
- **I²S Interface:** Includes one I²S input port and one I²S output port for audio data transfer.
**3. Image and Video Processing:**
- **2D Effects Graphic Engine:** Provides studio-quality text and graphics rendering at high-definition (HD) resolutions.
- **Digital Noise Reduction (DNR):** Reduces common artifacts such as block noise, mosquito noise, and digital contour noise.
- **Deinterlacing:** Motion-adaptive deinterlacer with reverse 3:2/2:2 pulldown for improved video quality.
**4. Multiple Video Outputs:**
- **HD Analog Video Encoder:** Supports simultaneous standard definition (SD) outputs along with HD.
- **Analog Outputs:** Includes NTSC-M, NTSC-J, PAL-BDGHIN, PAL-M, and PAL-N analog outputs.
- **Digital Outputs:** Supports 480i/480p/576i/576p/720p/1080i/1080p24/30 output formats, Component RGB or YPrPb output, and HD-DVI output.
- **Macrovision Support:** Compliant with Macrovision version 7.1 standards.
**5. Connectivity and Interface:**
- **300 MHz MIPS32/MIPS16e Class Processor:** Provides sufficient processing power for complex tasks.
- **64-bit DDR DRAM Controller:** Ensures fast and efficient memory management.
- **Ethernet MAC and PHY:** Integrated Ethernet connectivity for networking capabilities.
- **USB Host Controllers:** Dual USB 2.0 host controllers and an additional independent USB 1.1 host controller.
- **HDMI 1.3a/DVI 1.0 MAC and PHY with HDCP:** Supports high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) and digital visual interface (DVI) with high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP).
**6. Security and Encryption:**
- **Broadcom Security Processor:** Offers DCAS (Digital Content Access System) and SVP (Secure Video Path) support.
- **Copy Protection:** Implements AES, 1DES, 3DES, CSS, CPRM, DTCP, and other copy-protection mechanisms.
- **Data Transport Demux:** Integrated demultiplexer for MPEG-2, DIRECTV, DVB, and ARIB data transport with decryption capabilities.
**7. Modem Support:**
- **Integrated SiLab Si305x System Side Device:** For modem support and connectivity options.
**8. Peripheral Interfaces:**
- **3.3V 33 MHz PCI 2.3:** Supports PCI bus for peripheral device expansion.
- **SCART 1 and 2:** Enables legacy connections for older devices.
- **VBI Encoders:** For closed captioning and text services with support for NABTS, CGMS-A, WSS, and Gemstar standards.
- **RF Modulator:** With BTSC encoder for RF signal transmission.
**9. Additional Features:**
- **OpenCable™ Ready:** Includes on-chip MCARD support for compatibility with cable TV standards.
- **UHF Band Support:** Enhances reception capabilities in certain applications.
The Broadcom BCM7404 is a powerful SoC that combines advanced video and audio processing capabilities with robust connectivity and security features, making it ideal for the development of sophisticated digital video systems used in satellite, IP, and cable applications. Its comprehensive feature set ensures high-quality playback and a rich user experience across various platforms.
