NXP will incorporate the codec in its Nexperia multimedia system solutions to raise the bar for audio quality in home entertainment applications such as its set-top box reference designs Fraunhofer IIS has licensed an implementation of the most modern audio compression technology standardized in MPEG-4 to NXP Semiconductors: High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding v2 (MPEG-4 HE-AACv2).

MPEG-4 HE-AACv2 is very relevant for IP-based applications, since it enables delivery of high quality stereo sound in the range from 32 kbit/s to 64 kbit/s and below. The codec is already widely used in mobile multimedia broadcasting and is the de-facto standard for music download services on mobile phones.

"The MPEG-4 HE-AACv2 audio compression technology from Fraunhofer IIS is complementary to the finest video quality provided by NXP's Nexperia system solutions to create a rich multimedia experience for consumers," said Menno Kleingeld, Senior Marketing Director NXP Semiconductors, BU Home, BL-STB & Home Media Devices, NXP Semiconductors. "Once incorporated, NXP IP set-top box reference designs will provide high quality stereo and multi-channel surround sound, enabling a life-like TV viewing experience at low bit-rates required for video IP services." Harald Popp, head of the Multimedia Realtime Systems department at Fraunhofer IIS, says: "We are proud that NXP Semiconductors chose our highly optimized HE-AAC implementation. This is again a proof for the outstanding performance of our software."

The latest NXP Nexperia PNX8935 multi format source decoder incorporates MPEG-4 HE-AACv2 audio compression to deliver advanced HD AV processing. Built into the NXP STB IP set-top box reference design, the PNX8935 can handle the latest HD video formats with ease, while maintaining a degree of flexibility for the future.