LSI Logic Corp. announced a single-chip media processor to integrate dual encoding for the dual-tuner, hard-disc drive (HDD)/DVD recorder platform. The DMN-8653, LSI's third-generation DVD recorder system, is expected to be a catalyst in consumer adoption of such products as DVD recorders and next-generation TV displays. Dual encoding allows digital recording of two TV programs while viewing live playback of one of the selected channels -- an increasingly popular feature embedded in today's high-end digital set-top boxes -- while reducing the overall system-level bill of materials for product manufacturers.

"Processors that enable the recording of two programs at the same time will raise the profile of both combination and standalone DVD recorders," said Ida Rose Sylvester, senior analyst, IDC, in a statement. "As these advanced recording capabilities increase in popularity with consumers worldwide, the total DVD recorder processor market is expected to reach $875 million by 2008."

The processor's dual-stream encoding feature allows users to pause, rewind and/or fast-forward back to live television, while recording another channel in the background. By enabling that feature in a single-chip processor, the DMN-8653 reduces system-level costs by a minimum of $10 compared with similar multiple-chip solutions, according to LSI.

The DMN-8653 leverages a flexible unified memory architecture, which allows the processor to target either high-performance HDD/DVD recorder products -- by using a two-chip x32 DRAM configuration -- or entry-level HDD/DVD recorder products -- by using a single-chip x16 DRAM configuration.

LSI is now offering the DMN-8653 DVD recorder system processor to qualified customers, starting at $25 in volume quantities.