Sony apparently developed this MPEG codec LSI which uses a 90nm production process...pretty nice. Somehow they fit a CPU and memory in there as well.
I remember when I got my ATI "All-in-Wonder" a few years ago, it required a Pentium II 450MHz or above in order to be able to encode MPEG-2 video realtime.

This single chip can not o­nly do that, but it can also decode at the same time. I'd like to see it do MPEG-4 or even H.264, but I guess that's still a bit too far off.

Sony Corporation announced o­n the 16th the development of the "CXD4702GB" MPEG codec LSI, which uses a 90nm process. It is featured in the company's "Sugo Roku" hybrid recorders to be released in November. Supported recording formats are DVD±R, DVD±RW, and ±VR mode.

This single chip LSI contains MPEG encoding/decoding circuitry. It includes CPU and memory, and can also encode/decode process at the same time. Realtime features such as "Afterplay" can be used for high quality images.

Also, it contains the "Feature Inspection Output Function" which will automatically detect large changes to video and audio. Based primaryily and audio signal and brightness changes in the image, the "Omakase Chapter" function will automatically divide video into chapters.

Other functions include an enlargement of the scope of the Variable Bitrate (VBR). It also puts into practical use the "Dynamic VBR Dubbing" which reduces encoding noise and uses a 2-pass encoding technology.

In addition to "Recording Frame Noise Reduction," the chip also contains the "2D Block Noise Reduction" to reduce square-shaped noise during playback and the "Mosquito Noise Reduction" to reduce flickering of contours. By having the CPU apply these three noise reduction features in response to video, Sony has said the chip allows for higher quality video.

Specifications:
Process Technology: 90nm
Voltage: Internal: 1.2V, I/O: 3.3V, DDR I/F: 2.5V
Power Consumption: 1,500mW
Package: 456 pin FBGA
Package Size (H x W): 27 x 27mm



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040917/sony.htm

Press Release:
http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/News/Press/200409/04-0916/