Tensilica HiFi Audio DSP Becomes First IP Core Approved for Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - June 23, 2010 -Tensilica, Inc. today announced that it is the first IP (intellectual property) company with an audio core for system-on-chip (SOC) designs approved for using the Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder, a multi-format audio decoding technology, that supports Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Pulse in a single package for next-generation HDTVs (high-definition televisions), STBs (set-top boxes) and DMPs (digital media players).

The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder is critical to next-generation designs because it enables viewers to receive content not only from traditional broadcast and operator sources, but also from the Internet, USB devices, game consoles, and PCs. This array of source content uses a corresponding array of audio codecs, which Dolby has consolidated into MS10.

The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder decodes Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pulse, HE AAC, and all AAC bitstreams. For compatibility with the worldwide base of existing home theater systems, it enables the decoded audio streams to be transcoded into a Dolby Digital audio output bitstream for multichannel surround, stereo, and mono sound.

"Tensilica's leading system OEM and semiconductor customers are already developing next generation DTV, STB and DMP SOCs to support MS10," stated Larry Przywara, Tensilica's director of multimedia marketing. "The Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder provides our customers with a single-license universal decoder that reduces the codec integration complexity and cost to support the broadcast audio technologies in Europe, North America and many other geographies. By being the first IP company to pass this certification, we are providing our customers with a significant head start."

"Once again, Tensilica has shown leadership and a commitment to its customers by enabling support for great Dolby sound," said Jason Power, Senior Director, Broadcast Segment, Dolby Laboratories. "As more HDTV and STB manufacturers begin to develop products based on the Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder, its availability on Tensilica's HiFi Audio DSP can help speed the development of new products that deliver unparalleled audio."

Tensilica's HiFi 2 and HiFi EP Audio DSPs are fully programmable processor cores optimized for audio applications, with a library of over 60 of the most popular audio software packages. Other Dolby certified packages include: Dolby Digital Decode, Dolby Digital Creator Encode, Dolby Digital Compatible Output Encode, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and 7.1-channel Decode, Dolby True HD Decode and Dolby Pro Logic IIx.

About Tensilica

Tensilica, Inc. is the leader in customizable dataplane processor IP cores. Dataplane Processor Units (DPUs) combine the best capabilities of CPUs and DSPs while delivering 10 to 100x the performance because they can be customized using Tensilica's automated design tools to meet specific signal processing performance targets. Tensilica's DPUs  power SOC designs at system OEMs and six out of the top 10 semiconductor companies for products including mobile phones, consumer electronics devices (including digital TV, Blu-ray Disc players, broadband set top boxes, digital still cameras and portable media players), computers, and storage, networking and communications equipment. For more information on Tensilica's patented, benchmark-proven DPUs visit www.tensilica.com.