Sarnoff ClearLoc(TM) VSB/QAM Demodulator Adds Digital/HDTV, Cable Capabilities To Receivers

   Sarnoff Corporation (www.sarnoff.com), today introduced ClearLoc(TM), a new VSB/QAM demodulator for TV receivers and set-top boxes that delivers outstanding over-the-air digital/HDTV performance under the most severe reception conditions, and also offers full cable TV reception capabilities.

Available now in silicon IP, ClearLoc uses a new set of algorithms and hardware that enable it to meet all performance parameters specified in the ATSC Receiver Performance Guidelines. These guidelines have become the standard of excellence for 8-VSB (terrestrial digital/HDTV) demodulators for the digital TV standard used in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.

In addition, the built-in 64/256 QAM (cable TV) capabilities give TV manufacturers a single solution for receiving all cable channels while meeting the FCC mandate to include terrestrial digital TV reception in future TV sets.

"ClearLoc delivers a stable, outstanding picture even when there are ghosts in a terrestrial digital broadcast as strong as the main signal," said William Mayweather, Senior Director of Business Operations at Sarnoff. "Our customers asked for better performance, and the ClearLoc VSB/QAM demodulator provides the best price/performance combination available today."

ClearLoc's ability to handle strong ghosts, such as those typically found in urban regions where receivers must cope with signal reflections from tall buildings, also goes beyond ATSC guidelines and sets it apart from other demodulators, according to Mayweather.
 
This performance is achieved through several new enhancements, including use of the training sequence transmitted within the HDTV broadcast, and additional operating modes for the equalizer. The demodulator makes use of a host microcontroller that selects the optimum operating mode when receiving a signal transmitted under severe multipath conditions. The software for the microcontroller is provided in the silicon IP, and can be easily ported to any embedded processor.

ClearLoc is the latest generation of demodulator IP, developed by the Sarnoff engineering team over the past several years. Several patents are pending on its system optimization algorithms. The IP can be customized to add features for specific applications.
Sarnoff's ClearLoc digital TV IP is available immediately. The deliverables include verilog source code and test benches, firmware, extensive documentation, and engineering support.
Licenses are provided on a royalty basis custom-tailored to each licensee's needs. Quotes are available upon request.

Princeton, NJ-based Sarnoff Corporation has a long history of video innovations, including a broad multimedia line of IP cores. The company's work in video has earned it nine Emmy® awards for technical achievement, two of them in the area of video quality.

About Sarnoff
Sarnoff Corporation (www.sarnoff.com) produces innovations in electronic, biomedical and information technology that generate successful new products and services for clients worldwide. Founded in 1942 as RCA Laboratories, it develops breakthroughs in ICs, lasers, and imagers; drug discovery, manufacture and delivery; digital TV and video for security, surveillance, and entertainment; high-performance networking; and wireless communications. Its history includes the development of color TV, the liquid-crystal display, and the disposable hearing aid, and a leadership role in creating the new U.S. digital and HDTV standard. Sarnoff also founds new companies to bring its technologies to market. It is a subsidiary of SRI International.