AMD launches Alchemy Au1200 processor

AMD has introduced the AMD Alchemy Au1200 processor, a system-on-chip solution to provide living-room quality video entertainment for consumers on the go. According to the company, the processor has been optimized for personal media players (PMP) and features scalable DVD-quality displays, video content transfers directly from digital video recorders. It has a long-lasting battery life, so consumers can stay mobile longer.

PMPs containing this processor can connect directly to digital video recorders (DVR) and transfer video content without the need to transcode the file through a personal computer. This greatly reduces the time to download and playback fresh video entertainment on a PMP. Once content is on the PMP, the processor provides a DVD-quality display that can be scaled directly to larger screens without compromising image quality. It supports industry-standard media formats, including MPEG2, MPEG4, WMV9, H.263 and
DivX.

AMD, has also made available the Vassili PMP, a market-ready PMP reference design that utilizes the multimedia capabilities of the Alchemy Au1200 processor. In addition to the DVD-quality image on a 3.6-inch color display, the Vassili offers 20GB internal storage and is compatible with PC and Macintosh computers. Vassili delivers four hours of video playback or 12 hours of music playback in part because of the Au1200 processor's extremely low-power consumption (less than 400mW at 400MHz typical performance). 

The processor will be available in production quantities during Q2 2005 in 333MHz, 400MHz and 500MHz speed options. In 10,000 unit quantities, the 333MHz version is priced at $22.50. AMD is partnering with DVR manufacturer TiVo to support the TiVo-To-Go initiative, which enables direct transfer of programs from a Series2 TiVo DVR directly to PMPs, laptops and other portable devices.

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