AMD releases new Imageon media processors for cellphones

Sunnyvale (CA) - AMD introduced three new media processors that promise to enhance the graphics and video capability of cellphones.

The new models extend the existing media processor family that previously was marketed under the ATI brand. The 2294 and 2298 allow users to play and record video in DVD resolution (720x480 pixels). The chips also support digital cameras that deliver images with a resolution of up to 12 megapixels, high-definition audio, TV out and video telephony.

The new Imageon 2192 is aimed at mainstream mobile phones with an image processing capability of up to 3.1 megapixels. The chip also supports TV-Out as well as picture-in-picture support for video telephony applications.

All three new Imageon processors are positioned below the 2300-series, which integrates OpenGL 1.1+ extensions and allows users to play 3D games on their cellphones.

Imageon processors are currently used by Motorola, LG, Fujitsu, Samsung as well as a few other smaller manufacturers of handheld devices. Among the more visible phones with Imageon processors are Motorola's SLVR, RAZR, MOTORIZR and MOTOKRZR models.

In a separate announcement, AMD said that it will begin licensing graphics technologies for handheld devices. "The new AMD IP licensing initiative combines engineering expertise, industry-leading AMD graphics technology, and application developer and publisher support to deliver innovative solutions for the development of low-power 2D and 3D graphics on mobile phones," the company said.

One of the first firms to take advantage of this program is STMicroelectronics, which, according to AMD, has licensed AMD's 2D, 3D and vector graphics core engines, as well as related software compliant with OpenGL ES 2.0 and OpenVG 1.0 standards. STMicroelectronics said that it intends to integrate the technology into its "Nomadik" platform.