Philips' New Flat Panel Controller

Not to be outdone by NSC (see story, above), Philips is now showing off an integrated, triple input flat-panel controller targeting SXGA LCD monitor and projector applications. The new SAA6714 integrates triple analog-to-digital conversion, a DVI 1.0-compliant TMDS receiver and a scaling engine with enhanced on-screen display (OSD) functionality. Philips says the controller enhances picture quality and contrast through features such as a programmable polyphase filter, which enables adjustment of a wide range of picture characteristics including color management. For video applications, the SAA6714 has a dedicated, parallel YUV input and user-selectable pure temporal, pure spatial and adaptive filtering de-interlacing modes. On-board picture-in-picture (PIP) support allows the display of a second video stream in a scalable window. Philips is also offering hardware and software reference designs to help folks learn how to use the chip in LCD monitors. The reference platform includes micro-controller, interface circuitry, and software for system control and interface support. The SAA6714 will be sampling in Q2 2001, and production will begin in Q4 2001. It will priced somewhere between $20 and $30 USD, depending on quantity.