Stretch Announces S7000 Family, the Next Generation Software Configurable Processor
Latest Devices from Stretch Deliver Lowest Cost, Highest Quality Video Processing
SUNNYVALE, Calif., August 3, 2010 – Stretch Inc., the pioneer and leader in software configurable processors, today announced its next generation of software configurable processors. The S7000 family is based on a new S7 architecture and delivers unprecedented performance to video processing applications. With the ability to perform multi-stream, high profile H.264 encoding on up to 16 channels of standard definition video or 1080p60 high definition video, S7000 family devices are the ideal choice for applications such as hybrid DVRs, IP network cameras, video servers, and video decode appliances. Encompassing three family members, the S7000 devices combine the power and flexibility of Stretch software configurable processor technology with Stretch's highly optimized Intelligent Encoder software, which now includes wide dynamic range image signal processing, to deliver the industry's best video quality at unrivalled price/performance points. Manufactured on a 65 nanometer low-power process, S7000 devices provide the lowest power solution for video applications.
"The new S7000 family resets the price performance bar in video applications," said Craig Lytle, Stretch president and CEO. "The performance achieved by S7000 family devices, along with their high level of integration, makes them a perfect fit for DVRs and high definition IP cameras. For the first time, all the image signal processing, video compression, and analytics required for a state-of-the-art 1080p60 IP camera can be performed by a single device. This dramatically reduces system costs, complexity, and power consumption."
Video Quality Reduces Bandwidth and Cuts Storage Costs
The largest cost drivers for video surveillance solutions are the bandwidth requirements for networking and the storage (disk drive) costs for DVRs and NVRs. In the absence of new, higher compression video encoding standards, the video surveillance industry has reached a plateau in terms of reducing overall systems costs. Stretch, building on its extensive experience in video processing, has developed its S7 architecture and Intelligent Encoder software to provide broadcast-quality video at less than half the bit-rate of any alternative. This allows more streams to be sent across networks and enables more video to be stored on disk drives.
"The video quality of the Intelligent Encoder running on the S7 architecture at 1Mbps is better than the 2 and 3 Mbps streams running on competing solutions," said Bob Beachler, vice president of marketing, operations, and systems design at Stretch. "This effectively doubles the bandwidth of networked solutions and halves storage costs."
About the S7 Architecture
Stretch has made significant architecture advancements to improve system performance while reducing cost and power consumption. Innovations include:
- Third Generation Software Configurable Processor - Enables wide dynamic range image signal processing on high definition raw images up to 1080p at 60 frames per second (1080p60) while simultaneously performing high-profile H.264 encoding. Enhancements to the reprogrammable fabric allow designers to utilize the image signal processing and video analytics supplied in the Stretch Intelligent Encoder or implement their own proprietary algorithms.
- Expanded Programmable Accelerator - Supports multi-stream encoding of Baseline, Main, and High-Profile H.264 AVC or SVC.
- Integrated ARM9 Processor - Supports Linux operating system for network connectivity and file system management and removes the requirement for external host processors for standalone DVRs and video servers.
- On-Chip PCI Express - Provides high-bandwidth connectivity to host processors and SATA controllers to support latest advances in storage, including RAID.
- Enhanced Dataport - Gluelessly interfaces to a wide range of analog video encoders, decoders, image sensors, and high-definition transport devices, including HDMI, DVI, and SDI for HDcctv support. Hardware demultiplexing allows support of quad video decoders without FPGAs or degrading processor performance.
- Integrated USB and SD Support - Reduces overall system costs for peripheral connectivity and flash storage.
- Serial AIM Connectivity - Uses a high-speed serial link to scale to multi-chip systems without PCB routing congestion; enables board-to-board communication through serial cabling.
About the S7000 Family
The S7000 family of software configurable processors comprises 3 devices: the S7100, the S7110, and the S7120, each optimized for specific applications and performance requirements. These devices will be available for sample to qualified customers next month. To learn more about S7000 devices, contact your local Stretch sales representative or visit www.stretchinc.com/S7.
A new series of Stretch reference designs and OEM boards based on S7000 processors will be announced in the coming months, with demonstrations being held at Security Essen, booth GA147, and ASIS 2010, booth 3046.
About Stretch
Stretch Inc. is the world leader in software configurable processors, the first to embed programmable logic within the processor. Using familiar C/C++ programming tools, system developers automatically configure Stretch's off-the-shelf processors to achieve extraordinary performance, easy and rapid development, significant cost savings, and flexibility to address diverse markets and changing application needs. Stretch devices are used in video processing, machine vision and wireless applications worldwide. For more information, visit www.stretchinc.com.