London / Munich, 8th December 2009 — Renesas Technology Europe today announced the availability of the Renesas Multimedia Solution Linux*1 platform, which enables low-cost and rapid development of systems incorporating the SH772x Series application processor for low power multimedia applications such as audio and video for portable and industrial devices. The first product in the series is the MS7724 platform for the SH7724, the newest entry in the SH772x Series. Shipments will begin in December 2009.
The MS7724 provides improved functionality and performance over current evaluation and development boards incorporating the SH772x Series, while achieving a more compact area approximately 50 % that of previous Renesas products, and a dramatic cost reduction of 65%. This helps lower overall system development costs, for example by enabling customers to purchase multiple boards to shorten development cycles. In addition, the new platform includes software for developing systems running the Linux OS, which is widely used in the application fields of the SH7724, including navigation systems with support for terrestrial digital broadcasts, portable media players, audio and video equipment, such as door entry systems and IP security cameras, and digital signage. This allows evaluation of the device immediately after purchase, contributing to shorter system development cycles and more timely release of products to the market.
The MS7724 includes, at no additional cost, a comprehensive Linux Board Support Package (BSP) featuring an up-to-date Linux kernel, compiler and tool-chain versions, as well as all the drivers needed for a quick start. Furthermore, sample middleware for audio and video processing and several sample applications such as video recording and video playback enable customers to develop high end audio video systems incorporating the SH7724 multimedia processor running the Linux OS. This means that customers who purchase the MS7724 can immediately commence SH7724 device evaluation and system development work, thereby further reducing system development time.
The sample application is a complete software program supporting implementation of an IP security camera. It encodes video captured by a camera in H.264 format using the SH7724 hardware, then transfers the resulting signal from the Ethernet interface of the SH7724 to a LAN network or display device via an HTTP server.