World’s first 1394 Automotive controller IC for in-vehicle multimedia by Fujitsu
Due to gradual shift to digital TV in the market around the globe and increasing availability of high definition (HD) contents plus the termination of analog output from Blu-ray players from 2013 making 1394 Automotive an in-vehicle multimedia protocol technology an increasingly attractive enabling technology for in-vehicle multimedia networking. In view of this anticipated market need Fujitsu Microelectronics limited unveiled world’s first “1394 Automotive” (IDB-1394) controller IC capable of HD video transmission over the IDB-1394 in-vehicle multimedia network protocol. 
The new IC, MB88395 is capable of simultaneous transmission of multiple streams within the vehicle, such as HD video from Blu-ray DVDs, digital TV, and audio and car navigation images, this is possible through utilization of high speed physical layer of 800Mbps a two fold increase compare to the previous product as well as Fujitsu’s proprietary SmartCODEC providing high compression capability ( compressing video to one-fourth (1/4) its original size) that can transmit HD video without the perceptible lag. This will provide a rich HD experience for rear seat entertainment and at the same time reduces the overall system cost of in-vehicle multimedia networks by maximum of 30% resulting in reduction in number of wiring cables by as much as 70% to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency according to the company. Fujitsu Microelectronics future plan is to expand its lineup of 1394 Automotive ICs to handle the ever increasing information streams in automobiles, such as video content and peripheral cameras on the vehicle. Sample shipment of the newly developed MB88395 will begin from April 22, 2009 with a sample pricing of 1,700 yen.
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