MP4 Player Hardware Architectures

The hardware architecture of MP4 players employs video decoding code processors. There are four main categories of MP4 player architecture programs: CPU + DSP (digital signal processor) chip-based hardware architecture, general-purpose CPU hardware architecture, MCU (microcontroller) chip-based hardware architecture, and dual-CPU architecture.

1. CPU + DSP-based Hardware Architecture

In this architecture, the MP4 player's video decoding code processors consist of both CPU and DSP. The CPU handles tasks like managing hard drives, memory cards, LCD monitors, and external USB interfaces, while the DSP is responsible for video and audio decoding and encoding. Companies like SigmaDesigns, Ti, and Philips provide such solutions.

2. General-purpose CPU-based Hardware Architecture

This architecture uses a general-purpose CPU as the video decoding code processor. Intel and AMD are companies offering hardware solutions with powerful embedded processors for media decoding. This architecture provides abundant media support and scalability, but its decoding efficiency is relatively high, supporting resolutions like QVGA (320×240) and D1 (720×576) but not 720P or 1080i HD formats. Power consumption is also relatively high.

3. MCU-based Hardware Architecture

Here, the MP4 player's video decoding code processors are based on the MCU. This solution implements hardware audio and video codecs, but the types of supported formats are limited. However, it reduces costs, making it popular for low-end MP4 players.

4. Dual-CPU Architecture

The MP4 player's video encode and decode processor in this hardware architecture consists of two CPUs. One CPU handles file management, system support, and interfaces, while the other CPU is responsible for decoding in cooperation with the first CPU.

II. MP4 Player Solutions

Currently, several mainstream MP4 player master chip solutions dominate the market: SigmaDesigns EM851x, AMD Alchemy, Intel PXA27x, TI's DM320 DSP + ARM, Freescale's i.MX31, Sunplus SPCA536, Zoran, Ittiam, and Philips PNX0190e.

Each solution provided by different manufacturers may vary in performance, interface, functions, and power consumption. Below, we will explain in detail the various solutions.

1. TI DSP + ARM Solution

TI's solution utilizes a CPU with DSP hardware architecture, employing DM320 DSP for audio and video codec processing, and an ARM processor for peripheral interface handling. This solution supports various media types, including MPEG4 SP / ASP, DivX, MPEG1 / 2, WMV, WMA, H.264, AAC-LC, MP3, and more. It offers recording and playback with PVR functionality, USB 2.0 OTG support, and D1 quality (30fps) recording MPEG-4 SP. However, this solution involves higher costs and higher power consumption due to the ARM processor's use.

2. Intel PMC Solution

The Intel PMC solution is based on the general-purpose CPU architecture and is a collaboration between Intel and Microsoft called the Portable Media Center (PMC). It uses Intel XScale processors and Microsoft's Windows operating system specified for PMC hardware and software. The solution supports various media formats but may have limitations on high-resolution video file codecs. It is available in PXA255 and PXA270 processors, with the latter offering higher clock speed and support for the 2700G multimedia accelerator chip.

Shenzhen East Conduction Technology has several mature MP4 player programs available. Please contact East Conduction Technology for further details.