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Broadcom readies chipset for video IP phones

Just a little while ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in LV, wireless broadband chip maker Broadcom announced what it's terming the first Wi-Fi video phone chipsets for desktop video IP phones.In plain English, thie shipsets will make these phones more powerful, enabling more cool applications.
Written by Russell Shaw, Contributor

Just a little while ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in LV, wireless broadband chip maker Broadcom announced what it's terming the first Wi-Fi video phone chipsets for desktop video IP phones.

In plain English, thie shipsets will make these phones more powerful, enabling more cool applications. But since I know that some of you come here for the specs, well, then, here are the deets straight from Broadcom:

This chipset includes the BCM1161 mobile VoIP processor; the BCM4318E AirForce One Single-Chip 802.11b/g WLAN solution; and the BCM2702 VideoCore multimedia processor. The chipset also includes Broadcom's VoIP, video, and Wi-Fi software integrated into a single software package for the design of full-featured Wi-Fi video phone handheld and desktop products.

The Wi-Fi video phone chipset provides key features required for high-quality video and voice communication products. This includes support for high-resolution video communication standards including H.264 and H.263, video rates of up to 30 frames per second, and QCIF to CIF full-duplex video resolutions for sharp, smooth digital video that is interoperable with other devices and applications. It also includes an integrated display controller that is capable of supporting a range of LCD displays, as well as PAL/NTSC TV-Out. The BCM4318E WLAN device supports WMM (a wireless quality of service protocol that gives priority to voice and video packets), WPA(TM)/WPA2 security, Broadcom's SecureEasySetup(TM) software, which provides device configuration with the touch of a button, and Broadcom's BroadRange technology for improved wireless range and coverage.

Broadcom says its Wi-Fi PhonexChange software  integrates video with minimized end-to-end communications delays and exceptional video/voice synchronization for a high-quality video experience. A full-duplex speakerphone with high-fidelity voice for natural and clear communications is supported. The software also provides consumers with much more than video communications, supporting access to a range of software multimedia features that include image capture and display, video recording and playback, and music player capabilities.

The solution is currently in production, and the platform is being displayed here at CES.

Broadcom notes that reference designs being shared with trusted partners - marketing jargon for collaborative efforts with video IP phone manufacturers that are either showing an interest and/or want to take those expressions of interest to the next level.

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