The Toshiba single chip integrates the MPEG-4 encoding and decoding (CODEC) solution. The MPEG is an industry standard developed by MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group), the same group that developed MPEG-1, which is used for CD-ROMs; MPEG-2, which is used in digital television; and MPEG-3, which is the audio standard, and MPEG-4, which is used for wireless video.

The chip also features 12 Mb of embedded dramatic random access memory that reduces power dissipation to 80-mW. As a result, the chip has the potential to at least double the battery life in a mobile videophone versus the same phone using off-chip memory, the company said.

The director of Toshiba America Electric Components Andrew Burt said, "Our new MPEG-4 CODEC opens the doors for designers to create advanced wireless communication products such as mobile interactive multimedia devices, digital television, or remote security and surveillance."

• 12 Mb embedded DRAM reduces dissipation.
• Performs 15 frames per second into a QCIF video display.
• CODEC supports multi audio CODECs including Adaptive Multi Rate speech CODEC at a clock frequency of 70 MHz.
• Three signal processing units

• An MPEG-4 video CODEC
• An audio CODEC/decoder
• A multiplex/demultiplex unit

• Video core consists of a 16-bit RISC processor and dedicated hardware accelerators that allows for programmability while delivering high performance and low-power dissipation.

Now that tech savvy users can view feature films on the Net, it will remain to be seen whether they will demand to see the latest Hollywood release on their wireless device.