Fujitsu prepares single-chip HD solution

A new chip from Fujitsu may soon make HD cheaper and more compact. Called the MB86H51, it is unique for being the only LSI (large-scaled integrated) chip to both encode and decode H.264 video; typically, these tasks would be divided between two chips. The H51 also has onboard memory, and is capable of resolutions as high as 1080i or 720p. It is mainly expected to be used in recording products such as camcorders, DVR units and unspecified "home network devices." Professional uses will involve security cameras and TV broadcasting. Production should begin in July, with each chip costing 30,000 yen ($248).