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Techwell Unveils Advanced Video Decoder Chip for High End Multimedia Applications 

Next generation 3D video decoder meets growing demand for improved image quality

SAN JOSE, Calif. (April 5, 2005)- Techwell, Inc. a leading designer of mixed signal video semiconductor solutions for the display, consumer electronics and PC markets, today announced the release of the TW9919, a 10-bit multi-standard 3D video decoder with SCART and RGB mixing support. Integrating a proprietary 3D comb filter for both NTSC and PAL as well as a simultaneous 3D noise reduction algorithm, the TW9919 is designed specifically for premium multimedia applications.

The TW9919 joins Techwell's existing TW9900 family of general-purpose video decoders. A 3D version of the successful 2D TW9909, its' intended market will focus on advanced TV and multifunction monitors, including LCD and plasma displays, as well as projection and progressive scan CRTs. In addition it will also offer value to premium DVD-Recorders and PC TV capture cards. The TW9919 supports all major worldwide broadcasting standards including PAL, NTSC, and SECAM. The chip accepts up to 16 inputs, capable of up to five composite inputs and can be programmed to switch between S-video, YCbCr or SCART. Its 3D adaptive comb filter uses multiple frame buffers to process video temporally with concurrent noise reduction. Additional image enhancement features include horizontal and vertical peaking, CTI, and BCS control to achieve best image quality.

"With its analog expertise and extensive knowledge of the video and imaging markets, Techwell has developed an advanced 3D video decoder that supports virtually all known video formats today." said Ross Young, President and CEO of DisplaySearch. "The TW9919 enables an efficient, high performance viewing and recording experience by solving the complex quality issues of analog-to-digital decoders."

"We are excited to introduce our next generation 3D video decoder. The TW9919 offers customers both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) comb filtering, time-based correction, and noise reduction which all contribute to improved image quality. This addition to our diverse set of outstanding products coupled with support and aggressive price points allow our customers to achieve the highest quality display available today." said Feng Kuo, CTO of Techwell "The TW9919's programmable architecture and proprietary algorithms offer manufactures a cost effective solution in today's rapidly growing market and we look forward to continuing to offer best-of-breed technology."

"The worldwide television market will pass 170 million units in 2005, and will reach 215 million units in 2009," said Paul Semenza, vice president, display and consumer research for the market intelligence firm, iSuppli Corp., El Segundo, Calif. "At the same time, there is also an expanding market for multi-function monitors, which are expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 37 percent between 2005 and 2009, contributing an additional 9 million units in 2009. Finally, DVD recorder production has been ramping up rapidly, and is expected to reach nearly 17 million units in 2005; the CAGR is expected to be 23 percent through 2009. This market is highly fragmented, with different transmission formats used around the world, as well as a rapidly-growing segment of flat-panel televisions that require digital inputs."

Pricing and Availability
Techwell has begun sampling the TW9919 with customers. Volume production will begin in Q2 2005. Manufactured by TSMC in Taiwan, the TW9919 utilizes a 128 pin PQFP package and is aggressively priced in quantities of 10K. 

About Techwell
Techwell designs and sells mixed signal semiconductor solutions for digital video applications. The company's products enable the conversion of analog video sources to digital form and facilitate the display, storage and transport of digital video, HDTV, and personal computer display information. Headquartered in San Jose, CA, Techwell currently has over 60 employees in the U.S., Korea, and Taiwan. Please visit www.techwellinc.com for more information. 

Media Contact
Sabrina Joseph
Morphoses
Public Relations & Marketing Firm
408.726.1577 
techwellpr@morphoses.com


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