Broadcom chip promises 20Mp, 1080p mobile devices
But not until 2011
Broadcom has hinted that 20Mp cameraphones able to record 1080p video could be available by 2011, following the release of its latest multimedia processor.
The BCM2763 VideoCore IV multimedia processor for mobile devices was developed using 40 nanometer CMOS process technology, Broadcom said.
This means it boasts a smaller footprint and lower power consumption than existing 65 nanometer chips, Broadcom promised, but perhaps more importantly that the 40 nanometer design can support 20Mp image processing and one gigapixel 2D and 3D graphics rendering.
Mobile devices equipped with the BCM2763 chip could also display 1080p video, 3D games and 20Mp stills on “full-sized” HD TV, Broadcom said, thanks to its on-chip industry standard HDMI interface.
But Broadcom stressed that the BCM2763 chip’s advanced features won’t limit its use to only high-end smartphones. Apparently the chip’s integrated architecture could reduce a manufacturer’s Bill of Materials cost so that such sophisticated multimedia features appear in more affordable handsets.
The BCM2763 chip is currently being sampled by customers and Broadcom expects the first handsets incorporating the technology to be available during 2011. ®
COMMENTS
Re: gigapixel
I think they meant to say, 1 gigapixel per second. It's a measure of 3D rendering performance.
Unlikely
Because Apple have shown real interest in the value of high MP cameras.
Those chips will come at a premium. I doubt Apple will be interested in anything that doesn't give them more money back than they put in.
Quell surprise
That the commenters on here all pile in to say how pointless 20mp on a mobile is. They are probably right, but the 1080p video capture is the cool thing here. The phone sensor is well capable of that..
@Chris Morley
Not pointless at all. The portable devices need not be mobile phones. Maybe just smaller lighter camcorders. Anyway there is no need for a mobile phone to have a crap lens. Some camera phone lenses area lot better than u give them credit for. Anyway u are mixing up processors and sensors. So do some research them maybe u will be able to make a sensible comment.
@D@v3
Probably, since Apple is behind by about two to three years. You can get HD phones today; add two years and then Apple will have it. It was the same with 3G, GPS, LED Flash, radio, MMS and the list goes on and on.
