Tensilica adds FLAC decoder to HiFi Audio codec library

Tensilica has added the Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) decoder to its library of software for its HiFi Audio DSP family of IP (intellectual property) cores for SOC (system-on-chip) design.

FLAC is an audio format similar to MP3, but lossless so the audio is compressed without any loss in quality. Because it is not a proprietary format, is not encumbered by patents, and has an open-source reference implementation, FLAC has become increasingly popular.

According to Tensilica, its HiFi Audio IP core family has shipped in millions of units in products ranging from cellular phones to DTVs (digital televisions), high-end Blu-ray Disc players and home theater systems, thanks to the power and area efficiency of the architecture and the support of all popular audio and voice codecs and post processing software.

"We added the FLAC decoder, supporting both stereo and multi-channel formats, to cover the complete spectrum of mobile and home entertainment products," stated Larry Przywara, Tensilica's director of multimedia marketing. "FLAC is gaining acceptance as a lossless format for distribution of audiophile quality music and is becoming a required feature in the latest generation of consumer electronics."

For more information visit www.tensilica.com.