Last few days, we had discussed about the Sigmatel. Now it’s the turn of another techonology leader of audio decoder - Philips. How good is Philips decoder? Just have a look on how well do the iRiver and MPIO perform.

The popularPhilips decoder on the market are SAA775x and PNX010x series. These audio decoders are embedded with a 24 bits DSP core and 32bits ARM processor. The ARM is to process the calculation of audio decompression algorithms of various formats such as MP3, AAC and WMA. On the other hand, the DSP core is to process the audio enrichment algorithms that supports Philips’ LifeVibes.

Unlike other decoder, the firmware application is store on the built-in NOR Flash memory, rather than NAND Flash memory. It provides a more secure solution of the firmware application. Besides, it give an extra 1 tp 2 MB of storage capacity.

The PNX010x family is the successor of the SAA775x family. It has smaller size of chip and lower power comsunption.

Here are some models that featured with Philips decoder:

1. SAA775x family

• iRiver iFP 100, 300, 500 series
• MPIO FL100, FY200
• Creative MX100, MX200
• JNC SSF-200

2. PNX010x family

• iRiver iFP 700, 800, 900, 1000 series
• iRiver N10 series

Well, you might notice that the model that featured Philips decoder will be priced a little bit higher. The decoder itself is more expensive than other decoder. Plus, it is just doing the decoding work. In other words, the manufacturers have to embed other controller chip to produce a full-feature model. However, the sound quality you get worth for the money!

In next post, we will look further on the decoder from South Korea!