Chips&Media is taking a bold step into the future of video technology with the upcoming launch of its Wave6 Series—a major upgrade targeting the booming markets of AR/VR, 8K streaming, and advanced automotive systems.

According to a report by The Elec, the first product in this series, the Wave627 encoder IP, will launch in March, followed by the Wave637 codec IP in August, and the Wave617 decoder IP later this year. Initially supporting the AV1 standard, the series will later extend to include VVC (H.266), one of the most advanced video compression standards available.

Why These IPs Matter

The Wave6 Series brings significant technological advantages:

1. Higher Compression Efficiency: AV1 offers about 20% better compression compared to VP9, helping platforms stream higher quality video with lower bandwidth—critical for 8K content and immersive media.
2. Royalty-Free Streaming: AV1’s royalty-free model enables widespread adoption, especially by major OTT players like Netflix and YouTube.
3. Preparation for Next-Gen Experiences: VVC is designed for 360-degree video and resolutions up to 16K, laying the groundwork for truly immersive AR/VR experiences.
4. Power-Efficient Designs: Essential for smartphones, tablets, and automotive devices where battery life and thermal efficiency are critical.

These IPs allow manufacturers to integrate 8K60fps video capabilities into a wide range of devices—smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming devices, smartphones, tablets, and in-vehicle infotainment systems—without sacrificing performance or energy efficiency.

Key Applications of the Wave6 Series

1. 8K TVs and OTT Devices: Ultra-high-definition content streaming for home entertainment.
2. AR/VR Headsets: High-resolution, low-latency video processing for immersive virtual experiences.
3. Automotive Infotainment: High-definition video for driver assistance systems and passenger entertainment.
4. Drones and Robotics: Efficient real-time video encoding and decoding for navigation and remote operation.

Future Expansion

Beyond the Wave627, Wave637, and Wave617, Chips&Media plans to release additional IPs like the Wave638, Wave677, Wave658, and Wave678, enabling even broader 8K applications. These upcoming cores will focus on higher frame rates, enhanced multi-format support, and lower power consumption—perfect for next-generation media devices and automotive environments.

Strategic Growth

Chips&Media isn’t stopping at video codecs. They are expanding into image signal processors (ISP), computational photography IP, and computer vision IP. These developments position Chips&Media as a critical technology partner for autonomous driving, smart appliances, and drone navigation. Their commitment to innovation is evident, investing 45% of their sales into R&D.

Recent commercial wins—including IP licensing deals with a major Chinese appliance maker for 8K TVs and a U.S. semiconductor company for automotive video—underline the company's growing influence.

Conclusion:

With the Wave6 series, Chips&Media is not just keeping pace with the future of video—they’re actively shaping it. From living rooms to vehicles to virtual worlds, their technology will power the next generation of how we experience media.