ARC upgrades multimedia codec licensing

The range of audio, video and imaging codecs are now packaged into annually licensable libraries, a model the company says will help simplify the planning of chip companies.

ARC stresses chip designers need to plan for supporting a large number of existing multimedia codecs as well as new standards that reflect the fast pace of chip development needed for consumer devices.

The subscription model, it suggests, will ensure that designers gain access to the multimedia libraries of their choice on an annual basis and be assured of access to all currently supported and future standards. The new approach is also said to simplify accounting and licensing by eliminating "per-codec" purchases.

"Our fixed-price, all-you-can-use codec library model ensures customers can have access to the current and future codecs required for their application for an annual subscription price. This provides a compelling competitive edge for our customers ensuring that they always have the latest codec available to them," said Bill Jackson, ARC's VP of marketing.

- John Walko
EE Times Europe