DVD players using a Viterbi decoding circuit

We have developed a Viterbi decoding circuit which is suitable for DVD players. We designed it to be compact and efficient by utilizing the rule of the DVD recording code. By experiment, we confirmed that the Viterbi decoder reproduced digital data more precisely than a conventional bit-by-bit decoder. Thereby it improves the reliability of the DVD players. It was integrated into a data processing LSI which restores digital data streams recorded on the DVD. By employing this LSI, we have developed DVD video players, DVD-ROM drives, DVD-recordable drives, and DVD car navigation systems. We applied the Viterbi decoding to home-use optical disc players for the first time.