STMicroelectronics advances set-top box chip features for emerging markets

STMicroelectronics
has
announced its latest decoder chip for low-cost,
standard-definition equipment targeting fast-growing markets such as
China and Eastern Europe, as well as India, where In-Stat expects
pay-TV subscriber numbers to reach 90 million by 2012.

ST's
new STi5206 replaces the STi5205, implementing extra functions on the
chip to further simplify STB design and production. The STi5206's
flexible architecture provides a cost-effective platform for multiple
products including low-cost zappers, interactive STBs and DVR-enabled
STBs. The architecture also supports dual-tuner designs.

The
device's feature is optimized for service providers in emerging
economies. “As a decoder for standard-definition cable, Internet
(IPTV), satellite or terrestrial signals, the STi5206 delivers a
cost-effective solution for broadcast operators as well as broadband
ISPs,” said Philippe Lambinet, Executive V P, Home Entertainment
and Displays Group. “Both the broadcast and broadband TV markets
targeted by this new device are experiencing rapid growth and this
device meets the function and cost needs of service providers aiming
to take advantage of that growth.”

The
complete decoder system-on-chip handles standard-definition MPEG2,
H.264, AVS and VC-1/WMV9 streams at high speed using a dedicated
on-chip video processor and ST's DELTA video decoding system. It
also decodes web-based content such as Flash, MPEG-4 (Part 2), and
MJPEG. Advanced security features include DVB, DES, AES, Multi-2 and
ICAM descramblers, built-in smartcard interfaces, and SVP, MS-DRM and
DTCP-IP content protection. These provide robust prevention of signal
theft and protect revenues for conditional-access service providers.

Main
features of the STi5206:

·
Linux/OS21-compatible CPU

·
USB 2.0, Ethernet, PCI and SD-MMC/SDIO interfaces

·
Multi-channel audio decoding: MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MP3, DD/DD+,
AAC/AAC+, WMA9/WMA9Pro

·
Multi-Transport-Stream processing

·
Switch scanner for 4x4-key front panel

The
STi5206 is sampling now in a 23 x 23mm PBGA package, priced at $10 in
quantities of 1000. Volume production is expected in Q4 2010.
Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities.