STMicroelectronics intros latest decoder chip

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.