STMicroelectronics to showcase set-top box ICs
The latest additions to the H.264 set-top box family deliver cost-effective functionality and features for fast-developing markets
At CommunicAsia 2013, STMicroelectronics will demonstrate its latest set-top box system-on-chips.
These devices enable the region's cable, satellite and terrestrial operators to address key challenges including analogue-signal switch-off and rapidly growing subscriber volumes.
ST's set-top box (STB) IC portfolio covers the full range of digital home applications including zapper and hybrid broadcast/broadband boxes, personal video recorders, dual-HD boxes and high-end, high-performance home media gateways.
ST will present devices that improve the level of end-user experience with the highest image quality, on-demand programming and Pay TV services, as well as meeting the ever-growing demand for multi-screen services.
With particular focus on operators' requirements to deliver innovative entertainment and content services while minimising platform costs, the latest STiH2xx H.264 set-top box processors will feature prominently in demonstrations on ST's booth, 1G3-01, at CommunicAsia.
A key feature of the STiH2xx family is to offer a wide choice of pin-compatible devices with or without integrated demodulators that simplify PC-board design and reduce hardware-development costs. In addition to that, the platform-software development can be re-used across a wide range of products for different markets.
Featured at CommunicAsia 2013, ST's STiH256 is the industry-first combined DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 set-top box solution. The STiH256 enables a broadcast-agnostic STB platform, zapping seamlessly on terrestrial and satellite services, which is perfectly suited to maximise digital conversion coverage for the numerous analog switch-off processes ongoing in South East Asia.
Innovative features of ST's single- (STiH237) and dual- (STiH239) HD satellite demodulators as well as the STiH256 include magic data packet support that enables the set-top box to detect and respond quickly, even in stand-by modes, to targeted public alerts such as tsunami warnings, as well as receive software updates over the air or user commands via mobile phone.
What's more, the devices support Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) to guarantee outstanding performance in poor reception conditions such as heavy rain while optimising image quality in fair weather.
Moreover, all ST's STiH2xx devices are data-ready, supporting a choice of satellite, cable or IP return-link technologies, as well as Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) as defined in DVB-S2. ACM ensures optimum data speeds and robustness for efficient communication over the return link.
ST's set-top box devices combine advanced functionality with very low power consumption. The superior power-management technology with stand-by controller guarantees very low consumption in both passive and active stand-by modes. All stand-by modes enable a fast resume to promptly react to network-based warnings and user needs.
ST will also demonstrate its flagship STiH416 home media gateway system-on-chip. The STiH416 demonstration will highlight how the ST Linux-based Multi-Application Framework addresses the proliferations of applications and frameworks, and with the STiH416 high-definition H.265 capabilities, the demo will show how ST is leading the way to the future of television with support of the up-coming HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) standard.
At CommunicAsia 2013, ST will also demonstrate a DOCSIS 3.0 integrated solution, through the combination of the STiD127 and STiH416 devices, that provides high-end multimedia content alongside smart-home elements.
CommunicAsia 2013 will take place at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, from June 18th to 21st, 2013.
