STMicroelectronics Offers Single-Chip STB IC Combining HD, Interactive Capabilities
January 19, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
| |
| IHS Parts Solutions |
| Source parts, manage obsolescence, comply with regulations and speed time-to-market. For more information and a price quote, please complete the form below. |
|
| |
STMicroelectronics (ST) released a cable set-top box (STB) integrated circuit (IC) aimed at cutting the cost of STBs capable of accessing emerging high-value services in the area of high definition (HD) interactive television.
The STi7141 combines support for HDTV, up to 120 Mbps broadband and digital video recorder (DVR) functions in a single component. According to ST, this allows providers to reduce deployment costs while also driving subscriber take-up of new services, such as next-generation interactivity.
The STi7141, which is manufactured in 55 nanometer (nm) process technology, supports the latest HD broadcast standards with three embedded cable receivers and multistandard moving picture experts group (MPEG) 4/H.264/video codec 1 (VC1) decoding.
By also including a cable modem meeting the data-over-cable service interface specification (DOCSIS)/EuroDOCSIS 2.0 standard, which enables an always-on Internet connection alongside cable TV, the IC supports Internet protocol (IP) based interactive TV and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) in addition to broadband Internet service provider (ISP) services.
The STi7141 also supports DOCSIS 3.0 downstream channel bonding, which enables download speeds up to 120 Mbps.
The STi7141 also adds DVR functions including trick-play modes such as fast-forward, rewind, pause, skip and slow motion. According to ST, the latest consumer media interconnects are also supported, including universal serial bus (USB), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), external serial advanced technology attachment (eSATA) and Ethernet ports for Internet connectivity.
"To take full advantage of cable triple-play services and enhanced interactive television, subscribers need comprehensive set-top box [STB] features at an ultracompetitive price," said Philippe Lambinet, executive VP and general manager of the ST home entertainment and displays group.
The STi7141 is sampling now to lead customers. The device is packaged in a 35 x 35 plastic ball grid array (PBGA).
Source: STMicroelectronics (ST).