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High-Definition Set-Top-Box Decoder with Integrated Demodulator

3rd January 2008

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STMicroelectronics has announced today the availability of a new single-chip high-definition set-top box decoder combining both the demodulation and decoding functions on a single device. The STi7111, which has been designed to meet the requirements of major satellite operators worldwide, including DIRECTV, will allow OEMs to target the high-volume market for consumers moving to high-definition services. By including a network interface, ST has further ensured the STi7111 can be effectively used in a hybrid STB, where content is delivered by both a satellite and an IP network. Innovative power-saving techniques further benefit consumers by reducing the energy requirements for the final STB.

Built upon the proven decoding engine used in the successful STi7100 series of devices, the STi7111 supports H.264, VC1, MPEG-2 and numerous other video standards and includes circuitry to demodulate both DVB-S and DVB-S2 signals based on the STV0900 standalone product. This provides customers with a considerable board-space and cost saving as the demodulation function has previously been performed by an external device. DVB-S modulation is used by the majority of today’s satellite broadcasters while DVB-S2 provides the higher bandwidth required by high-definition programming.

In line with ST’s global environmental strategy, the STi7111 has been designed to significantly reduce the energy consumption of the target STB. ST’s power management system monitors the activity of the STi7111 and dynamically configures the system clocks to run at radically reduced rates to minimise energy consumption while maintaining system performance.

Processing power for the STi7111 is provided by a high-performance 450MHz ST40 CPU which delivers in excess of 750 DMIPS to drive today’s demanding STB middleware and graphics applications, while a 32-bit unified memory interface provides a highly cost-optimised architecture.

High-definition video is output through the embedded HDMI 1.3 interface at up to 1080p resolution while the embedded Ethernet port makes the STi7111 an ideal solution for use in home networks. A PCI interface is also provided in order to support a wide range of industry-standard peripherals.

“ST’s set-top-box solutions are the most widely deployed throughout the world, and we are constantly looking at adding value to the STB industry through highly integrated solutions, bringing radical power reduction while improving system performance and reducing overall system cost,” said Youssef Kamel, Director of the Satellite and Terrestrial Operator Business Unit, STMicroelectronics. “The STi7111, through its exceptional level of integration in the most advanced manufacturing process, enables service providers to deploy high-definition programs in large volumes, while offering their subscribers the richest viewing experience.

Complementing the STi7111 hardware, ST and its third party partners also provides a comprehensive suite of development tools, including both Linux and OS21 support, STAPI drivers and adaptation software for all major middleware.

Engineering samples of the STi7111 are available now to lead customers and pricing for all leading satellite STB and integrated TV makers is available on request.