STMicroelectronics will showcase its latest set-top box system-on-chips at CommunicAsia 2013.
The new STB system-on-chips will address challenges faced by cable, satellite and terrestrial operators. Their key challenges include analog-signal switch-off and rapidly growing subscriber volumes.
For instance, Indian DTH and cable operators are facing several challenges due to the ongoing digitalization initiatives. Recently, telecom regulator TRAI said India’s cable TV subscribers who fail to submit their consumer application forms by 25 June will face disconnection.
STMicroelectronics says its STB IC covers 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.
The latest STiH2xx H.264 STB processors will feature pin-compatible devices with or without integrated demodulators that simplify pc-board design and reduce hardware-development costs. In addition, the platform-software development can be re-used across a range of products for different markets.
ST’s STiH256, a combined DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 set-top box solution, STiH256 enables a broadcast-agnostic STB platform, zapping seamlessly on terrestrial and satellite services.
The semiconductor major is looking at markets where the numerous analog switch-off processes are ongoing in South East Asia.
Features of ST’s single and dual HD satellite demodulators as well as the STiH256 include magic data packet support that enables the STB 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.
In addition, ST says, the devices support Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) to guarantee outstanding performance in poor reception conditions such as heavy rain while optimizing image quality in fair weather.
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.
