MPEG-2 Decoder Chips suit set-top boxes and DVD recording.
Press Release Summary:
Based on 300 MHz ST231 core for video and audio streaming applications, Series STx5300 embeds USB2 Host interface, which allows peripherals to be added to basic set-top box. Core delivers EEMBC ConsumerMark of 37.2, while maintaining low clock frequency. Full software development support is provided through evaluation boards and complete STAPI software. Decoders are available in 27 x 27 PBGA package, with pin-out that allows 2-layer PCB design.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Introduces Step-Change in CPU Performance in Set-Top Box Decoder Chip
High-volume set-top boxes to benefit from increased power for demanding interactive TV applications, plus cost-saving software solutions for system services
Geneva, September 22, 2005 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the world's largest supplier of silicon chips for set-top boxes and multimedia systems, has introduced a new range of MPEG-2 decoder chips for low-cost Set-Top Boxes (STBs) and DVD recording, which increase the available computing power by over five times compared to earlier devices. The new STx5300 family is pin-compatible with ST's popular STi5100 - allowing existing hardware designs to be reused - yet provides a step change in performance to match the increasing demands of interactive TV applications, both now and in the future.
The integrated CPU of the STx5300 is a 300MHz ST231 core, a member of the ST200 series which was designed specifically for video and audio streaming applications such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and MP3 in digital consumer applications, where high performance, low silicon implementation costs and low power consumption must be combined with rapid development to ensure minimum time-to-market. The ST200 delivers an EEMBC ConsumerMark of 37.2 while maintaining the low power benefits of a lower clock frequency. Full software development support is provided through evaluation boards and complete STAPI software (ST's Application Programming Interface).
As well as driving advanced end-user applications, the core has power to spare to implement system services in software, thereby reducing costs for STB manufacturers. The STx5300 family provide support for the Linux operating system, an emerging requirement for many operators, in addition to supporting legacy software.
"With an increase of over 500% in on-chip processing power we are providing consumer electronics manufacturers with the capability to support the demanding interactive TV applications of today and tomorrow," said Armando Caltabiano, VP and General Manager of the Retail and Satellite Division of ST's Home Entertainment Group. "At the same time the ability to save hardware by implementing more system functions in software will reduce production costs in this very price-sensitive market."
The new device embeds a USB2 Host interface which allows peripherals to be easily added to a basic STB in order to provide a low cost upgrade path for additional functionality. In particular, it would allow the STB in the field to become a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), by the addition of a hard disk drive.
The STx5300 decoders are available in a low-cost 27x27 PBGA package, with a pin-out that allows a two-layer PCB design. Samples are available now, with volume production scheduled for Q3 2005 and are priced at $11 when purchased in production volumes.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
