System-on-Chip Codec targets DVD recorder market.
Press Release Summary:
Single-chip Model STm8000 is an audio-video, full-duplex codec with open architecture that brings audio/video encoding to DVD or HDD recording products. It offers analog TV recording, digital free-to-air broadcast support, time shifting, DV movie transfer-to-disc, memory-card reading, DivX decoding, WMA decoding, and DVD audio. Unit addresses all DVD recorder formats, including DVD+RW, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Targets DVD-Recorder Market with System-on-Chip Solution
Digital Consumer SoC leader readies single-chip solution for exploding market
Geneva, January 6, 2004 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced it is sampling the STm8000, a single-chip, audio-video full-duplex codec for the DVD and HDD (hard disk drive) recorder market. The STm8000 with its open and flexible architecture brings audio/video encoding to DVD or HDD recording products and includes state-of-the-art DVD player features.
The STm8000 offers manufacturers of full DVD recorders, DVRs (digital video recorders), and convergence products a cost-effective solution with an unrivalled set of features, including: analog TV recording, digital free-to-air broadcast support, time shifting, DV movie transfer-to-disc, memory-card reading, DivX decoding, WMA Decoding, and DVD Audio.
According to independent market analyst Techno System Research, the market for integrated DVD-recordable equipment will grow dramatically over the next few years, from around 4.5 million units in 2003 to 12M units in 2004 and 18M units in 2005.
"Capitalizing on our long-term technology leadership in MPEG decoding, the STm8000 fulfills the needs of all the new emerging markets that require MPEG encoding/decoding solutions that meet the two key criteria of low cost and fast time-to-market," said Bob Krysiak, Group VP and director of ST's DVD division.
The STm8000, which numerous digital consumer equipment manufacturers are currently designing-into their systems, addresses all DVD recorder formats, including DVD+RW, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM, and is ideal for the next-generations of consumer equipment. This encompasses 'home gateways,' audio/video convergence products, and highly-connected devices and products. The STm8000 is priced below $25 in 10k quantities.
ST is also developing a complete DVD-recorder reference platform based on the STm8000. The platform will be released for customer evaluation in Q1 2004 and will allow manufacturers to quickly introduce DVD and/or HDD recorders with a rich set of features at an optimal cost. Thanks to the high degree of flexibility of the STm8000-based platform, an extremely high level of customization will be possible, meeting the needs of even the most demanding customers.
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 2002, the Company's net revenues were $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
