Demodulator/Decoder targets digital cable TV set top boxes.

Press Release Summary:



Offered in PBGA324 single-chip package, Model QAMi5107 integrates transport de-multiplex block, 200 MHz/32-bit CPU core, audio/video MPEG-2 decoder, and digital video encoder, as well as display and graphics features. Decoder supports advanced security features required by all major conditional-access suppliers, while DVB descramblers in transport de-multiplex block and Macrovision copy protection allow device to be used in pay-TV services.



Original Press Release:



STMicroelectronics Enables Cost-Effective Digital Cable TV Set-Top Boxes with New Single-Chip Demodulator and Decoder



Device combines digital signal demodulator with MPEG decoder in a single package, reducing production costs for set-top-box manufacturers

GENEVA, March 20 /-- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), the world's largest supplier of silicon chips for set-top boxes (STBs)*, has announced a new generation single-chip solution for digital cable-TV STBs. The newest member of the Company's leading OMEGA family, the QAMi5107 is an integrated demodulator plus MPEG decoder for standard-definition digital TV. Using the new device, manufacturers will be able to cut their total component cost and simplify board design and assembly, while offering increased performance and enhanced security features.

Price is an important factor for service providers defining a STB for new digital-TV services during the accelerating migration from analog to digital TV. By combining the function of the 'front-end' digital-signal demodulator with the 'back-end' MPEG decoder in a single package, ST reduces overall STB production costs for consumer electronics manufacturers, due to the lower cost of the chipset and by enabling a simpler STB design.

The decoder supports the advanced security features required by all major conditional-access (CA) suppliers. The 200MHz clock speed of the embedded ST20 32-bit RISC CPU core -- the most widely used CPU in the STB market -- provides increased power for advanced applications and is fully compatible with all mainstream set-top box middleware.

"The QAMi5107 sets a new industry standard for advanced security, mass-market set-top boxes, reinforcing the outstanding success of the OMEGA family of MPEG2 decoders," said Monica De Virgiliis, General Manager for ST's Home Video Division. "Greater functional integration at the chip level will deliver cost reductions for manufacturers while giving viewers the advanced features and increased image quality they now expect, even in lower-cost boxes. The great success we have seen in China with the QAMi5516 can now be exported to other markets in Europe and Asia."

The QAMi5107 is designed to address the requirements of the mainstream STB market, where it provides a unified, single-device platform for set-top boxes ranging from basic low-cost products up to enhanced middleware-based solutions. ST currently supports the high-volume cable STB market with the QAMi5516, STi5517 and STi5100, which have been designed into a very high proportion of set-top boxes worldwide. The new chip offers a smooth migration path from designs based on these and other OMEGA devices, thanks to ST's proprietary STAPI (ST Application Programming Interface) driver support, full reference software and reference hardware.

Like the other OMEGA devices, the QAMi5107 integrates a transport de-multiplex block, the ST20 32-bit CPU, an audio/video MPEG-2 decoder, a digital video encoder, advanced security features and the enhanced display and graphics features. DVB descramblers in the transport de-multiplex block and Macrovision copy protection allow it to be used in cost-effective pay-TV services.

The QAMi5107 is built using ST's low power, state-of-the-art technology and is offered in PBGA324 package. Engineering samples are available now, with volume production starting early in Q2 2007. Pricing is $7 in 100k quantities. Complete reference designs, software and development tools are also available now, offering to manufacturers a short design cycle and speeding the time-to-market of new set-top boxes.

This press release is also available at st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2007/p2145.htm ... with links to further information on the QAMi5107

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 2006, the Company's net revenues were $9.85 billion and net earnings were $782 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com/.

* inStat MPEG report "MPEG Video ICs: Transitioning to H.264" - July 2006

CONTACT: Michael Markowitz of STMicroelectronics, +1-212-821-8959, michael.markowitz@st.com

Web site: http://www.st.com/

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