STMicroelectronics introduced two new single-chip STB ICs for cable and satellite set top boxes that share a common architecture and are software compatible, enabling efficient development and fast time-to-market for products such as basic zappers, interactive and DVR-capable STBs, and hybrid STBs.
The STi5197 (cable) includes a QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) demodulator and the STi5189 (satellite) includes a QPSK (quadrature phase-shift keying) demodulator, and both products have a common architecture for MPEG-2 audio/video-decoding and application-processing functions. The common architecture saves product development time, lowers bill-of-material costs, and simplifies pc-board design to deliver highly price-competitive products into global markets. Each device supports relevant cable or satellite broadcast standards. The STi5197 supports DVB-C including ITU-T J83 Annexes A/B/C, and TSMF (Transport Stream Multiplex Frame). The STi5189 supports DVB-S for satellite. All industry-standard middleware and browsers are also supported.
Both ICs support all major conditional-access security schemes, with integrated DVB, DES (Data Encryption Standard), Multi2 and ICAM (Integrated Conditional Access Module) descramblers as well as a built-in smart-card interface, which will help to broaden markets for pay-TV services.
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