STMicroelectronics Announces Support for New Security Technologies in Latest Generation Set-Top Box Chips

STi7108 is first high-definition set-top-box decoder from ST to offer support for next-generation NDS VideoGuard Security Kernel and DVB-CSA3 security features

GENEVA — STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of set-top-box (STB) ICs, has announced it is the first to sample STB decoder chips providing support for next-generation security and content protection technologies that include the NDS VideoGuard Security Kernel and DVB-CSA3 descrambler system.

The first ST device to implement these technologies is the STi7108 decoder IC, which delivers enhanced user experiences and allows consumers to experience broadcast, Internet or personal content on the TV, intuitively and at any time. The STi7108 joins ST’s successful STi710x video decoders, and also provides features to support 3D graphics user controls, 3D TV, content protection, and rich connections to external devices.

The NDS Security Kernel is the latest generation of embedded security solutions from NDS designed to protect media content and operator services with future-proof technology to address changing market needs. The security kernel, an element of the NDS VideoGuard content protection solution, features the increased levels of security required to enable new digital media marketplaces with solutions such as Control Word Protection and the ability to enable DRM technologies.

In addition to the NDS Security Kernel, the STi7108 will also provide support for DVB-CSA3, which is the latest generation of broadcast descrambler specifications licensed by ETSI. This new specification is designed to replace DVB-CSA2 and provide protection against the next generation of attacks against descramblers that are likely to become viable in a few years time.

“To maintain the level of market-leading security that we pride ourselves on providing to our customers you have to consider the end-to-end solution, and for us an integral part of that solution is integrated on the chipset,” said Martin Kaufmann, Vice President, Consumer Device Platforms, NDS Group. “The integration of the NDS Security Kernel on ST chipsets ensures that our customers are able to introduce the best possible solution for their platform with industry leading partners such as ST.”

“ST is one of the first to offer set-top-box chips implementing the next-generation NDS Security Kernel, enabling the delivery of high-value media content and services and complementing the features of best-in-class user experience for consumer equipment based on the STi7108,” said Eric Jumelet, Group Vice President for Business Management, Home Video Division, STMicroelectronics. “STi7108 has already been introduced and is the first in ST’s third generation of high-definition chips that provide the end user with a really exciting 3D HDTV user experience, thanks to its unprecedented CPU performance allowing smooth web experience, while delivering market-leading energy efficiency due to its low power configurable architecture, and low power manufacturing process.”

Volume production of the STi7108 with the NDS VideoGuard Security Kernel and DVB-CSA3 is scheduled to start early in 2011.