STMicroelectronics Achieves 'Adobe AIR for TV' Approval, Delivering Development Dreamland for Next-Generation Connected TVs

Monday, July 11th, 2011
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Successful porting of Adobe AIR® to ST’s STi7108-based platform for set-top boxes enables rich Internet application-development environment for leading consumer equipment manufacturers

GENEVA — STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leader in chips for set-top boxes (STBs) and integrated TVs, has made a significant step forward in its advanced high-definition TV System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms. ST’s move puts it squarely at the forefront of technology development for the next generation of connected TVs that are enabled to run Adobe® AIR®-based (Nasdaq: ADBE) games and other applications.

ST today announced the successful porting, and certification, of Adobe AIR® 2.5 for TV on its third-generation SoC platform for advanced and interactive high-definition STBs. The Adobe AIR software is a key component of the Adobe Flash Platform and enables OEMs, ODMs, application and service developers to create and build rich internet applications, games and deploy interactive high-definition video for embedded devices and systems, in particular set-top boxes and TVs.

ST’s latest STi7108-based STB reference design has been successfully verified by Adobe. In addition to Adobe AIR , ST has also successfully ported Adobe Flash technology for the Digital Home to its STi7105 decoder based platform for entry-level and mid-range HDTV set-top boxes.

The new STi7108 Adobe-certified reference design from ST will enable its customers to build upon the platform with minimal development costs, using Adobe software tools to develop ActionScript® 3-based applications for TVs, including advanced user interfaces, gaming and high-definition audio/video streaming applications. The Adobe Flash Platform leverages the hardware available on the STi7108 to deliver high-definition audio/video up to 1080p HD allowing service providers to deliver HD streaming services using industry standard codecs such as Dolby AAC audio and H.264 video.

“The support for Adobe’s Flash and AIR for TV software technologies for ST’s hardware-accelerated and highly robust platforms for next-generation Internet-connected set-top-boxes and integrated TVs propels ST to the vanguard of the ongoing home-entertainment revolution,” said Laurent Remont, General Manager, Connected Home Division, Home Entertainment and Displays Group, STMicroelectronics. “ST’s STi7108 set-top box and Freeman TV platforms are equipped to deliver the performance and low-power requirements for world-class smart consumer products that meet consumers’ growing expectations for rich Internet applications with advanced user interfaces and fast access to a wealth of multimedia content.”

“ST’s implementation enables a scalable solution that will trigger consumers to enjoy rich, premium content on their TV’s that goes beyond television programming,” said Jennifer Carr, senior director, Business Development at Adobe. “With support for Flash Access as the leading content-protection solution, content owners and distributors have another way to safely distribute their premium content to their customers.”

Adobe AIR for the STi7108 set-top-box reference design is available now for evaluation and development at world-leading consumer manufacturers.