Novabase chooses Sigma Designs media processor for turn-key set top box

Sigma’s SMP8674 enables the development of small footprint devices for hybrid broadcast and IP boxes and small HDMI dongle devices

MILPITAS, Calif — Sigma Designs® (Nasdaq: SIGM), a leading provider of System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for home entertainment, control, connectivity and converging multimedia delivery, has today announced that Novabase, the Portuguese leader in IT and Digital TV solutions in more than forty countries, has selected Sigma Designs’ SMP8674 media processor for its next generation for Set Top Box (STB) products.

The SMP8674 will enable Novabase to meet the strong market demand for hybrid broadcast and IP set-top boxes in various form factors including HDMI stick. Novabase chose the Sigma SMP8674 media processor because of the SoC’s:

• Ability to deliver full media processing while remaining to be a low power solution
• Positioning at a competitive price point
• CAS (Conditional Access System) capability, including those from Nagravision and Verimatrix

“The SMP8674 is a great solution for our new System-in-Package (SiP) products to integrate in our client Set Top Boxes. Market demand for smaller devices is growing rapidly and we needed a market-ready solution that provides users with exactly what they need in their homes,” explains Michael Pauli, Novabase executive. “With the new low power Sigma media processors and platform SDK we are able to provide state-of-the-art products for cost sensitive developing countries”.

The Sigma SMP8674 presents a highly-integrated, low-cost option for IPTV, hybrid set-top boxes and thin clients, making it an ideal end-to-end solution for service providers. The new hybrid-oriented Software Development Kit (SDK) supports OpenTV5 from Nagra, HbbTV middleware from HTTV and has an optimized HTML5 framework. The SMP8674 is a good choice for service providers seeking advanced technology within a compact, affordable and user-friendly product. The SMP8674 media processor is in mass production.

Mustafa Ozgen, vice president and general manager Home Multimedia for Sigma Designs, said: “The SMP8674 gives Novabase the ability to develop unique technology with a highly competitive edge in a growing market, where footprint, power, performance and cost are important differentiators.”

See the Novabase dongle using the SMP8674 at IBC Amsterdam, 12-17th September 2013, on the Sigma Designs Booth No.: BM7 (Hall 1, Balcony).