Entropic Communications Increases Performance And Efficiency With New Channel Stacking Switch RFICs

San Diego, CA — Entropic Communications, Inc., a leading provider of systems solutions to enable connected home entertainment, today announced its next generation of Channel Stacking Switch (CSS) products used in single cable satellite installations. The RF5218 and RF5219 have been specifically designed to address the low power requirements of the European Digital Broadcast Satellite (DBS) market.

Single Cable Solution

Entropic’s Channel Stacking Switch ICs significantly reduce both the cost and the cabling complexity of DBS installations. Unlike traditional satellite installations, which require a unique cable for each tuner from the satellite dish to the set-top box, Entropic’s Channel Stacking solutions enable multiple video streams from individual or multiple satellites into the home over a single cable. This simplified cabling architecture enables the deployment of set-top boxes, with multiple tuner capabilities, in multiple rooms without expensive installation or retrofitting. Additionally, Channel Stacking technology enables plug and play for set-top box upgrades and allows all levels of installers, from professional to consumers, to reuse existing cabling to quickly setup a DBS system.

Energy Efficient, High Performance

Entropic’s RF5218 and RF5219 were designed to both reduce power consumption and increase performance of the single cable solution. The new Channel Stacking Switch ICs, embedded in a Low Noise Block (LNB) or multi-switch, consume up to 40% less power than previous generations and can support up to 12 tuners, with power sharing, down a single coaxial cable.

“We are working to provide solutions to address the needs of operators and encourage DBS adoption. Our Channel Stacking Switch technology reduces cabling complexity, lowers installation and upgrade costs, and improves installation aesthetics for end users,” said John Graham, Vice President of marketing at Entropic. “The energy efficient, ROHS compliant design of the RF5218 and RF5219 reflect Entropic’s commitment to single cable technology, global green initiatives and the European satellite market.”

Proven Technology and Market Adoption

Entropic introduced its first generation of Channel Stacking Switch ICs in mid-2006. These solutions are currently being deployed in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) throughout Europe and Asia. The next generation, the RF5218 and RF5219, are low power consuming ICs specifically designed for both operators and free-to-air (FTA) installers and retailers in the direct-to-home (DTH) outdoor unit (ODU) market. Both generations of CSS solutions allow LNB converters and multi-switches to multiplex multiple channels from DBS satellites onto a single coaxial cable enabling connection to digital video recorders and multiple STBs.

The energy efficient RF5218 and FR5219 are being incorporated into next generation consumer premise equipment including LNBs and multi-switches by MTI and other OEM partners which will launch next year. “MTI next generation LNB products incorporating Entropic’s CSS solutions will support the growing personal video recorder STB market”, said John Scott, Europe Business Director, LNB Business Group at MTI. “The low power consumption of these new CSS ICs and the potential application for use in Multi Dwelling Unit installations will help us meet the needs of the European service providers.”

Products based on Entropic’s Channel Stacking Switch technology can be seen at IBC 2007, held September 7-11, 2007, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands Booth 1.683. Contact events@entropic.com to request an appointment.

Link: Entropic Communications