Viaccess and NEC Electronics Europe collaborate to offer Faster Time-To-Market

World-Wide Solution based on NEC Electronics SoC for MPEG-4 HD Hybrid STBs with Advanced Security Features

PARIS and DÃœSSELDORF (Germany) — Viaccess, a France Telecom (Paris & NYSE: FTE) company and leader in conditional access and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH (TSE:6723), a leading semiconductor manufacturer, today announced their collaboration to offer Viaccess’ conditional access incorporated in NEC Electronics’ new EMMA™3SL/P system-on-chip (SoC), targeted at MPEG-4 HD hybrid set-top boxes (STBs).

NEC Electronics’ EMMA3SL/P is a SoC that enables cost-effective and low-power consumption STB solutions. It is suitable for a wide range of established and growing MPEG-4 high definition (HD) markets such as low-cost converters, mid-range dual tuner DVR-ready pay TV and hybrid STBs. In addition, it brings a competitive solution to the growing need for technically demanding IP STBs and IP hybrid STBs.

The combination of Viaccess conditional access and NEC Electronics’ EMMA3SL/P will offer STB vendors a secure, easy-to-integrate and cost-effective solution with significantly shorter delivery lead times than are often available in the market, allowing faster time-to-market for operators and manufacturers.

Viaccess offer of trusted STBs is enriched by the support of EMMA3SL/P as a 2nd NEC Electronics chipset after the MPEG-2 SD EMMA2SL/P. The time-to-market for manufacturers and operators will be reduced as a result of the Viaccess pre-validated STB platforms.

With NEC Electronics’ EMMA3SL/P SoC, STB vendors can benefit from the company’s commitment to offer dependable customer service. The proven IC quality and technical support offered by NEC Electronics results in a reliable, cost effective solution for state-of-the-art STBs. Shorter lead times enable improved time-to-market and cash flow for operators and enables them to respond quickly and effectively to market trends or competitive pressures.

According to Francois Moreau de Saint Martin, CEO of Viaccess, “This collaboration is another example of our enduring 360o global security approach, which includes partnering with leading industry players to deliver products to meet the most stringent of operator requirements and keep us at the forefront of the fight against piracy.”

“Through collaboration with Viaccess, NEC Electronics Europe is adding value to its STB offering which brings state-of-the-art technology and innovation, a broad portfolio of proven and reliable secured STB chipsets, short time to market and reduced R&D costs through an extensive portfolio of reference solutions and best-in-class production support expected from a Japanese Global IDM,” said Daniel Tanniere, General Manager, Communications and Consumer Business Unit, NEC Electronics Europe.