STMicroelectronics Announces World's First Dual HDTV Decoder Chip To Be Manufactured in 65nm Technology

Dual high-definition System-on-Chip device for set-top box, digital video recorder and DVD applications also supports both HD DVD and Blu ray formats

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the world’s leading supplier of ICs for TV Set-Top Boxes (STBs)*, today announced a new dual-video-stream high-definition (HD) decoder chip, the STi7200, intended for STBs, digital video recorders (DVRs) and DVD players. This very highly integrated System on Chip supports both HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, in addition to high-definition satellite and cable TV standards, and is produced in a state-of-the-art 65nm process technology to deliver lower power consumption and competitive pricing; it is the world’s first such device to be available in this small geometry.

Positioned at the top of ST’s current STB/DVD roadmap, the STi7200 dual AVC and VC-1 decoder can simultaneously decode two high-definition video streams, providing consumers with a variety of viewing and recording options. It shares the architecture of the established STB7109, doubling the decoding capability of the earlier device and ensuring straightforward porting of designs to more advanced STB products.

Consumers require set-top boxes based on high-definition decoders to view the high-definition content now increasingly being provided by operators. In households with multiple TV sets, the program material could be viewed in different locations on equipment with different video and audio capabilities. The STi7200 enables and simplifies the provision of multiple content streams without the cost and complexity of two STBs. Twin outputs allow viewers to watch HD material on two TV sets, one channel in high definition and the other downscaled on-chip to standard definition.

Dual high-speed Ethernet ports support the efficient distribution of high-definition content around the home, enabling the chip to be a central part of a home network of equipment such as cable, satellite, IP and terrestrial STBs; digital video recorders; DVD players and recorders; home gateways and media servers. Dual transport stream processors allow flexible DVR configurations, with up to four-channel recording alongside two-channel viewing or time-shifted playback. System connectivity includes dual SATA (Serial ATA) disk drive interfaces, and three USB ports.

ST’s fourth generation security technology is included to protect operators’ content and services, enabling flexible systems backed by hardware chains of trust. The STi7200 supports the Secure Video Processor (SVP) and Windows Media DRM 10 standards, which allow digital rights to be passed between consumer devices. Secure connectivity is provided through a High bandwidth Digital Media Interface (HDMI) and High Definition Copy Protection (HDCP) interface, both of which are required to connect consumer appliances to high-definition displays.

Support for H.264/AVC, MPEG-2 and VC-1 decoding allows the STi7200 to be used across all HD markets. The device also meets the latest requirements for both HD-DVD and Blu-ray high definition DVD by supporting all of the required video and audio standards, as well as the current and emerging copy protection technology, allowing manufacturers to build a single hardware design that addresses both markets. Development support includes software tools, support for Linux, Windows CE and OS21, and low level drivers, plus a range of middleware driver libraries.

“By doubling the decoding capability of our leading-edge STB and DVD chip, adding new interfaces, and then producing it in 65nm technology, ST is providing manufacturers with the most cost-effective HD building block, which can be used across a range of hi-end consumer multimedia products,” said Monica de Virgiliis, General Manager of ST’s Home Video Division. “It provides secure support for all the HD standards, and enables consumers to set up advanced home entertainment networks.”

The STi7200 is available now in sample quantities, in a cost-effective 35 x 35 PBGA package that enables 4-layer PCB routing, and is priced at $30 in high volume.

* “MPEG Video ICs: Transitioning to H.264”. Instat July 2006