Sigma Designs Introduces its CG2210 HomePlug AV Chipset

Advanced Architecture Offers Service Providers and Equipment Manufacturers More Cost-Effective, Reliable, and Fast Platform for the Distribution of HD Video Entertainment

MILPITAS, CA — Sigma Designs® (NASDAQ: SIGM), a worldwide leader in connected media platforms, today unveiled the Sigma Designs CG2210, a new HomePlug AV chipset that delivers HD quality video across electrical wiring inside the home. This home video networking solution works over 70% more outlets and runs 31% faster over surge protectors versus competitors — all while adhering to the stringent new EuP 2013 energy conservation guidelines. The new chipset works faster than other HomePlug AV solutions and WiFi when handling small packets — giving it the lowest latency. This is perfect for improving the performance of Internet gaming. The CG2210 HomePlug AV platform also makes it easy and affordable to support TR-069 by eliminating the need for an expensive external CPU.

The CG2210 platform has been architected to deliver real-world performance leadership. The CG2210 platform includes Sigma’s patented and award-winning ClearPath technology ensuring the new CG2210 is the most stable and reliable HomePlug AV solution on the market. Sigma Designs reduced the chipset’s footprint and power consumption while increasing performance 15% over the previous generation. In addition, this new product is fully interoperable with the IEEE’s newly approved 1901 Draft Standard and future products designed to the standard.

“Sigma is pushing powerline reliability and performance to a new level,” stated Gabi Hilevitz, vice president and general manager, Home Connectivity Group at Sigma Designs, Inc. “Now, with the CG2210, service providers can more reliably deliver HD quality IPTV traffic to virtually any outlet in the home. Plus, the CG2210’s extra performance in difficult infrastructure environments will help retailers benefit from lower return rates.”

This market for HomePlug AV continues to expand. Currently, the technology allows consumers to access, store, and share a wide variety of content around the home without having to install new wiring. While current usage is primarily focused on broadband data, HD programs, video-on-demand (VOD), multi-room HD DVR recordings, voice over IP (VoIP), and streaming of HD video, music, and photos, the gaming market is quickly and quietly emerging as a prime case study for the use of HomePlug AV technology.

With the Sigma Designs CG2210, gamers and others interested in expanding their Internet footprint in the home can connect through any electrical outlet in the house. All that’s needed are two powerline adapters – one connected to the router/gateway and plugged into the AC outlet and a second connected to the game station, also plugged into an outlet. Results show the CG2210 to be up to 40% faster than Wi-Fi, while improving the stability and experience — two critical concerns for serious gamers.

Pricing and Availability

Sigma Designs CG2201 HomePlug AV chipset is now in volume production. Service Providers, OEMs, and ODMs worldwide can begin designing with the solution this week.