Netgear announces first customer shipments for new hybrid set-top box

The NETGEAR STB1100 Hybrid Set-top Box powers Numericable’s launch of iStart triple-play ABR service for ADSL customers

AMSTERDAM — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers announced today the launch of its Hybrid Set-top Box (STB1100) at the IBC2013 trade show in Amsterdam. The NETGEAR STB1100 will be demonstrated live at NETGEAR’s stand, 14.110, at the RAI Amsterdam during IBC2013.

The STB1100 is an HD digital set-top box that decodes and renders Internet and Terrestrial DVB-T broadcast video. It features built-in 802.11n WiFi for the seamless integration of broadcast, IP video and adaptive bitrate (ABR) video in a single set-top box; it also features an advanced, operator-customizable user interface with unified search capabilities.

“The NETGEAR STB1100 gives operators flexibility with a compact, robust platform. With an intuitive user interface, the STB1100 provides unified search and access independent of content source,” said Naveen Chhangani, director of product marketing, Service Provider Business with NETGEAR. “Moreover, with adaptive bit rate streaming capabilities, service providers can extend true HD quality video to their end-users, even on a low-bandwidth WAN connection–quality video is just as important as access to video.”

The STB1100 platform enables end-users to seamlessly access third-party or service provider video applications as well as the ability to rent and watch new releases through service provider video-on-demand services. DLNA® and a built-in USB port support sharing of user-generated content, and integrated WiFi and Ethernet gives end-users the flexibility to connect the STB1100 into an existing home network.

Numericable, France’s leader in international telephony, high speed broadband and paid-TV services, launched iStart triple-play services with the NETGEAR STB1100. iStart uses the STB1100 to deliver over-the-air, DVB-T and ABR content to ADSL subscribers who were previously unable to receive video content.

“We’re excited to be launching iStart with the NETGEAR STB1100. The initial response has been very positive. Customers are happy to have a set-top box in their home that offers both quality and access to streaming video as well as their personal content,” said Philippe LeMay, CTO, Numericable. “The STB1100 fills the gap for rich video content across low bandwidth for ADSL customers, in addition to combining DVB-T and ABR content. We look forward to continued success of our iStart offering, powered by the NETGEAR STB1100.”

The NETGEAR STB1100 is powered by Cavium’s PureVu® Media Processor to offer industry leading integration without compromising quality. With a comprehensive feature set and market-ready software platform, Cavium’s media processor provides a solid foundation for NETGEAR to develop a differentiated offering in the highly competitive market for IP set-top boxes.

“We are pleased to have been selected by NETGEAR for their new STB1100 Hybrid Set-top Box.” said Reza Eltejaein, senior director of marketing at Cavium’s Digital Home and Office division. “The new STB1100, which is optimally designed to address DVB-T and ABR applications, is a result of close collaboration between Cavium and NETGEAR teams to enable high quality and robust content delivery with Cavium’s low latency media SoC.”

Additional features of the NETGEAR STB1100 include:

• Studio approved DRM protection
• Remote control with quick select buttons
• Two integrated USB 2.0 host ports
• Parental controls
• Full HD video decode
• Integrated 802.11n, 2×2 WiFi
• HDMI 1.3 video out
• Integrated HTML 5 Web kit
• HbbTV® capable

The STB1100 is now available for wider service provider deployment.