STMicroelectronics chips selected by MitraStar for Kbro set-top boxes

STMicroelectronics’ Chips Selected by MitraStar Technology for Newest Set-Top Boxes from Kbro Broadband

TAIPEI, Taiwan — STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, today announced that MitraStar Technology, the world leader in the networking DMS (Design and Manufacturing Service) industry, has selected ST’s STiH273 system-on-chip to produce set-top boxes (STBs) for Kbro Broadband, one of Taiwan’s largest cable television operators. ST’s highly-integrated, secure and optimized HD cable chipset is set to accelerate Taiwan’s transition to digital TV.

ST’s newest set-top box chips enable the delivery of innovative DVB and Internet-based services to price-sensitive market segments, broadening consumer access to HD Interactive STB, Personal Video Recorders (PVR), Internet Protocol (IP) clients and dual-HD boxes supporting connected-TV services such as IPTV, information channels and Over-The-Top (OTT) video, gaming, catch-up TV and social networking. Together, these features will enable operators to win extra subscribers and grow revenue while similarly helping retailers to offer richer features in their set-top boxes.

“ST’s mission is to bring connected-home and rich multimedia experience to living rooms throughout Greater China Region,” said Herve Mathieu, Group Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Unified Platform Division. “We are working in close cooperation with local partners and customers to address all needs of the domestic and export market with our comprehensive portfolio of industry-leading solutions for digital TV, broadband services and home connectivity.”

“MitraStar is offering several IP set-top-box models with the capability to develop differentiated IP video services,” said Chiang-lin Chang, President of MitraStar. “The new models with ST chips inside are ideally suited for telecommunications and enable service providers to develop further IP services for their subscribers, both existing and prospective ones, and to enhance their competitive edge and return on investment.”

Manufactured in 40nm process technology, the STiH273 supports an enhanced processing engine with integrated on-chip features that simplify set-top box design, enable operators to take advantage of lower-cost memories and meet the latest low-power objectives. The system-on-chip integrates a field-proven and widely deployed DVB-C demodulator and it has been optimized to work with high-performance external CAN and silicon tuners to meet the stringent RF-performance requirements of Cable networks. The STiH273 also delivers high-quality Faroudja® video, 3DTV support, connectivity, and advanced security schemes with all the latest CAS (Conditional Access System) support.