StarTimes to deploy Entropic Analog Channel Stacking Switch in Africa

StarTimes to Deploy Entropic’s Advanced Analog Channel Stacking Switch in Africa

SAN DIEGO — Entropic (Nasdaq:ENTR), a world leader in semiconductor solutions for the connected home, announced today that StarTimes, a worldwide technology company, pioneer and key player in the Pay-TV business will use Entropic’s EN5288 Channel Stacking Switch (CSS™) Outdoor Unit (ODU) solution for their direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service deployments in Africa. By using Entropic’s EN5288 for Low Noise Block (LNB) converters and Multi-switch solutions for multi-dwelling units (MDUs), StarTimes can enable DBS operators to reduce satellite installation costs associated with deploying high-end digital video recorder (DVR) set-top devices.

In March 2014, StarTimes added single-cable support in their set-top boxes (STBs) and today they unveil single-cable LNB and Multi-switch support for DVRs with more than three DVB-S tuners built-in. By using Entropic’s EN5288 CSS ODU solution, StarTimes’ has created an end-to-end single-cable run satellite solution from their LNB and Multi-switch products to their set-top devices. This architecture can significantly reduce operators’ cost and cabling complexity by sending multiple video streams from multiple satellites into and around the home – over the single-cable feed. This simplified cabling approach allows the operator to deploy three-tuner DVRs in multiple rooms, without adding additional cabling by using the existing single-cable run from the LNB or Multi-switch. Additionally, Entropic’s CSS technology simplifies DVR and STB upgrades with plug and play installation and allows all levels of installers, from professionals to consumers, to reuse existing cabling to quickly set up an in-home satellite system.

“Unlike traditional satellite installations, which require a unique cable for each tuner from the satellite dish to the set-top box, Entropic’s CSS technology enables the delivery of multiple video streams from individual or multiple satellites into the home over a single-cable,” said Mr. Jianqiang Wang, project manager, StarTimes. “This single-cable architecture enabled by Entropic’s EN5288 solution provides for a fast, cost-effective installation that virtually eliminates retrofitting and the need to rewire rooms – as compared to multiple-cable installations.”

“The DBS market in Africa is beginning to mature with Pay-TV viewers now interested in DVR services and more high definition channels,” said Al Servati, vice president, Marketing, Entropic. “In working with StarTimes, we are enabling operators in Africa to more efficiently and affordably deliver advanced TV services to multi-tuner DVRs throughout the home, while also preparing operators for future home networking demands by consumers.”

Entropic’s EN5288 is the Company’s third-generation analog CSS silicon solution. It offers the lowest bill of material component count, smallest package size and is Entropic’s most power-efficient analog CSS product to date. The EN5288 is a 2 input, 2 user channel output CSS solution for DBS television applications and works across an input frequency range of 950-2150 MHz.