System-on-Chip Technology Stimulates Market Opportunity for
High-Definition IPTV Services
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at
IBC2005, the International Broadcasters Convention, Microsoft Corp.
(Nasdaq: MSFT) and Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGM) announced the
availability of a new class of system-on-chip (SOC) that will enable
the production of low-cost, high-definition-capable devices optimized
for the Microsoft(R) TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition
software platform.
The new SMP8634 media processor from Sigma Designs will enable set-top
box and consumer electronics manufacturers to create a range of
products for broadband service providers to deliver IPTV services to
the home.
Microsoft and Sigma Designs have worked closely together to extend the
processing functionality of Sigma Designs' open standards-based
SMP8634 media processor to achieve a feature set that delivers the
full power of the Microsoft TV platform. This innovative SOC is
capable of delivering multiple channels of high-definition (HD) video
and on-screen graphics, powerful multimedia processing, powerful
content security, and support for a full range of peripherals such as
USB 2.0, IDE, Ethernet and HDMI. Support for the VC-1 and H.264
(MPEG-4) video codecs is also built in, further reducing costs for
set-top box manufacturers.
The SOC can be embedded inside a range of consumer electronic devices
to enable consumers to choose from a variety of IPTV-ready receivers
such as TV sets, set-top boxes, digital video disc players and gaming
consoles. These offerings create more "on ramps" to the connected
digital home, enabling great stand-alone IPTV experiences that are
ultimately "better together" when connected to other compatible
devices and services.
- http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=51671784
Monty Solomon (monty@roscom.com)