STMicroelectronics Adds Single-Chip Audio Processors for BTSC-Region TV Sets

STMicroelectronics Adds Single-Chip Audio Processors for BTSC-Region TV Sets

Fully-Featured Digital Audio Decoder/Processor Family Supports All Popular Multi-Channel Audio Standards, and Extends Lip-Sync Delay for Flat Panel TV

GENEVA, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced a new family of digital audio decoder/processor chips designed for analog and digital TV sets and video recorders, at all price levels, which receive BTSC (Broadcast Television Systems Committee) and digital multi- channel sound -- typically the U.S. market. Each device in the new STV82x8 family is a single-chip solution that provides all the resources required to detect, decode, and process analog audio transmissions or digital sources with multi-channel content, and to drive a range of loudspeakers from enhanced stereo up to full 5.1 surround sound.

The STV82x8 devices complement the field-proven STV82x7 family of processors, for A2/NICAM markets, with the significant addition of up to 117ms of embedded "lip-sync" delay to compensate for the video processing delay of flat panel TVs, thereby eliminating the need for external memory. They are intended for analog, digitized, and digital TV sets in the BTSC markets, which include the USA, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Brazil, and the Philippines.

The family provides a full range of audio processing options, with separate processing of headphone and loudspeaker channels, including Dolby Pro Logic I(R) and Dolby Pro Logic II(R) for full multi-channel environments. ST's royalty-free processing algorithms -- which eliminate the need for costly third-party processing -- include ST Widesurround, ST Omnisurround (which is Virtual Dolby(R) Surround and Virtual Dolby(R) Digital compliant), ST Dynamic Bass, and ST Voice. An embedded sample rate converter (SRC) allows all data to be processed at 48kHz, whatever its source.

Enhancement technologies include SRS WOW(R) and SRS TruSurround XT(R), with Smart Volume Control (SVC), 5-band equalizer, and loudness control on loudspeaker signals. The independent headphone processors include SVC, bass, treble, loudness, ST Dynamic Bass, and SRS TruBass(R). Three I2S (Inter IC Sound) inputs enable Dolby(R) Digital data from an MPEG-2 HD decoder, such as ST's ST-D2000 single-chip worldwide iDTV processor, to be accepted and processed, allowing certification of the Virtual Dolby Digital function at TV set level.

An analog audio matrix controls four or five -- depending on package size -- analog audio inputs and three stereo outputs, with pass-thru options, in addition to the main decoded signals. Independent lip-sync delay is provided for loudspeaker and headphone channels, with support for additional external delay in the larger 100-pin package.

The STV82x8 family is a cost-effective single-chip solution for sound processing in a broad range of TV applications, including iDTV, LCD, plasma, and rear projection TV, as well as in DVD and HDD recorders.

Now shipping to major worldwide TV manufacturers, devices from the basic STV8218 up to the fully featured STV8288FDSX are available now in the 14 x 14mm TQFP80 package, priced from $5 to $7, depending on options. The TQFP100 package, offering greater I/O flexibility, will be available later.

This press release is also available at http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p1749.htm ... with links to further information on the STV82x8 family.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2004, the Company's net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com/.

Source: STMicroelectronics

CONTACT: Michael Markowitz of STMicroelectronics, +1-212-821-8959, or
michael.markowitz@st.com

Web site: http://www.st.com/

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