STMicroelectronics Introduces Worldwide High-Definition Digital TV System Solution

STMicroelectronics Introduces Worldwide High-Definition Digital TV System Solution

Highly integrated, advanced 90nm technology single-chip-based hardware and software solution cuts production costs and time-to-market

GENEVA, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With more than twenty years experience in developing TV solutions, STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today introduced a high-performance, dual-channel digital TV solution, called DTV100. The production-ready, worldwide-standard-compliant reference design is based on ST's latest single-chip high-definition TV processor. Manufactured in 90nm CMOS technology, the STD2000 processor currently offers the best cost/performance ratio in the digital TV market.

The product combines set-top-box functionality with powerful image processing on a single chip. It can decode and display both analog and digital broadcasts, while eliminating multi-path interference and adjacent-channel noise. The device can decode two simultaneous standard-definition (SD) signals, as well as provide high-definition (HD) decompression, video processing, and display for CRT (cathode-ray tubes) or flat-panel televisions.

The high-definition video processor delivers superior picture quality and an enhanced viewing and entertainment experience. ST's patent-pending Contour-Sensitive De-interlacing(TM) (CSDi(TM)) uses advanced algorithms, such as pixel-based video analysis, adaptive pixel interpolation, and field merging, to eliminate the negative effects of interlaced coding. Another important tool for image quality improvement featured in the STD2000 is the 3D digital luma and chroma motion-adaptive noise reduction.

The Perfect PAP(TM) (high-definition Picture and Picture) and PIP (Picture in Picture) features enable TVs manufactured with the STD2000 to display two separate high-definition video sources on one screen, side-by-side and on top of each other, respectively.

The movie-theatre-like pictures are complemented with high-fidelity sounds delivered by the STV82x7/8 family of audio processors. From enhanced stereo to the 5.1-channel surround sound, STV82x7/8 DSPs (Digital Sound Processors) offer standard features as well as sound enhancements, including state-of-the- art virtual effects.

Advanced integration of ST's latest digital TV platform and careful architectural design, significantly shrinks its BOM (Bill of Materials) costs and increase TV system design efficiency. The redundancy between analog and digital video processing has been removed, and, while most digital TV sets today use a two-or-more-chip solution, ST's DTV100 platform integrates the MPEG-2 A/V, the HD video processor, and all support for legacy analog broadcast into a single chip.

"Our highly integrated DTV100 platform is delivered as a production-ready reference design, with software development tools and ready-to-use modules for advanced TV applications," said Luigi Mantellassi, Director of ST's Digital TV Business Unit. "The advanced platform can be quickly tailored to a finished product that facilitates product differentiation with minimal additional efforts and cost."

The STD2000's compliance with all major worldwide digital television standards, such as the European DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) or ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) in the Americas, allows TV manufacturers to cover all markets cost- and time-effectively with a single design. Production is planned for the second quarter of 2006.

This press release is also available at http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p1565.htm ... with links to further information on the DTV100 and ST-D2000.

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,
michael.markowitz@st.com

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

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