STMicroelectronics Launches Ultra Low-Power Video Encoder Enabling TV-Out for Portable Applications

STMicroelectronics Launches Ultra Low-Power Video Encoder Enabling TV-Out for Portable Applications

GENEVA, February 13/PRNewswire/ --

- A High Level of Integration and Smart Functional Partitioning
Provides Cost-Effective and High-Quality Solution

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a worldwide leader in System-on-Chip
technology, today announced two new digital encoders (DENC) - the STw8009 and
STw8019 - which provide a high-quality TV-Out feature for portable
applications such as mobile phones, digital cameras, video players and PDAs.
The new encoders convert digital video and still image data to analog TV
signals, compatible with most worldwide TV standards, enabling users to share
pictures and video from their handheld devices on a standard TV screen.

By integrating the essential TV-Out functions onto the chip, the
STw8009/19 devices offer the most cost-effective solution on the market for
this increasingly popular mobile feature. The devices achieve the optimum mix
of features to satisfy the constraints of portable products, in terms of
supply voltages, supply current, PCB area and cost. The STw8009/19's 'smart
partitioning' moves image processing functions to the mobile terminal's host
processor and the digital-TV encoding and analog conversion to the
STw8009/19. This creates a very efficient and flexible implementation.
Alternative system partitioning schemes are often either lacking flexibility
or are more complex and more costly, which could limit penetration of the
TV-out feature in the mobile market.

The digital processor of the portable device drives the STw8009/19
encoder with image data in ITU 601 YCbCr 4:2:2 format, sized to PAL or NTSC
standards, using a common 8-bit interface with a 27MHz clock signal. The
encoder supports both embedded (CCIR 656) or external synchronization. PORn,
Suspend, and I2C compatible signals control its operating modes and
registers. Signal processing targets the highest possible standard, enriching
the user's viewing experience with high-q-uality video.

The STw8009 and STw8019 are identical products except that the STw8019
also embeds the latest (7.1.L1) Macrovision content-protection technology.
These technologies include ST's proven TV DENC, and twin high-performance
digital-to-analog converters (DACs) with 35mA drivers capable of driving
75-ohm video cables to provide Composite (CVBS) or S-Video direct to the TV
set. Encoding is to PAL or NTSC standards.

The devices are produced in tiny 3x3mm or 4x4mm BGA (Ball Grid Array)
packages. Even with the addition of optional low-pass filter components, the
board area required by the smaller package is only 16.4-square mm for the
complete TV-Out application. Power consumption is exceptionally low and is
tailored for portable applications: just 5microW in Sleep mode, 150microW in
Standby, and 125mW or 245mW in operation depending on whether one DAC (CVBS)
or two DACs (S-Video) are enabled.

ST is the world's largest supplier of ICs for Set-top Boxes (STBs) and
has delivered hundreds of millions of video digital encoders. The company is
also the leading supplier of mixed technology ICs for the mobile phone
market, with billions of chips delivered over the last ten years. The new
encoders represent the convergence of ST's expertise in these two markets to
ensure the optimum implementation.

The STw8009/19 will be available in VFBGA49 (3 x 3 x 1mm) and TFBGA49 (4
x 4 x 1.2mm) packages in sample quantities in February 2006, with volume
production planned for March 2006. US pricing for samples is $2.80 for
quantities of 1,000.

This press release is also available at

www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p2005.htm

with links to further information on the STw8009/19.

About ST's Home, Personal, Communication Group (HPC)

STMicroelectronics is a world-leading supplier of comprehensive solutions
for the converging segments of home entertainment, communication, and
connectivity. ST's HPC product offering encompasses a whole range of
applications in the digital consumer market, including set-top box, DVD, TV,
and audio; a wide array of solutions for personal multimedia, from
application processors to energy management, mobile imaging, and wireless
connectivity; and a full spectrum of display ICs and devices for wireless and
wireline network infrastructures.

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 2005, the Company's net revenues were
$8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST
can be found at www.st.com.

For further information, please contact:

STMicroelectronics
MEDIA RELATIONS:
Mariagrazia Prestini
Sr. Director Corporate Communications
Tel: +41-22-929-5924
Mariagrazia.prestini@st.com

Burson-Marsteller
Sandrine Romano
Tel: +33-41-86-76-77
sandrine_romano@fr.bm.com

Burson-Marsteller
Guerric de Beauregard
Tel: +33-41-86-76-82
guerric_debeauregard@fr.bm.com

Source: STMicroelectronics

For further information, please contact: STMicroelectronics, MEDIA RELATIONS: Mariagrazia Prestini, Sr. Director Corporate Communications, Tel: +41-22-929-5924, Mariagrazia.prestini@st.com. Burson-Marsteller: Sandrine Romano, Tel: +33-41-86-76-77, sandrine_romano@fr.bm.com. Burson-Marsteller: Guerric de Beauregard, Tel: +33-41-86-76-82, guerric_debeauregard@fr.bm.com

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