STMicroelectronics Introduces Low-Cost, Highly Integrated Satellite Set-Top Box Decoder for High Volume Markets

STMicroelectronics Introduces Low-Cost, Highly Integrated Satellite Set-Top Box Decoder for High Volume Markets

Digital receiver cost will match analog cost, speeding digital transition while adding features

GENEVA, March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), the world's largest supplier of silicon chips for set-top boxes (STBs)*, today announced a new low-cost satellite STB receiver/decoder chip -- the STI5188 -- intended for high-volume free-to-air markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Europe. This highly integrated device combines the functions of ST's STV0288 DVB-S receiver and the STM5118 mass-market STB decoder, to create a product that will enable the manufacture of digital receivers competing in cost with analog sets. Additionally, the STI5188 is the first low-cost decoder for the STB market to be implemented in 90nm process technology, and therefore puts ST in pole position to support market requirements for both high volume and low cost.

The STI5188 integrates the QPSK (Quadrature-Phase-Shift-Keying) demodulator, together with audio DACs and VCXO, allowing manufacturers to cut their total BOM cost and to greatly simplify board design and assembly; PCB layout is also helped by a small 20x20mm QFP package. ST is one of only a few companies with QPSK IP, and the embedded QPSK demodulator, with 'blind scan' capability to allow users to autoscan for available signals, is best-in-class technology included in a low-cost device.

The integrated audio DACs offer a direct connection to the TV input, making further savings compared to earlier generation and competitive products. The use of serial Flash memory in the new device has reduced the number of I/O lines required and allowed the package size to be smaller -- PCB routing is also simplified, with less chance of EMI problems.

System software runs on a high-performance embedded ST20 32-bit RISC CPU core -- the dominant CPU in the STB Market -- operating at 200MHz. A dedicated 2D graphics engine allows the creation of a rich user interface (UI), including mosaic channel presentation and strong graphics content. ST's ST20-based reference designs and development support offer a full turnkey solution, from hardware to UI, simplifying product design and reducing the time to market.

"This integration of two successful and high-performance devices in the free-to-air satellite market will reduce costs for manufacturers, and encourage the digital transition in countries where equipment price has so far been a problem," said Christos Lagomichos, Group Vice-President and General Manager of ST's Home Entertainment Group. "Embedded features such as the QPSK demodulator and the use of serial Flash will make life easier for designers and further cut production costs."

Available in a 176-pin 20x20mm QFP package, engineering samples of the STI5188 have already been shipped to key customers, with volume production planned for the end of Q2 2006. Pricing is $4.50 for quantities of 500k units.

This press release is also available at

http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p2013.htm

... ... with links to further information on the STI5188

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 http://www.st.com/.

* InStat - MPEG Video ICs: The Buzz Around MPEG-4 AVC - June 2005

(Report number IN0501839MI)

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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