Versatile Single-Chip TV Audio Processors from STMicroelectronics Enhance Flat-Panel TV Sound

Versatile Single-Chip TV Audio Processors from STMicroelectronics Enhance Flat-Panel TV Sound

New digital sound processor family supports US, European and Asian analog broadcast standards, with high-end audio algorithms

GENEVA, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced new TV sound processor chips -- the STV83xy family -- which are an evolution of the established STV82xy series and which are intended particularly for mainstream flat-panel TV sets. Like the STV82xy devices, each of the new processors 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 audio channels from enhanced stereo up to full 5.1 surround sound. ST's proven stereo demodulator delivers outstanding performance for analog TV covering major broadcast standards across the world.

With a built-in audio delay of up to 100ms, the STV83xy family compensates for the video processing delay of flat-panel TVs without the need for external memory; the devices support the use of external delay if more than 100ms is required. In addition, a high-end Digital Signal Processor (DSP) offers unprecedented compensation for the smaller loudspeakers and less-than-ideal chassis acoustic often found in flat-screen sets as designs become thinner.

ST is also the first company to offer TV manufacturers a sound processor and digital amplifier package. The digital outputs of the STV83xy can be connected to a digital audio amplifier, such as ST's new STA333 Digital Class D amplifier, to create a fully digital audio processing chain and an even better sound experience. Versatile connectivity makes it the perfect sound processor for both analog and digital flat-panel TV -- it supports up to five analog inputs, and up to 5.1 analog outputs that can be connected to analog Class A/B or Class D audio amplifiers.

In addition to third party processing and enhancement technologies from Dolby and SRS Labs, the STV83xy includes ST's royalty-free algorithms: 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 data to be processed at 48kHz, whatever its source. Audio processing options -- with separate processing for headphone and loudspeaker channels -- include Dolby Pro Logic I(R), Dolby Pro Logic II(R), SRS WOW(R) and SRS TruSurround XT(R), for full multi-channel environments, in addition to the newly released SRS TruSurround HD(TM), which provides high-frequency clarity enhancement.

Enhancement technologies include Smart Volume Control (SVC), 5-band graphic equalizer, an easy-to-set 3-band parametric equalizer, and loudness control on loudspeaker signals. The independent headphone processors include SVC, bass, treble, loudness, ST Dynamic Bass, SRS TruBass(R) and SRS Dialog Clarity(TM). One of the two I2S (Inter IC Sound) interfaces, each with three inputs, enables Dolby(R) Digital data from an high-definition MPEG 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. Additionally, the multi-channel input allows TV manufacturers to upgrade their SRS TruSurround XT(R) certification, therefore permitting use of the SRS TruSurround XT 5.1 Digital and SRS TruSurround HD 5.1 Digital logos.

Separate processing channels for loudspeakers and headphones allow the end user to choose either two different sounds (Picture in Picture), or to experience high-end sound processing such as Virtualizer (Dolby and SRS Labs) on loudspeakers, and specific settings for headphones.

"With automatic recognition of analog broadcast standards, it has never been so easy to have great sound on flat TV, especially using our audio compensation algorithms," said Gabriel Guglielmi, General Manager of ST's Home Display Peripherals Division. "This new sound processor family builds on the success of the STV82 processors and leverages ST's relationship with SRS Labs to develop leading-edge sound technology, bringing high-end audio performance to both analog and digital flat-panel TV sets at every level."

STV83xy is available in a TQFP100 package, priced at $5.00 in 1000 piece quantities. It can also be supplied in TQFP80 for users migrating from the STV82xy family.

This press release is also available at http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2007/p2098.htm ... with links to further information on the STV83xy 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 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/.

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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