ST's Demonstrator platform for hybrid broadcast and broadband set-top boxes

STMicroelectronics has announced that it has completed a demonstrator platform for STBs capable of receiving interactive digital television services via broadcast or broadband Internet connections, and demonstrating its solution at IBC 2009 in Amsterdam, September 11-15, 2009.

This platform supports the Pan-European HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband television) initiative that aims to harmonize broadband and broadcast delivery of entertainment to end consumers through connected TVs and set-top boxes, where the consumers will be able to use their TVs to access online Web-based services, such as news or travel and weather forecasts, or video-on-demand (VOD), catch-up TV and social networking applications.

ST has demonstrated this reference platform by building on its established technologies for interactive STBs. The platform chipset is based on ST's STi7109 H.264/VC1/MPEG4 HD decoder IC, which supports IP (Internet Protocol) connections.

ST says, as one of the first reference platforms to support this next-generation hybrid connectivity, ST's platform is welcomed by the HbbTV group, which includes among others Astra, Ant, IRT, Philips, OpenTV, Canal+, France Television and TF1, and AFDESI (Association for the Development of Enhanced TV services and Interactivity). ST's HbbTV reference platform provides the foundation for STBs combining a DVB-T/T2, DVB-S/S2 or DVB-C receiver as well as broadband Internet connection.

"ST's demonstrator platform, in conjunction with HbbTV, allows hosting of advanced interactive applications providing seamless access to broadcast and Internet-based services," said Eric Jumelet, Group VP of ST's Home Video Division, Home Entertainment and Displays Group. "With this platform, ST is showing its commitment to support a common standard for interactive set-top boxes."

For more details visit www.st.com