Sagemcom Set-Top Boxes Powered by STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics NV, supplier of set-top box (STB) chips, and Sagemcom, a European STB manufacturers, have revealed that ST’s advanced STi7108 System-on-Chip (SoC) is powering Sagemcom’s high-end STBs, delivering increased flexibility for TV service providers and a richer viewing experience for end users.

The STi7108 SoC is aimed at hybrid broadcast/IPTV STBs and integrates a high-performance host processor, dedicated 3D graphics, a hard-disk interface for PVR capability, and Ethernet and USB connections, allowing users to connect equipment such as personal media storage or digital cameras. The chip’s ARM-based 3D-graphics engine supports the latest generations of user interfaces and 3D Electronic Program Guide (EPG), as well as advanced web content and high-performance gaming.

At IBC, Sagemcom unveiled one of its new high-end STB platforms, based on the STi7108. Using the high processing, graphics and 3D capabilities of this new SoC, Sagemcom demonstrated a full 3D TV experience, with a powerful 3D Electronic Programme Guide user interface, combined with high-quality 3D video content. The software of this new high-end product embeds the necessary support of the HDMI standards related to 3D TV content management, allowing automatic switching on the TV display between 2D to 3D video.

"Leading worldwide TV operators trust us for set-top boxes that provide great value and enable them to deliver innovative features and services to consumers," said Olivier Taravel, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Digital Set-Top Box Business Unit, Sagemcom. "The unprecedented processor performance, 3D graphics and flexible connectivity of the STi7108 are powerful assets for our high-end STB strategy, supporting smooth viewing and browsing experiences with value-added features."

"In the STi7108, ST has delivered the world’s most advanced high-definition set-top-box chip to date, and the first in the market to combine 3D graphics, Ethernet, USB and e-SATA interfaces to connect Internet devices, DVR storage, external Flash or hard-disk drives," said Philippe Lambinet, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Home Entertainment and Displays Group, STMicroelectronics. "The use of the STi7108 SoC by a home-entertainment leader such as Sagemcom is very significant endorsement for ST’s leading-edge consumer technology. Sagemcom’s powerful new 3D TV set-top boxes will enable operators to create value-added multimedia features and services to differentiate their products in the marketplace."

Production availability of the STi7108 will commence from the fourth quarter of 2010. Sagemcom, selected by a major TV operator for this next-generation platform based on this new SoC, will start its deployment mid 2011.