Thomson, a Paris-based digital media and video company, is expecting to debut its new set top box HD decoding chip at the IBC exhibition in Amsterdam in September.
The high-end decoder chip, the Thomson 4230, is optimised for use in HDTV set top boxes with personal video recording capabilities. The company developed the chip to deliver a complete IC solution, including digital video broadcasting software and reference boards for satellite, cable and IP set top boxes, which provide HD decoding for H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and DiVX codecs.
"With the ability to implement a secure video processor (SVP) for the satellite, cable pay-per-view and broadcast markets, we expect the Thomson 4230 to lead the market," said Marc Crosnier, worldwide sales manager of Thomson Silicon Components.
The device will be able to output high-definition and standard-definition streams simultaneously.
The chip will support multiple security formats, in addition to an HDMI output and video content protection applications. There are also dual USB 2.0 connections and Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interfaces that support digital recording applications, with or without a hard drive connection.
The 4230 also provides routing capability that allows users to build and customise triple play solutions such as VoIP services, broadband Internet and cable television/video on demand.
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