Pace Micro Technology introduced its first sub-$100 IP-based set-top box targeted at broadband operators and telcos with plans for high-volume interactive TV service deployments. The single-chip product offers MPEG 1/2 MP@ ML decoding with 490+ aggregate MIPS processing power and can support a range of middleware, video server, and content protection solutions, including Alcatel, Kasenna, and Widevine as well as ANT's Fresco Browser for TV. Pace said its product is fully compatible with existing head-ends. It also provides two-dimensional graphics, alpha blending, full video scaling and picture in picture capability.
Separately, Pace Micro Technology and Espial, a provider of set top box software and IPTV applications, announced a full-featured set top box targeted at the hospitality industry. The joint solution is based on Pace's IP420 set-top box and incorporates the Espial Escape browser. The IP420 is part of Pace's Digital Broadband Media (DBM) range, which is already being used by telcos and broadband IP operators to launch advanced television and multimedia services over existing telecommunications networks. Using an Ethernet-based local TV network, the IP420 can be installed in hotel rooms to deliver enhanced entertainment services. http://www.pacemicro.com
