Sigma Designs Introduces Chipset for Low-Cost MS Mediaroom STB

Sigma Designs introduced a low-cost Microsoft Mediaroom compatible set top box platform based on its second generation SMP8652 media processor SoC (system-on-chip).


Sigma Designs has completed integration with Mediaroom client software and are anticipated to begin deployment with leading carriers in the second half of 2010.


Sigma's single chip implementation features a 500-Mhz MIPS host CPU, a second processor called the IPU for offloading burdensome real-time tasks, and a third processor dedicated to managing security functions. Its advanced decoder engines support high definition video decoding of H.264 (MPEG-4 part 10), Windows Media® Video 9, VC-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 (part 2), the new AVS standard, and can support up to 16 independent streams on screen in different formats. High-performance graphics acceleration, multi-standard audio decoding, and advanced display processing capabilities round out its multimedia core. Powerful content security is ensured through a dedicated secure processor, on-chip flash memory, and a range of digital rights management (DRM) engines for high-speed payload decryption. Additional functions include 32-bit DDR-2 memory controller, dual Gigabit Ethernet controller, dual USB 2.0 controller, NAND flash controller, and SATA controller enable a single-chip solution for most set top boxes.


The company confirmed that multiple Mediaroom OEMs are currently designing new set top boxes based around the SMP8652 for low-cost applications such as additional rooms in the home.
Additionally, OEMs are also moving ahead with implementations of the SMP8654, another Mediaroom platform from Sigma offering even higher performance within the same family of devices. The first to market will be Tatung, with its recently approved SMP8652-based set top boxes.


Microsoft's Mediaroom platform is currently delivering services to an estimated 5 million subscribers worldwide.



"A key part of our Mediaroom marketing strategy is to continually drive down costs in our ecosystem while ensuring delivery of the full-featured, high quality viewing experience that consumers demand," said Steve Koepp, senior manager, business development of Microsoft's Media Platform Business. "As a key ecosystem partner, Sigma Designs is helping to advance this goal, enabling ever more cost-efficient set top box designs to help further accelerate the availability and reach of world-class TV services powered by Mediaroom."http://www.sigmadesigns.com