This open Windows CE platform is a complete reference design that
accelerates the development cycle and helps set-top box manufacturers deliver
their products to market faster. In addition, the platform lowers
bill-of-materials costs. Taking full advantage of Microsoft’s recently launched
Windows CE 5.0 Networked Media Device Feature Pack, ST’s base platform
represents a ready-to-go solution that lets manufacturers expand their range of
STB products by capitalizing on their previous efforts while benefiting from
ST’s clear roadmap in powerful and market-leading high-definition
Systems-on-Chip products.
Thanks to the extraordinary level of integration of the STB7109
high-definition decoder, this platform delivers a cost-effective solution for
consumer products requiring high-quality video and audio, high-speed
interfaces, and secured connectivity. The STB reference design embeds a
high-speed Ethernet interface that enables the STB to be a central part of the
home network and adds greater connectivity through the availability of USB 2.0
host port and a serial ATA (SATA) port. Additionally, the design ensures secure
connectivity through a high-speed digital copy-protected HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface), allowing simple digital connection to any HD-ready flat
panel display.
The new platform supports:
- Windows CE 5.0 and its Networked Media Device Feature Pack;
- HD audio and standard video formats VC-1, H264, MPEG2HD, Dolby Digital
Plus, DTS-HD;
- Windows Media Connect;
- Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10 for Networked Devices.
“Customization based on the Networked Media Device middleware and DVR engine
found in the Windows CE 5.0 Networked Media Device Feature Pack, coupled with
ST’s highly integrated system-on-chips help streamline development, makes it
easier for consumer-electronics developers to focus on product differentiation
and innovation to build their next generation of cutting-edge networked media
devices and IP set-top boxes,” said Kevin Dallas, general manager, Windows
Embedded at Microsoft.
ST’s platform is a standard, complete and reusable high-definition solution,
making it ideal for Networked Digital products and future HD-DVD (High-Density
DVD) players. ST will supply these new platforms to consumer-electronics
manufacturers to enable fast market delivery of appliances such as IP set-top
boxes, Networked Media Devices, HD-DVD players, digital video recorders (DVRs),
and more.
“Working with Microsoft, we have taken a major step toward providing
consumer electronics manufacturers with a stable and cost-effective platform
for the rapidly growing networked-DVR and IP-STB market,” said Christos
Lagomichos, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Home
Entertainment Group at STMicroelectronics. “Foreseeing the booming of the next
generation of high-definition media, we are also closely paying attention to
HD-DVD technology and already preparing for the next evolutionary step of this
platform.”
About ST’s Home, Personal, Communication Group (HPC)
STMicroelectronics is a world-leading supplier of comprehensive solutions for
the converging segments of home entertainment, communication, and connectivity.
ST’s HPC product offering encompasses a whole range of applications in the
digital consumer market, including set-top box, DVD, TV, and audio; a wide
array of solutions for personal multimedia, from application processors to
energy management, mobile imaging, and wireless connectivity; and a full
spectrum of display ICs and devices for wireless and wireline network
infrastructures.
