Set-top box manufacturers Cisco Systems Inc., Motorola Inc., Philips and Tatung Co. say their next-gen system-on-a-chip (SoC) set-tops now support Microsoft IPTV Edition software platform deployments with telecommunications carriers worldwide.
SoC set-tops are an integral part of the IPTV ecosystem, and enable service providers to begin delivering high-definition TV, digital video recording and picture-in-picture functionalities to consumers. The companies said this new generation of SoC-based, HD-capable, IPTV-ready receivers makes it easier for service providers to deploy IPTV Edition more broadly, quickly and cost-efficiently while supporting new TV services.
Cisco IP set-top models, which will be deployed by AT&T, support experience-enhancing features such as HDTV, DVR, integrated home networking over coax and user-friendly displays. Motorola VIP series set-tops are currently shipping in volume to providers worldwide, and AT&T will be the first service provider to commercially deploy its products.
Philips has introduced a hybrid IPTV-DTT set-top box supporting Microsoft IPTV Edition with HDTV and DVR functionality based on the Sigma Designs 8634 chipset. Tatung will introduce its STB2000 series SoC-enabled set-top boxes based on the Sigma Designs 8634 chipset later this year.
"System-on-a-chip set-top boxes are a major milestone for the IPTV ecosystem as they are a key enabler of some of the advanced IPTV features," said Vince Vittore, senior analyst for Broadband Access Technologies at Yankee Group Research Inc. "As the capabilities of these platforms increase, service providers will be able to focus on providing unique video services to consumers. In addition, the availability of SoC-based devices is a significant proof point of how the entire supply chain--from video solutions vendors to silicon manufacturers--is gearing up to support IPTV."
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