HD satellite STB SoC provides PVR functionality

Broadcom Corp. has introduced a new single-chip, multi-format high definition (HD) satellite STB solution that enables manufacturers to develop low cost STBs with personal video recorder (PVR) functionality.

The BCM7335 satellite SoC STB solution has PVR functionality that supports worldwide standards for direct broadcast satellite STBs based on DVB-S2, DVB-S and 8PSK, and is backward compatible with the DVB-S standards. Built around previous generations of Broadcom digital cable and satellite STB chips and technology, service providers that deploy STBs designed around the BCM7335 can cost effectively provide their subscribers with advanced HDTV viewing features, improved picture quality and PVR functionality.

The BCM7335 is Broadcom's next generation satellite STB system on a single chip manufactured in the 65nm process. It integrates a dual tuner/demodulator from the BCM4506 front-end device and the latest generation of AVC decoders that supports multiple video formats.

The chip operates on a dual-threaded MIPS CPU core running at 450MHz. The BCM7335 is designed to support UMA and non-UMA memory architectures, utilizing a 400MHz clock, 32 + 16bit wide DDR2 memory interface for enhanced performance and allows cost effective memory implementations.

The BCM7335 also supports several interfaces for TV output on-chip that is integrated on-chip including the HDMI, baseband composite, component or S-Video, and incorporates Broadcom's 2D graphics engine that enables true studio-quality text and graphics, efficiently using its memory and bandwidth.

"The BCM7335 offers the highest level of integration in a single chip that enables service providers to offer advanced features, such as watch-and-record functionality, to their subscribers to enhance the viewing experience," said Nicholas Dunn, director of marketing for Broadcom's satellite STB line of business. "With this new SoC, coupled with our successful 65nm process technology, Broadcom continues to fuel the technical innovation in the satellite industry and highly integrated single-chip solutions that reduce power, PCB size, complexity and overall system cost."

The BCM7335 high definition PVR satellite SoC is sampling to early access customers. Pricing is available upon request for manufacturers of satellite TV STBs.