STB IC features 3D TV capability

STMicroelectronics N.V. (ST) has gained MoCA 1.1 certification for its STi7108M video decoder. This allows the IC to support HD set-top boxes (STBs) or digital video recorders (DVRs) to share content and services in home networks, said the company.

The Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) standard for home-entertainment networking uses existing coaxial cables to distribute high-bandwidth content such as streamed HD video, gaming, broadband Internet access and Over the Top (OTT) services to every room in the house. With strong commitment from U.S. cable and pay-TV operators, and trials under way with European operators, according to MoCA, there are large potential markets for MoCA-certified equipment where ST is a contributor member.

STBs featuring the MoCA-certified STi7108M can be added to a home network simply by connecting to the coaxial wall socket. ST noted that the chip offers advanced functions such as dual application processors providing 3D TV capability and 2400DMIPS. It also has an ARM graphics engine that supports 3D gaming and advanced program guides. Likewise, it has ST's Faroudja video processing that maximizes the quality of displayed images, the company stated.

The device offers video decoding for H.264, VC-1 or WMV9 Internet video, MPEG4 part 2 and MPEG2. In addition, the STi7108M has dual ST40-300 CPUs (4000DMIPS total host-processing performance) and an ARM Mali-400 GPU MoCA 1.1 band D (certified), E, F on request. The product boasts an Ethernet GMAC and inputs for up to six transport streams, including Ethernet, two eSATA interfaces supporting DVR functionality and three USB 2.0 host ports.

Samples of STi7108M are available.