Date: 13/09/2011

ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor based STB SoC for a truly connected home apps

STMicroelectronics has unveiled details of its forthcoming high-performance broadband set-top box system-on-chip IC for enhanced home entertainment.

ST says this IC offer greater processing power than any other set-top box IC, the new chip supports value-added services such as state-of-the-art gaming, Over The Top (OTT) video playback via 3rd-parties over the Internet, the new app stores that are increasingly providing content and applications, and secure High-Definition streaming to all connected screens such as tablets, smartphones, PCs and TVs throughout the home.

"Consumers want to see the dream of a truly connected home become a reality. The connected home means seamlessly streaming content across our TV set, our tablet or our laptop with the highest performance and speed, while being able to access operators' app stores as well as open-market stores, said Philippe Lambinet, Sr. Executive Vice President and General Manager Home Entertainment and Display Group. "Our latest generation of high-end set-top-box chips will act as the multimedia center of our home, connecting all of our devices and allowing the greatest user experience, such as 3D program guides and full motion 3DTV, Over-the-Top video and gaming from 3rd-parties over the Internet or from the operator and full, fast access to a world of applications."

Codenamed Orly, the new IC is based on multi-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor, which has unique capabilities enabling optimized playback of content and applications through software environments such as Android, Qt and the HTML5 open internet standard. Orly supports Adobe Flash-based gaming, media and data-driven applications that take advantage of an optimized version of Adobe AIR and Flash Player.

"The television screen is the next frontier for application development opening up amazing new opportunities for content publishers worldwide," said Jennifer Carr, Senior Director, Business Development at Adobe. "By working closely with STMicroelectronics to optimize Flash Player and Adobe AIR for Orly, more than three million Flash developers will be able to bring next-generation applications like 3D games or premium video content to televisions."

"ARM is delighted to see ST, a key leader in the digital home and set top box silicon market, announce the Orly product," commented Lance Howarth, Executive Vice President, Marketing, ARM. "We believe the System on Chip solution ST has created using the ARM Cortex-A9 processor and Mali-400MP GPU sets the standard for future set top box design. The combination of these two complementary, power efficient technologies enables a rich media experience, supporting Pay TV and 'Over the Top' delivery which, is key to the future growth in this segment."

Orly is sampling now to key customers and will be available in production in 2012.

For more information about ST's set-top box solutions, please visit www.st.com