[opendtv] Thomson readies solutions for U.S. Digital TV broadcast transition
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 12:13:37 -0400
Thomson is one of the two companies selected by the NAB, for low-coast
and high perfromance ATSC STBs.
For the ATSC market, they have developed an IC, the 4300A, that
incorporates both ATSC demod and MPEG-2 decoder. Interesting. I'm
assuming that when they say MPEG-2, they mean H.262 algorithm only, not
H.264.
Next step is to also incorporate the tuner in a single chip, to further
reduce cost, footprint, and power requirement. Althought they are
already calling this 4300A a "one-chip solution."
No mention of this at their own web site, though, that I could find. I
was looking for more specifics.
Notice that the low-cost STB they are building for the NAB/MSTV does not
use this 4300A chip. It will have an NTSC output, composite video, and
audio. So it's just going to be a stripped-down SDTV box. However, they
are also planning an HDTV STB, it seems, and a receiver with USB output
for PCs. Even though this STB does not use the 4300A, it is said to meet
all the stringent NAB/MSTV requirements. Not bad.
Bert
--------------------------------------------------
http://www.digitaltvdesignline.com/products/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=3D=
187003077
May 03, 2006
Thomson readies solutions for U.S. Digital TV broadcast transition
Las Vegas, NV, NAB - To support the completion of the terrestrial
broadcast transition to digital television in the United States, Thomson
(Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), the global technology corporation
serving the media and entertainment industries, currently has several
development programs underway that will enable consumers to receive
terrestrial digital television signals on their existing analog TVs.
Thomson is leveraging its position as a leading supplier of set-top
boxes with a series of digital-to-analog converter boxes and is
reaffirming its expertise as a developer of highly integrated digital TV
integrated circuit (IC) solutions with the announcement of the Thomson
4300A ATSC-compliant IC incorporating both ATSC demodulator and MPEG-2
decoding functionalities.
At the 2006 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show next week,
Thomson will demonstrate several technologies aimed at helping companies
and consumers complete the transition to digital terrestrial
broadcasting.
Silicon Components Demonstration Platform
Thomson is showcasing a prototype of the first in a series of
ATSC-compliant set-top reference designs that will include a new Thomson
Silicon Solutions IC and all software from drivers through to the
user-interface. The new Thomson 4300A is targeted at the entire ATSC
converter market including digital set-top box and original design
manufacturers. Thomson's Silicon Components group will make samples
available of the chip in the first quarter of 2007, with production
slated to begin in the second half of 2007.
Integrated circuits that consolidate the reception and demodulation of
digital TV signals are a key ingredient in the development of new and
affordable products that will help millions of consumers complete the
transition to digital television that is now scheduled for February of
2009. Thomson is actively marketing the Thomson 4300A as a "one-chip
answer" for electronics manufacturers needing both an affordable and
high-quality reception solution for terrestrially-broadcast digital TV
signals.
Set-Top Designed to Broadcaster Specifications
Also on display at NAB will be the high-quality, low-cost terrestrial
converter box platform that is being developed for the Association for
Maximum Television Service (MSTV) and NAB. Thomson was selected last
fall by these two organizations to develop a prototype and reference
design that will set the standard for other manufacturers to enable the
more than 70 million existing analog televisions that rely on
terrestrial broadcasts to receive programming.
The prototype set-top box, designed to MSTV and NAB specifications,
incorporates a two-chip demodulator/decoder solution by Thomson. The
converter is in full compliance with specifications requested by the
broadcaster organizations and features an electronic program guide,
composite video output, left and right audio output, channel 3-4
modulator with RF pass through, and Smart Antenna Control to
electronically adjust a specialized antenna for optimum reception.
In addition to the digital-to-analog set-top box and Thomson 4300A IC
solution, Thomson is also developing other products for consumers. The
innovative MPC4000 JENSEN-brand receiver will turn a laptop computer
into a digital TV, allowing for reception and recording of terrestrial
broadcasts. Developed as an accessory that can easily connect via USB,
the MPC4000 is expected to ship to retail stores later this year.
Thomson is also planning other set-top boxes to address specific
applications, such as a high-end model designed to supply digital TV
signals to desktop computers or high-definition television monitors.
About Thomson
Partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries, Thomson (Euronext
Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) provides technology, systems and services to
help its media and entertainment clients - content creators, content
distributors and users of its technology - realise their business goals
and optimise their performance in a rapidly changing technology
environment. The group intends to become the preferred partner to the
media and entertainment Industries through its Technicolor, Grass
Valley, RCA and Thomson brands. See http://www.thomson.net for more
information.
All material on this site Copyright 2006 CMP Media LLC. All rights
reserved
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