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STMicroelectronics Publishes Extensions to DiSEqC Protocol to Enable Greater Flexibility for Satellite Broadcasters | | |
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Geneva, September 9, 2004 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has published a set of extensions to the DiSEqC (Digital Satellite Equipment Control) specification as defined in the CENELEC EN-61319-1 European standard - a widely used protocol that allows a satellite set-top box (STB) to control peripheral devices connected to the coaxial cable - which will enable the box to manage a Low-Noise Block (LNB) based on ST's SaTCR-1 satellite channel router chip. An LNB is part of the electronics in every rooftop dish aerial. The SaTCR-1 chip is at the centre of an advanced LNB downconverter subsystem which simplifies installations that need to handle more than one signal by combining up to eight input signals onto a single cable. These signals are then decoded by a corresponding number of tuners, potentially distributed across many set-top boxes within the home or throughout an apartment block. This capability allows a consumer to record one channel while watching another, for example, without needing two separate coaxial cables from the rooftop dish. Such an upgrade previously required an expensive site visit by an engineer. ST is the world's largest supplier of Set-top Box (STB) silicon devices.* It has worked closely with Eutelsat, at the origin of the DiSEqC specification, and with SES ASTRA, operator of one of the major European satellite platforms, in developing the extensions. DiSEqC is an open standard - with additions controlled by industry agreement - that defines a standardized communication bus between satellite receivers and satellite peripheral equipment, using only the existing coaxial cable. By implementing the new protocol, all STB manufacturers can take advantage of the benefits of SaTCR-1-enabled LNBs, independently of the hardware within their box. STBs already in the field can be updated via an over-the-air software download. For software development, ST has made available an implementation of the new commands as part of the STAPI driver suite used by STB manufacturers working with ST's leading range of decoders and demodulators. "We believe that the market for dual TV and DVR set-top boxes will show significant growth over the coming years," said Armando Caltabiano, General Manager of the Retail Products Division, within ST's Home Entertainment Group. "By publishing our extensions to the DiSEqC protocol, we are ensuring that any set-top box serving these markets can support LNBs fitted with the SaTCR-1 device." ST will invite STB makers to carry out compliance tests with a reference LNB design in its regional laboratories. LNB providers are already delivering equipment based on the SaTCR-1 chip, and their LNBs are backwards compatible with set-top boxes which have not yet been upgraded to use the new DiSEqC protocol. "After having supported STMicroelectronics on finalizing the respective command protocol, we are excited to see this new LNB technology now arriving on the market," said Thomas Wrede, VP Product Management of SES ASTRA. "Consumers will, in future, only need a single coaxial cable to connect a multi-tuner hard disk receiver, or to feed several digital satellite receivers in their home. This will make their decision to get satellite reception even easier. We will include this new LNB technology in our ASTRA Reception Equipment Recommendations. The necessary new DiSEqC protocol extensions should be incorporated into the CENELEC EN 61319-1 standard." "We have been most eager to drive the characterization and specification of the new DiSEqC protocol from its end-product and deployment scenario perspectives and become early adopters of ST's technology," commented Tomer Bentzion, Chief Executive Officer of FTA Communication Technologies, a leader in the digital broadcast reception equipment market. "SaTCR-1 based products will facilitate multiple receiver and Digital Video Recorder deployment across Europe and will remove upgrade barriers thereof". About the Technology The SaTCR-1 Satellite Channel Router works by shifting the frequency of any input signal to a fixed intermediate frequency. The output signal is band-pass filtered to generate a narrow sub-band output. By combining several SaTCR-1 devices, a corresponding number of sub-bands may be generated and multiplexed together. This composite band can be made up of different independent channels issued from different LNB inputs and polarizations, and can be carried on a single coaxial cable. Control of the SaTCR-1 is achieved through a cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller, the ST7LNB1. This pre-programmed microcontroller decodes DiSEqC commands issued by the STBs and controls each SaTCR-1 through a two-wire interface, without any additional external resources. It also supports seven pre-defined LNB applications. This simple control mechanism ensures that the host STBs require no new hardware to take advantage of the capabilities of a SaTCR-1-enabled LNB. Furthermore, by including in the LNB a microcontroller with upgradeable software, ST is enabling innovative applications such as LNB positioning, intelligent diagnostic functions, and simple inter-box communication. About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. * InStat/MDR - MPEG Video IC Market: Larger than Ever - June 2003 (Report number IN030573MI) iSuppli 2001 Consumer Electronics Semiconductors: Market Share and Supplier Analysis |
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