Broadcom Corporation has released a new single-chip, multi-format high definition (HD) satellite set-top box solution that enables manufacturers to develop low cost satellite set-top boxes (STBs) with personal video recorder (PVR) functionality. The new BCM7335 satellite system-on-a-chip (SoC) is manufactured in 65 nanometer (nm) process technology that features the highest level of functionality, fully integrating a dual tuner/demodulator, and the latest generation of advanced video coding (AVC) decoder that supports multiple video formats. By reducing the number of components required to develop satellite STB products, Broadcom has reduced power consumption by more than 50% over competing solutions, lowering system bill of materials (BOM) cost while reducing the complexity and size of designing next generation satellite STBs with watch-and-record capabilities, said the maker.

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It supports worldwide standards for direct broadcast satellite (DBS) 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 HD television viewing features, improved picture quality and PVR functionality, said Broadcom.

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 systems operates on a dual-threaded MIPS CPU core running at 450 MHz resulting in over 950 DMIPS in performance. Additionally, the BCM7335 is designed to support UMA and non-UMA memory architectures, using a 400-MHz clock, 32 + 16-bit wide double data rate (DDR2) memory interface for enhanced performance, and it allows cost-effective memory implementations.

The new SoC also supports several interfaces for TV output on-chip, including the HDMI, baseband composite, component or S-video, as well as incorporates advanced 2D graphics engine that enables true studio-quality text and graphics, efficiently using its memory and bandwidth.

The BCM7335 is sampling to select customers. According to Broadcom, pricing is available upon request for manufacturers of satellite TV STBs.
www.broadcom.com