China-based Konka Group Ltd. has developed a new Internet Protocol (IP) set-top-box (STB) solution based on DaVinci technology from Texas Instruments Incorporated. The Konka IPB5310, ideal for home video and audio entertainment, delivers a low cost solution that is easy to implement, boosting the adoption of IPTV services in China and worldwide. (See http://www.ti.com/konka)

Industry analysts have predicted rapid growth in the China STB market. An April 2006 iSuppli Corp. market report forecasts domestic shipments to approach six million units by 2010 with exports nearing five million units. The new IPB5310, based on TI's TMS320DM6446 digital signal processor (DSP), will further drive this market by offering an enhanced entertainment experience through improved accessibility and higher quality streaming media content.

"The programmable processors at the foundation of TI's DaVinci technology enabled us to develop an IP-STB product that is cost effective and easy to upgrade -- both of which are vital in this growing market," said Bruce Chou, IPTV business manager, Konka. "We look forward to continuing our work with TI and leveraging the DaVinci technology-based processors to create industry leading STB solutions."

The IPB5310 can be applied for IP television services; video on demand (VoD); time-shifted TV; web browsing service; SMS informing service/MMS informing service; information broadcast service, and local and online gaming service. It can also be used as an MP3 player or electronic album, supporting MP3 audio playback and photo display through a USB interface. The IP set top box supports multiple codecs, including MPEG2, MPEG4, WMV9/VC-1, and H.264.

"Konka's IPB5310 is a perfect example of how DaVinci technology is enabling the rapid development of cost-effective products for booming markets, such as IPTV," said Suman Narayan, marketing manager, Digital Video -- Streaming Media, TI. "With the adoption of IPTV services picking up in China, Europe and the United States, we anticipate greater demand for the benefits of DaVinci technology in solutions that span from media servers and set-top boxes to portable DVRs."

DaVinci technology is a DSP-based system solution tailored for digital video applications, including optimized software, development tools, integrated silicon and support to simplify design and stimulate innovation in less time. DaVinci processors are based on the high-performance TMS320C64x+ generation of DSPs and includes host processors and video and audio peripherals that match consumer entertainment equipment specifications. It is optimized for streaming video, image and audio performance. With vast scalability options, DaVinci technology helps streaming media manufacturers keep up with their ever-evolving industry.