Responding to service provider needs for a robust, multi-play IPTV offering, IP set-top box (STB) and client application software provider Softier is launching its second-generation IP set-top box, the WAVE-400. The WAVE-400 H.264 IP-STB platform with single-chip implementation is based on Texas Instruments' (TI) DaVinci technology and provides the fundamental combination of hardware and software to enable cost-effective multi-play service delivery.

Softier will hold live demonstrations of the WAVE-400 in the company's suite at the Hilton RAI and at the TI suite (Hall 1 Suite B5) during IBC 2006, Sept. 8-12 in Amsterdam.

Softier's WAVE-400 provides a broad H.264 platform for expanding revenue paths with a rich TV experience, enabling service providers to deliver IPTV services such as video on demand (VOD), personal video recording (PVR), digital TV and gaming services. The WAVE-400's application program interface (API) also allows for the addition of place-shifting capabilities (multi-room and remote access to TV), two-way TV video communications and PC media access.

"The development of our WAVE 400 next generation IPTV platform with TI's DaVinci technology is truly providing a pathway to improved IPTV performance and future applications," said Haim Bechor, vice president, marketing, Softier. "Drawing from the flexibility of the DaVinci technology-based architecture, the WAVE-400 is unique in its ability to support new services such as two-way video communications, time-shifting and place-shifting - all within a single box."

The WAVE-400 is based on TI's second-generation digital media digital signal processor (DSP), incorporating the DaVinci technology-based system-on-a-chip devices, to which Softier ported its highly extensible and field-proven IPTV applications API - Java Script for IP STB (JSTB). Multiple GUI development technologies such as DHTML, Flash and Java are fully supported while comprehensive management and configuration tools allow fast integration with leading IPTV service platforms.

"Softier is one of the pioneers in H.264 set-top box design and innovation," said Charlie Gonsalves, TI new business development manager, Digital Video - Steaming Media. "The WAVE-400's complete software environment, based on TI's DaVinci technology, speeds time to market in IPTV applications while reducing development costs."

Softier's WAVE-400 is built upon three fundamental technical competencies to innovate and satisfy the ever-changing needs of customers and partners on their path to a true quad play offering:

• A well defined and feature rich API, independent of hardware and backwards compatible with previous generations, developed with IPTV partners to provide today's functionality while enabling the applications of tomorrow.
• Highly skilled embedded software developers with deep system knowledge of video, graphics, networking and encryption.
• Leverage of industry standard software packages like Linux combined with flexible, low cost programmable silicon architectures to enable the quick addition of desired consumer applications and provide a foundation for third party developers.

The WAVE-400 Linux-based software architecture is easily expandable to support the most advanced IPTV features. High-quality support for H.264/AVC technology brings communications efficiencies critical to service providers, while Microsoft Windows Media and optional MPEG4 (DivX) support, up to high definition resolutions, opens the way to PC and Internet media files.

Softier's WAVE-400 is compatible and interoperable with the leading providers of IPTV encoders and VoD servers, ensuring a short integration process and scalable operation that meets operators' specific needs. Embedded browser technology and JSTB ensure compatibility with leading IPTV middleware solutions as well as ease of customization and enhancement by system integrators.