Sigma Designs' SMP8634LF media processors are being used in I-O DATA’s new, updated set-top box models, the AV-LS500L and AV-LS500UL. The set-top boxes have been designed under the name of “TV Connected PCs” exclusively for “GyaO NEXT,” VOD service launched in June, 2007 by the USEN CORPORATION, a Japanese domestic cable music broadcasting company. Sigma’s advanced media processors enable “TV Connected PCs” to decode both standard and high definition video and audio signals into playable formats so the viewers can enjoy “GyaO NEXT” programs on TVs with bigger screens.

“As PCs and TVs get more connected all over the world, we’re pleased I-O DATA selected Sigma media processors for the company’s new set-top boxes to deliver the leading Video-on-Demand GyaO services to potentially millions of people in Japan,” said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing at Sigma Designs. “Sigma looks forward to continuing to provide its advanced system-on-a-chip solutions to home entertainment connectivity platforms created in partnership with Japan’s leading VOD market players including I-O DATA and USEN CORPORATION, among others.”

Yoshihisa Hirano, GM of development department at I-O DATA said “Sigma's SMP8634LF was exactly what we had been hoping for. The decoding power and other capabilities the chip demonstrates are simply impressive, which is why Sigma has remained our first choice as a hardware vendor. I-O DATA strongly believes that the joint force between two industry-leading companies brings millions of home users superb high-def home entertainment experiences.”

More about I-O DATA’s AV-LS500L AV-LS500UL STB Models

The AV-LS500L AV-LS500UL run on the Microsoft Windows Embedded CE operating system and support 280×188×34mm 170×148×29mm size images. Embedded Sigma media processors support video formats including MPEG-2TS, WMV9, VC-1, and H.264 and audio formats including MP2, MP3, WMA9, WMA9 Pro. In addition, photo formats including JPEG, GIF and BMP are fully supported. Digital Right Management support is enabled by Sigma processors, WM-DRM10 PD, HDCP and Marlin DRM technology.