STMicroelectronics announced its latest decoder chip for low-cost, standard-definition equipment targeting fast-growing markets such as China and Eastern Europe, as well as India, where In-Stat expects pay-TV subscriber numbers to reach 90 million by 2012.

ST's new STi5206 replaces the STi5205, implementing extra functions on the chip to further simplify STB design and production. The STi5206's flexible architecture provides a cost-effective platform for multiple products including low-cost zappers, interactive STBs and DVR-enabled STBs. The architecture also supports dual-tuner designs.

The device's feature set is optimized for service providers in emerging economies. "As a decoder for standard-definition cable, Internet (IPTV), satellite or terrestrial signals, the STi5206 delivers a cost-effective solution for broadcast operators as well as broadband ISPs," said Philippe Lambinet, Executive Vice President, Home Entertainment and Displays Group. "Both the broadcast and broadband TV markets targeted by this new device are experiencing rapid growth and this device meets the function and cost needs of service providers aiming to take advantage of that growth."

The complete decoder system-on-chip handles standard-definition MPEG2, H.264, AVS and VC-1/WMV9 streams at high speed using a dedicated on-chip video processor and ST's DELTA video decoding system. It also decodes web-based content such as Flash, MPEG-4 (Part 2), and MJPEG. Advanced security features include DVB, DES, AES, Multi-2 and ICAM descramblers, built-in smartcard interfaces, and SVP, MS-DRM and DTCP-IP content protection. These provide robust prevention of signal theft and protect revenues for conditional-access service providers.

Main features of the STi5206:

• Linux/OS21-compatible CPU
• USB 2.0, Ethernet, PCI and SD-MMC/SDIO interfaces
• Multi-channel audio decoding: MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MP3, DD/DD+, AAC/AAC+, WMA9/WMA9Pro
• Multi-Transport-Stream processing
• Switch scanner for 4x4-key front panel

The STi5206 is sampling now in a 23 x 23mm PBGA package, priced at $10 in quantities of 1000. Volume production is expected in Q4 2010. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities.