Softier Inc., a leading provider of IP set-top-boxes, announced the availability of Wave-300, an H.264 IP set-top-box which allows telecom operators to expand revenue streams by offering IPTV and other advanced IP services to their customers.

Softier's Wave-300 IP set-top-box combines the flexibility of DSP-based design and the cost effectiveness of single-chip implementation, creating a highly flexible media delivery platform that supports the spectrum of next generation video formats including H.264, MPEG-4, and Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) as well as MPEG-2 for backward compatibility. The Wave-300 is powered by Texas Instruments' DSP-based DM64x generation of digital media processors, and runs on a Linux operating system.

Softier's IP set-top-box is designed to deliver IPTV and other advanced services such as VoD, live TV and gaming to the home. Hotels, cruise ships and hospitals can also gain significant bandwidth efficiencies by using Softier's IPTV STB to deliver entertainment and services over IP networks.

"The growth of IPTV and other advanced IP services depends on the availability of reliable and flexible set-top-boxes that allow telecom operators to incrementally add services as their offerings mature," said Haim Bechor, VP Marketing at Softier. "Wave-300's highly flexible approach to media management, as well as its support for H.264 and Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1), let operators expand revenue opportunities by delivering a wide array of IPTV services."

"Wave-300's innovative combination of a single TI DM64x platform and a Linux OS, results in a highly efficient and cost effective solution with the flexibility to easily add and update services - a capability that gives operators a definite long-term edge when rolling out IPTV services," said Suman Narayan, Streaming Media Worldwide Business Development Manager, Texas Instruments. The Wave 300 lets operators easily expand services after initial deployment by using the set-top-box's remote boot capabilities to add software components and applications. The Wave-300 IP STB can also be remotely upgraded without causing any interruption to ongoing services. Its innovative single DSP chip design translates into cost effectiveness, while its Linux OS ensures stability and optimal performance. Softier's IPTV STB is compatible and interoperable with the leading providers of IPTV middleware, VoD servers and browsers, ensuring straightforward integration and seamless delivery throughout the IP content delivery chain.

Key Benefits

• A single DSP chip design translates into cost effectiveness
• Integrated DSP chip and Linux OS offers stability and optimal performance
• Reduced power consumption and PCB size means a smaller footprint, no fans
• Ability to upgrade and add new software applications remotely without interrupting services translates into reduced Cost of Ownership

Key Features

• H.264 MP@L3 D1 resolution up to 2Mb/s
• MPEG-2 MP@L3 D1 resolution up to 10Mb/s
• Windows Media 9 MP@ML up to 8 Mbps
• AAC (MP4), MP1 layer 1&2, WMA audio and AC3
• IGMP support for multicast services, RTSP for interactive video on demand services
• Softier's JSTB (Java Script for IP STB) and embedded browser for easy integration with leading middleware packages
• USB 2.0 for external storage attachment
• Remote Boot and Upgrade capability
• Embedded Web-based user configuration and SNMP-based device management

The Wave -3000 IP STB will be demonstrated in the Texas Instruments Media Streaming Suite during CES (Las Vegas Hilton, Suite 360). The Wave-300 is available for immediate delivery.