SAN JOSE, Calif. — Entropic Communications, Inc. is collaborating with EchoStar Technologies LLC on the development of chips for satellite TV services, continuing its plan to diversify beyond its core business in silicon for Multimedia over Coax (MoCA) home networking.
Entropic announced three new chips it is developing with set-top box maker Echostar whose parent company operates the Dish satellite TV service. The chips are based on Entropic's band translation switch (BTS) technology that can support two tuners over a single cable to lower the cost of installing satellite TV.
EchoStar's next-generation DPP33 switch will support three BTS outputs without the need for a power inserter, lowering both the cost and power consumption for satellite delivery to the home. The companies are also designing a low noise block converter with integrated BTS support and an optical network BTS product designed to deliver satellite services to apartment buildings. Both chips will be available later this year.
"Band Translation Switch technology is instrumental to lowering installation costs and improving both efficiency and customer service," said Mark Jackson, president of EchoStar Technologies in a prepared statement.
Entropic made its name as a startup establishing the MoCA technology for home networking over coax cables that is now being deployed by services such as Verizon's Fios and is being considered by a broad group of cable TV carriers. Recently, the company went public, and it has been expanding its base with small acquisitions in related areas such as RF Magic and a $5.9 million deal in April to acquire Vativ Technologies.
