LONDON — STMicroelectronics is demonstrating at this week's IBC in Amsterdam a reference platform for set-top boxes that will be able to receive interactive digital television services via broadcast or broadband connections.
The platform supports the Pan-European HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband television) initiative, which aims to harmonize broadband and broadcast delivery through connected TVs and set-top boxes.
HbbTV is designed to operate without a single controlling authority or aggregator, and is also being considered by various European regulators to support advanced digital services.
The HbbTV group includes among others Astra, Ant, IRT, Philips, OpenTV, Canal+, France Television and TF1, and AFDESI (Association for the Development of Enhanced TV services and Interactivity).
The platform chipset is based on ST's STi7109 H.264/VC1/MPEG4 HD decoder IC, which supports Internet Protocol connections. Features include full DVR capabilities, flexible audio/video decoding, IP Video-on-Demand (VoD) and browser support, and support for all interactive services and connectivity requirements.
ST stresses the open platform can be ported to any suitable middleware. It is being demonstrated at IBC with middleware combining web and TV applications, developed by Hyperpanel Lab.
The company adds the reference platform is one of the first to appear that supports hybrid connectivity.
