STMicroelectronics has launched a new low-cost STB decoder chip—the STi5202—intended for standard-definition (SD) terrestrial, cable, satellite and IP (Internet Protocol) TV applications, and for both retail and operator-supplied boxes.
The STi5202 integrates an advanced video decoder supporting the H.264/AVC coding standard and MPEG-2, together with a flexible multi-channel audio decoder that handles all broadcast audio standards. For content protection, it includes ST’s fourth-generation security technology, as used in the STi7109, which allows the chip to support Windows Media DRM 10 and the Secure Video Processor (SVP) standards, both protecting content and allowing digital rights to be passed between consumer devices.
Additionally, building on the exceptional performance of the mixed software/hardware decoding engine available on ST’s STi710x families, the STi5202 also supports Flash video, DivX and videoconferencing standards, as well as the recently established Chinese AVS1-P2 Jizhun Profile 4.0 level (SD) video decoding standard.
Connectivity is provided by on-chip Ethernet and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interfaces. In addition, optional HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) can provide SD video for HD displays. A programmable transport stream interface (PTI) manages inputs from satellite, cable and terrestrial tuners.
Embedded in the STi5202 is a powerful 266MHz ST40 CPU core, which is supported by industry-standard operating systems such as Linux and Microsoft Windows CE.
The STi5202 is in volume production now, and is available in a 27x27mm BGA package. It shares the same architecture as ST’s STi7109 single-chip H.264 high-definition (HD) decoder.
