3D-Ready Set-Top Box IC Enables Content Convergence

Set to deliver next-gen 3D graphics, the STi7108 video decoder will enable hybrid Internet/broadcast-TV set-top boxes (STBs) and support 3D graphics user controls, 3D TV, content protection, and connections to external devices. The device integrates dual ST40-300 CPU host processors linked to a 256K L2 cache delivering up to 2000 DMIPS performance and a total of 4000 DMIPs. It employs an ARMR Mali-400T graphics processor, allegedly the only embedded graphics processor compliant with Khronos OpenGL ES 2.0 specifications at HD resolutions. Other features include the ability to decode standard formats including H.264, MPEG2, VC-1, WMV9, and MPEG4 part 2 up to high-definition resolutions 1080p 50/60 simultaneously with 1080i/720p picture-in-picture or mosaic formats, memory-interface options offering dual 32-/16-bit LMI DDR2/DDR3 at 1,066 MHz, inputs for up to six transport streams, and full-motion HD 3DTV over HDMI 1.3 with HDCP copy protection. STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550.