STMicroelectronics ( www.st.com ), the global leader in set-top box (STB) chips, and Sagemcom, Europe's leading STB manufacturer, announced that ST's advanced STi7108 system-on-chip (SoC) has been selected for Sagemcom's latest high-end STB, providing increased flexibility for TV service providers and a richer viewing experience for end users.

The STi7108 SoC targets hybrid broadcast/IPTV set-top boxes and integrates a high-performance host processor, dedicated 3D graphics, a hard-disk interface for PVR functionality, and Ethernet and USB connectivity that allows users to connect the set-top box to personal media storage devices, digital cameras, and more. The STi7108 chip's ARM-based 3D graphics engine supports the latest generation of user interfaces, 3D electronic program guides (EPGs), advanced web content, and high-performance gaming.

Sagem Communications has launched a new high-end set-top box platform based on ST's STi7108. Leveraging the STi7108 SoC's high processing, graphics, and 3D capabilities, Sagem has achieved a complete 3D TV experience, combining high-quality 3D video content with a powerful 3D EPG user interface. The new high-end product's software includes built-in support for the HDMI standard for managing 3D TV content, enabling automatic switching between 2D and 3D video on the TV display.

“Leading TV operators around the world trust Sagem’s set-top box technology to deliver innovative features and services to their viewers,” said Olivier Taravel, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Sagem Communications’ Digital Set-top Box business unit. The unprecedented processor performance, 3D graphics, and flexible connectivity offered by the STi7108 provide a seamless viewing and browsing experience with added features.