Next-generation standard definition (SD) decoder targeting the rapidly growing broadcast and internet TV market
– STMicroelectronics ( www.st.com , Country Manager for Korea Sung-keun Kang), the world's leading supplier of set-top box ICs, has launched a new decoder chip for low-cost, standard-definition set-top boxes targeting the rapidly growing markets of China, Eastern Europe, and India. According to market research firm In-Stat, the number of paid TV subscribers in these markets is projected to reach 90 million in 2012.

ST's new STi5206 replaces the STi5205 and features additional functions that further simplify set-top box design and production. Because the STi5206's architecture is flexible, it provides an affordable platform for a variety of products, such as low-cost remotes, interactive set-top boxes, and DVR-enabled set-top boxes. This architecture also supports dual tuner designs.

The features of the STi5206 have been optimized for service providers in emerging markets. "The new STi5206 is a decoder for SD cable, Internet (IPTV), satellite, or terrestrial signals and is an affordable solution for broadcasters and broadband ISPs. Targeting the rapidly growing broadcast and broadband TV markets, the STi5206 meets the functionality and price requirements of service providers seeking to capitalize on this growth," said Won-seok Kim, General Manager of the Consumer Electronics Business Unit at ST Korea.

STi5206 is a comprehensive decoder system-on-chip that uses a dedicated on-chip video processor and ST’s DELTA video decoding system to process standard-quality MPEG2, H.264, AVS, and VC-1/WMV9 streams at high speed. In addition, it decodes web-based content such as Flash, MPEG-4 (Part 2), and MJPEG. DVB, DES, and AES as advanced security features