New security technologies offer support for latest generation set top box chips

The first device to implement the technologies is the STi7108 decoder IC, which allows consumers to experience broadcast, internet or personal content on televisions. The device also provides features to support 3d graphics user controls, 3d tv, content protection and rich connections to external devices. It has dual cpu host processors linked to a 256K L2 cache providing up to 3000 DMIPS performance A 3D graphics engine enables a new class of user interfaces, supports innovations such as 3D Electronic Program Guide (EPG), and enables advanced Internet content and high-performance gaming on the STB. It is the first set-top box IC in the market to combine 3D graphics, Ethernet, USB and e-SATA interfaces to connect Internet devices, DVR storage or external Flash or hard-disk (HDD) drives. The NDS Security Kernel is the latest generation of embedded security solutions from NDS designed to protect media content and operator services as well as enabling new digital media marketplaces with solutions such as Control Word Protection and the ability to enable DRM technologies. The STi7108 will also provide support for DVB-CSA3, the latest generation of broadcast descrambler specifications licensed by ETSI. This new specification is designed to replace DVB-CSA2 and provide protection against the next generation of attacks against descramblers that are likely to become viable in a few years time. "ST is one of the first to offer set top box chips implementing the next generation NDS Security Kernel , enabling the delivery of high value media content and services and complementing the features of best in class user experience for consumer equipment based on the STi7108," said Eric Jumelet, group vice president for Business Management, Home Video Division, STMicroelectronics. "STi7108 has already been introduced and is the first in ST's third generation of high definition chips that provide the end user with a really exciting 3d hdtv user experience, thanks to its unprecedented cpu performance allowing smooth web experience, while delivering market leading energy efficiency due to its low power configurable architecture, and low power manufacturing process." Volume production is scheduled to start early in 2011.