STMicroelectronics , a global semiconductor maker, serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a supplier of System-on-Chip (SoC) ICs for set-top boxes and home gateways, has announced that its STi5197 SD and STiH273 HD cable chipsets have been picked by GTPL, an Indian Cable MSO (multi-system operator) with over 3 million digital subscribers. GTPL Networks has chosen ST’s STiH273 (Palma) for HD zappers and STi5197 for SD zappers to deliver an even better user experience and to enable the service provider to win more subscribers and grow its revenues.
Both STiH273 and STi5197integrate a field-proven and widely deployed Digital Video Broadcast-Cable (DVB-C) demodulator that has been optimized to work with high-performance external tuners to meet the stringent RF-performance requirements of the Indian Cable networks. The STiH273 offers high-quality Faroudja video, 3DTV support, connectivity, and advanced security schemes with all the latest Conditional Access System (CAS) support.
“The digital migration story still has a long time to run. We see a strong market requirement for both standard-definition & high-definition set-top boxes. Our new set-top boxes leverage ST’s feature-packed and flexible System-on-Chip ICs, providing an ideal platform for us to deliver innovative value-added services to our customers,” said Guru Prasad V, Senior Vice President, Technology, GTPL Networks. “The STiH273 and STi5197 SoCs are clearly the right choices for our latest generation of set-top boxes with the right power, versatility, and features to meet our market needs. With ST’s SoCs, we are well placed to drive digital migration and to bring high-quality digital TV solutions to our customers.”
“As a leading cable MSO in India, GTPL is playing a critical role in the digitization that is enabling modernization and radical transformation and ST is proud to contribute to this strategic intent,” said Vivek Sharma, Vice President, Greater China and South Asia region, and Director, India Design Center, STMicroelectronics. “This important design win confirms the competitiveness of our product offering, which enables ST to deliver customized solutions for any specific set-top box market, and emphasizes our commitment to support strategic and fast-growing emerging markets through local resources, such as the ST Greater Noida research and development center.”
The government of India had passed an ordinance, mandating the digitization of the cable services in the country. The amendment, which was made in the section 9 of the Cable TV Networks Ordinance, 1995, was an attempt to improve the quality of cable TV and push the scope for more cable TV channels in the country. Post digitization, viewers can access digital content and services through a set-top box (STB) or in the IPTV mode. ST’s comprehensive and complete solutions, designed for fast time-to-market, enable service providers to bring out the best and most affordable digital set-top box solutions to their subscribers.
