Broadcom Integrates S&T Technology Into Set-Top Box

Lleading specialists in interactive TV playout systems and MHEG-5 middleware, Strategy & Technology (S&T), has announced that it has licensed its Redkey 2 MHEG solution to Broadcom Corporation for the delivery of an interactive and advanced home entertainment experience within emerging HD digital terrestrial TV (DTT) markets worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
HD DTT services are now expanding rapidly with three channels of Freeview HD due to start in the UK by the end of this year and Freeview Australia launched earlier this year with MHEG-5 interactive services slated for next April. In addition, HD services from Freeview HD in New Zealand and TVB in Hong Kong launched last year using MHEG-5 to provide interactive services.
Broadcom, a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, has integrated S&T's RedKey 2 MHEG-5 technology as part of a complete DVB software support package offered in both Common Interface Plus (CI+) browser standard and HD versions across its entire product portfolio of set-top box and digital TV solutions.
By fully implementing the D-Book 6.1 specification published this year by the Digital Television Group, S&T's RedKey 2 MHEG software provides a standardised solution for the delivery of content via both an IP connection and broadcast reception to next-generation DTT set-top box and digital TV solutions.
This includes the new Interaction Channel, which allows DTT broadcasters to offer a host of value-added services such as Catch-Up TV and User Generated Content services, all launched from a broadcaster-managed portal.
The license covers S&T's solution for other MHEG markets, including the CI+ browser standard which enables a variety of services to be added to set-top boxes including pay TV and Video on Demand.
Paul Daly, General Manager of MHEG Systems at S&T, said: "Broadcom is leading the drive to innovate the next-generation home TV experience that delivers interactive and advanced HD services to many of the emerging HDTV markets across the world. This agreement will enable S&T to take advantage of the HDTV growth worldwide, whilst offering a highly-integrated and advanced solution to enhance the TV viewing experience in the home."
Rich Nelson, Vice President of Marketing for Broadcom's Broadband Communications Group, said: "Broadcom continues to set the standard in integration and connectivity in the home enabling advanced services like interactivity, 3D user interfaces and multi-room DVR to greatly enhance the consumer entertainment experience. By integrating S&T's interactive technology including the CI+ browser, Broadcom is enabling the transition to a more interactive home network environment in DTT markets including the UK."
(KMcA/BMcc)