MUMBAI: Broadcom Corporation, a global innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, has launched its next-generation 40nm high definition (HD) satellite set-top box (STB) system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution.

The company’s new technology enables low cost HDTV and interactive services to emerging markets such as BRICA (Brazil, Russia, India, China, Africa).

The new BCM7358 HD satellite STB SoC claims to reduce design complexity, size and overall system cost to accelerate deployment of HD satellite STBs throughout the BRICA markets.
 
 
Emerging BRICA markets are all transitioning to HD broadcasting driven by operators that include Dish TV India (offers 35 HD channels), Sky Brazil (offers 25 HD channels) and Russia‘s NTV Plus (offers 8 HD channels).

The percentage of satellite STBs shipping that support HD in India, Brazil and Russia will grow from 13 per cent in 2010 to 57 per cent in 2016, according to ABI Research.

Broadcom‘s new BCM7358 single-channel 1080p HD advanced video coding (AVC) satellite receiver chip features a high performance CPU and graphics engine, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) connectivity support and advanced security functionality.

The BCM7358 is now sampling to set-top box manufacturers.

ABI Research senior analyst Sam Rosen says, “Reducing hardware and subscription costs coupled with higher penetration of HDTVs will give mainstream customers in emerging markets more access to HD services.”

Broadcom‘s DBS Set-Top Box line of business VP Marketing Nicholas Dunn adds,: “Broadcom‘s new set-top box technology delivers the ability to upgrade subscribers from SD to HD at minimal cost, transforming the satellite pay TV market in emerging countries.”