Sigma Designs Shows Off New Set-top

PC Expo, New York, NY
by Larry Lemm

Taking the idea of the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) one step further, Sigma Designs announced the availability of the STB-2000 set-top box to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). The new set-top combines the REALmagic MPEG-2 encoder/decoder into a single appliance that can send and receive e-mail, play CDs and DVDs and perform Internet browsing in addition to recording TV shows. IGS Technologies of Santa Clara will provide the CyberPro5050 streaming media processor, which promises flicker-free TV output. This TV-friendly chip should ensure the convergence of this fully featured Windows-compatible set-top with the television.

The new set-top can be configured with a variety of connections, such as Ethernet, ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line), cable modem, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) or DSS. The set-top box 2000 design will be sold to OEMs, system integrators, telcos, and ISPs, and can be customized to provide various chassis and form factors for the consumer living room environment.