Geneva, September 14, 2004 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the world’s leading supplier of integrated circuits for digital set top boxes1, announced today that its latest high definition MPEG-2 decoder has been chosen by Oplus Technologies Ltd. (www.oplus.com) to be included in its LeonardoT reference design for high definition integrated digital television sets. The new ATSC-compliant reference design will be used by Flat Panel TV manufacturers to add digital capability to their existing products to meet the U.S. Federal Communications Commission mandate stating that, by July 2007, all but the smallest TV sets sold in the U.S. must include a digital tuner to receive over-the-air digital broadcasts.
“We are delighted that Oplus has selected the STi7710 for their latest reference design,” said Armando Caltabiano, General Manager of the Retail Products Division of ST’s Home Entertainment Group. “The combination of our expertise in digital video applications and Oplus’ high-performance, high-quality video display processors will provide a compelling solution to customers.”
The LeonardoT reference design includes Oplus’ Matisse and Rembrandt ICs which employ innovative de-interlacing, scaling and image enhancements algorithms to ensure superior image quality irrespective of the input and output formats. Complementing these chips, the STi7710 combines a high definition MPEG-2 decoder, a powerful CPU and a comprehensive range of interfaces all in a single package. The input digital signal may come from a terrestrial, cable or satellite network.
“Selecting the STi7710 was a natural decision for us as it provides all the digital components for a Digital TV on a single device and allows Oplus to take advantage of ST’s market-leading position,” said Yair Alpern, CEO of Oplus Technologies. “We are confident that our LeonardoT reference design will enable Flat Panel TV manufacturers develop new high quality Integrated Digital TV products, while meeting regulatory requirements and minimising their time to market.”
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company’s net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
NOTE: This press release can also be seen at: http://www.st.com/stonline/press/news/year2004/t1504p.htm
1. In-Stat/MDR MPEG Video ICs: The Promise of MPEG-4, June 2004