BRCM: Broadcom Debuts First Digital Cable Set-Top Box System-on-a-Chip (SOC) With HD AVC/VC-1 Decoding,Channel Bonding and Downloadable Security

Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced the industry's first advanced digital cable set-top box chip that includes support for DOCSIS®/EuroDOCSIS 2.0 cable modem specifications, as well as downstream channel bonding compatible with the upcoming DOCSIS 3.0 specification. The new Broadcom® single-chip silicon solution supports the latest video compression technologies, including advanced video coding (AVC), which is the ITU and ISO joint standard, MPEG-4, part 10) and VC-1 (the SMPTE standard), and combines the features of channel bonding with powerful security enabling multiple system operators (MSOs) to provide new Internet-based IP and more secure video services to consumers.
Broadcom's new cable set-top box chip enables MSOs to utilize DOCSIS 2.0 for high-speed, two-way set-top communications, including Internet protocol (IP) video services. To support high-speed cable set-top box communications, the new Broadcom chip includes downstream channel bonding, which combines several DOCSIS channels together to significantly increase data rates when compared to today's cable modem solutions.

Announced today is Broadcom's BCM7118 advanced set-top box chip that incorporates downstream channel bonding, enabling cable set-top boxes to support present and future MSO requirements, as defined by the industry developed Next Generation Network Architecture (NGNA) guidelines. By moving to a DOCSIS-based platform for voice, video and data, MSOs operating costs can be decreased while enabling their networks to support richer interactive services, switched or broadcasted IP video delivery, as well as other IP voice and data services. At the same time, the Broadcom BCM7118 will enable the development of cost-effective, low cost cable set-top boxes that provide superior performance and consumer-friendly features, while featuring embedded security with unprecedented levels of content protection.

The BCM7118 also features an integrated Broadcom secure processor (BSP), which provides very sophisticated security features to protect high-value content and to prevent set-top box tampering. Using distinctive multi-layered security, the BCM7118 integrates hardware and software that performs content security functions in a highly protected environment on-chip, effectively providing a tamper proof barrier for video and audio content. Moreover, each chip is programmed by Broadcom with a permanent unique identification and configuration that forms the foundation for specific conditional access systems, decryption key processing, key management and system protection that includes the forthcoming downloadable security system.

"We have integrated a tremendous amount of state-of-the art technology into the new BCM7118 cable set-top box chip based on cable operator and customer feedback regarding what they need to compete in their end markets," said Daniel Marotta, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's Broadband Communications Group. "Our new cable TV set-top box chip sets a new benchmark for the industry with respect to speed, performance, integration, and security, plus it supports IP video services."

Based on NGNA developments to date, the BCM7118 provides support for all of today's cable network operating requirements, and also integrates features required to support the transition to CableLabs-based open industry standards (i.e. OpenCable™ Applications Platform (OCAP), DOCSIS 2.0 with DOCSIS Set-Top Gateway (DSG) and Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS)).

Product Information

The new BCM7118 single-chip digital cable set-top box chip, with DOCSIS 2.0 and channel bonding features, includes:

• The latest generations of video compression technologies, such as advanced video coding (AVC-MPEG-4), VC-1 and MPEG-2.
  
• Decoding formats for both high-definition (HD) and standard definition(SD) television programming.
  
• Advanced Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, MP3 and MPEG AAC audio decoders that provide better audio quality, at lower bit rates.
  
• Certifiable DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 2.0 and DSG advanced mode software.
  
• Flexible host digital set-top box software supporting the OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) and popular middleware solutions.
  
• Downstream channel bonding compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.
  
• A high-performance 2D graphics engine that provides up to 32-bit color to support OCAP applications.
  
• The ability to operate with current cable broadcast, video on demand(VOD) and switched video channels (and in channel bonding modes).
  
• Over 1000 DMIPS of processing power supporting OCAP, OCAP applications, channel bonding, DOCSIS 2.0 and DOCSIS DSG advanced mode.
  
• Sophisticated security hardware that provides enhanced security for present conditional access (CA) systems and supports requirements for emerging Polycipher Downloadable Conditional Access Security (DCAS).
  Downloadable security eliminates the need for a CableCARD® and supports multiple conditional access systems, retail products, and multiple cable operators.
  
• Integrated PVR capability that enables the simultaneous recording of multiple channels, allowing the user to store and playback the content throughout the home.
  
• Support for secure multi-room content distribution over home networking interfaces.

The BCM7118 is designed to be used in a wide range of set-top box applications. These products can range from a very low-cost, entry-level digital set-top box that supports OCAP, DSG, and DCAS, to higher-end HD/SD DVR products and multi-room HD/SD DVR client products. As a result, Broadcom is developing two reference designs, including the BCM97118RNG, a very low cost, entry-level digital set-top box reference platform to address applications for basic all-digital video customers, and the BCM97118, a full-featured reference platform that includes a SATA hard disk drive and interfaces to support multi-room DVR communications.

Product Availability

The BCM7118 is sampling to early access customers. The chip is packaged in an 841 PBGA. Pricing is available upon request.