LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - CES 2009 - As consumer demand for high-definition interactive television opens new revenue opportunities for cable companies, a new cable set-top-box (STB) IC introduced by STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the world leader in STB chips, cuts the cost of STBs capable of accessing emerging high-value services.

The STi7141 is the first device on the market to combine support for high-definition TV, up to 120Mbit/s broadband, and sophisticated DVR (Digital Video Recorder) functions in a single component, allowing providers to reduce deployment costs while also driving subscriber take-up of innovative and exciting new services such as next-generation interactivity.

"To take full advantage of cable triple-play services and enhanced interactive television, subscribers need comprehensive set-top box features at an ultra-competitive price," said Philippe Lambinet, Executive VP and General Manager of the Home Entertainment and Displays Group, STMicroelectronics. "Recognizing this imperative, the STi7141 is the first STB IC to support the latest HDTV standards, leading-edge broadband Internet speeds, and DVR functions in a single chip. This chip will allow service providers to deliver high-value experiences at the same time as reducing barriers to access for consumers."

The STi7141, which is manufactured in state-of-the-art 55nm process technology, supports the latest high-definition broadcast standards with three embedded cable receivers and multi-standard MPEG4/H.264/VC1 decoding. By also including a cable modem meeting the DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 2.0 standard, which enables an always-on Internet connection alongside cable TV, the IC supports IP-based interactive TV, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in addition to broadband ISP services. The STi7141 also supports DOCSIS 3.0 downstream channel bonding, which enables download speeds up to 120Mbit/s.

Unlike any other STB ICs currently available, the STi7141 supports HD and interactive capabilities, and also adds comprehensive DVR functions including trick-play modes such as fast-forward, rewind, pause, skip, and slow motion. The latest consumer media interconnects are also supported, including USB, HDMI, eSATA, and Ethernet ports for Internet connectivity.

The STi7141 is sampling now to lead customers. The device is packaged in a 35 x 35 PBGA, with pricing available on application.

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 2007, the Company's net revenues were $10 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

Web site: http://www.st.com/