Royal Philips Electronics recently announced its Nexperia One Chip Set-Top Box (STB) Engine for satellite STBs. The chip PNX8327 offers STB manufacturers an easy-to-use solution that reduces the total cost of ownership for entry-level satellite STBs. The single chip combines MPEG2 video decoding, satellite channel decoding, a silicon tuner and passive components for satellite STBs that deliver digital satellite services to the Connected Consumer. “We will continue to see a market opportunity for digital satellite STBs, especially in India and China,” said Michelle Abraham, senior analyst with In-Stat. “Solutions such as Philips’ Nexperia One Chip STB will help manufacturers to compete in the market, particularly in the more cost-sensitive regions, by simplifying development and lowering the cost of ownership.” According to the press release, Nexperia One Chip STB Engine, the PNX8327, will enable satellite STB manufacturers compete effectively by shortening the time-to-market and lowering development and manufacturing costs. The PNX8327 is also available in an STB system solution which comes with third-party software, including UI customization tools to give manufacturers the flexibility to differentiate their STBs from the competition. “In line with our strategy to provide advanced technology for the global TV and STB market, Philips has developed the Nexperia One Chip STB system solution to provide our customers an easy-to-use solution for building satellite STBs with a low cost of ownership,” said Menno Kleingeld, marketing director for Philips Semiconductors’ STB Group. “Ultimately, this will drive availability of affordable satellite STBs and enable the transition to digital TV by allowing manufacturers faster time-to-market and by making it easy for TV system makers to enter the market with no previous expertise in STBs.” Based on Philips’ system-in-package (sbSiP) technology, the PNX8327 integrates all of Philips’ field-proven STB technologies, including the TDA10086 channel decoder, the PNX8316 MPEG2 source decoder, the TDA8262 silicon tuner and more than a hundred passive components. The integration of RF components further simplifies the product development and likely to open up the market for manufacturers without in-house RF expertise. The products developed with the coin sized new chip will also be smaller resulting in reduced shipping and handling costs. It could also be integrated with other devices such as DVD recorders, TVs and even PCs. About Royal Philips Electronics Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands activities include healthcare, lifestyle and technology products and services. It has over 160,900 employees in more than 60 countries, and engaged in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. More information could be found from the Company website at www.semiconductors.philips.com.