Broadcom IPTV Set-Top Box Silicon Used in World's First Demonstration of MPEG-4 High Definition Live TV Broadcasting Over an ADSL2+ Network

Broadcom Corporation reinforced its leadership position in the set-top box semiconductor market by participating in the world's first demonstration of MPEG-4 compressed, high definition (HD) live TV broadcasting over an operational ADSL2+ network. Alcatel, Broadcom, France Telecom and TANDBERG collaborated on the HDTV over ADSL2+ technology demonstration, which took place at the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros Stadium in France, June 2, 2005. This same demonstration was also presented at Salon Europeen de la Recherche et de l'Innovation/European Research and Innovation Exhibition June 3, 2005.

To enable this demonstration, Broadcom supplied France Telecom with its latest generation Internet Protocol (IP) TV set-top box reference design platform, which performed the HD MPEG-4/advanced video compression (AVC) decoding and audio/video delivery. This reference design builds on Broadcom's field-proven set-top technologies, enabling IPTV set-top box manufacturers to quickly ramp into production and support video over DSL deployments.

MPEG-4 Part 10 advanced video compression is the latest generation of compression technology that reduces the required bandwidth for the transmission of video content, thereby enabling telecommunications operators to offer HD broadcast and on-demand services over their existing DSL networks. According to market analyst Michelle Abraham of InStat, "The availability of advanced video compression technology will enable the cost-effective deployment of IP set-top boxes, the market for which InStat is forecasting to grow by 550% over the next five years."

"Broadcom is very pleased to participate in this HD video over ADSL2+demonstration, which represents a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry," said Daniel Marotta, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom's Broadband Communications Group. "Broadcom's extensive experience in designing silicon solutions for broadcast video and communications applications will enable telecommunications operators to offer competitive IP set-top boxes and advanced pay TV services."

The demonstration, which was orchestrated by France Telecom, incorporated the Broadcom BCM97398 IP set-top box reference design. The BCM97398 features the BCM7411 MPEG-4 HD AVC video decoder/audio processor chip and BCM7038 dual channel HD and personal video recorder chip. Together, these chips enable set-top box vendors to build set-top boxes to support advanced IP-based video and audio services such as high-quality graphical user interfaces, advanced programming guides, built-in Internet browser capabilities, video-on-demand services and digital video recorder features. The BCM97398's scalable architecture also supports hybrid IP/digital terrestrial set-top boxes and a variety of wired and wireless home networking technologies.

"The success of this demonstration reinforces our view that Broadcom is a very credible and capable HD AVC technology partner for France Telecom," said Pascal Viginier, Executive Vice President of R&D for France Telecom.

IP set-top box silicon designs require engineering experience in broadcast video and broadband communications technologies which Broadcom has acquired through years of experience in silicon solutions for satellite, cable and DSL equipment. Broadcom's communications chips represent the most feature-rich solutions in the market today, incorporating advanced video compression and decompression, audio processing, integrated tuners, high-quality graphics, video display formatting, personal video recording, broadband access and home networking capabilities.

From eCoustics.com