CES 2010: Broadcom Spins Thin Silicon For Multiroom DVR

Chip Maker Also To Demo Support for RVU Alliance

Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 1/5/2010 3:25:28 PM

Broadcom is touting a "thin client" HD set-top system-on-a-chip solutions with integrated support for Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) specification for multiroom DVR and other home-networking applications.
The company's BCM7408 HD set-top box system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution can be paired with a media server or IP gateway solution, to yield a low-cost design for whole-home connected entertainment services such as multiroom HD DVR, according to Broadcom.
The BCM7408 provides integrated MoCA 1.1 to distribute HD video over existing coaxial cable in a home, as well as Internet content, video, music, photos and voice-over-IP. The chip also includes software support for CableLabs' tru2way (also called the OpenCable Application Platform), Adobe Flash Platform for the Digital Home, and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) media-sharing specification.
Broadcom also announced support for the RVU Alliance's remote user interface technology on its latest set-top box and digital TV system-on-a-chip solutions. The RVU Alliance was founded by Broadcom, Cisco Systems, DirecTV, Samsung and Verizon to develop a specification for a "pixel accurate" technology that provides an identical user interface on all compatible consumer electronics.
The chip company will demonstrate the remote user interface support on its BCM7420 STB SoC solution and BCM3549 DTV SoC solution at CES 2010.
In addition, Broadcom announced several new IPTV set-top SoCs, including the BCM7208 for HD applications and the BCM7468 for standard-definition applications.