Conexant Brings PVR Functions to Set Top Boxes

By
iApplianceWeb
(05/23/01, 09:29:25 AM EDT)

The CX22492/3 decoder chip introduced by Conexant Systems adds personal video recorder (PVR) functionality to set-top boxes. Set-top box manufactures will be able to use this third-generation interactive TV decoder chip to give users the options of storing live television and rewinding, fast-forwarding, or pausing during playback.

Key product features for the CX22492/3 include input for two tuner/demodulators and three independent transport stream demultiplexers, so users can simultaneously record two different programs while playing back a third.

In addition, the product incorporates a high-speed hard disk drive controller interface for fast data transfers in PVR applications, such as pause and instant replay. To optimize security for audio/video content recorded on the hard disk, the decoder includes data encryption standard (DES) ciphering at the hard disk interface.

Conexant has integrated NDS' XTV PVR technology into the CX22492/3 IC and will develop device drivers that support NDS' XTV system software. The CX22493 version also incorporates support for the Videoguard Conditional Access System, developed by NDS, for additional content security and encryption features.

Conexant's CX22492/3 interactive TV decoder chip incorporates a high-performance 2D graphics rendering engine to enable PC-quality user interfaces and advanced electronic program guides. A dedicated 32-bit RISC processor with up to 220 MIPS performance supports interactive TV applications.

The CX22492/3 also includes analog video support with up to six high quality CVBS/S-Video/RGB output signals for all worldwide NTSC/PAL/SECAM broadcast standards.

In addition, Conexant's CX22492/3 will be offered with fully integrated middleware and run-time operating system (RTOS) support, including optimized hardware abstraction layer solutions for Liberate, OpenTV EN2, OpenTV 1.2, Nucleus+, and VxWorks.

Conexant has also incorporated the CX22492/3 and software into a set-top box system reference design.

Packaged as a 328-pin BGA, samples of the CX22492/3 will be available in June 2001, with production quantities available in Q4 2001. The CX22492/3 will be priced at $25 for the 133MHz CPU version, $27 for the 160MHz version, and $29 for the 200MHz version in OEM production quantities.