Windows CE 5.0, according to the company.
The new set-top box platform is based on ST's STB7109 high-definition decoder that incorporates high speed Ethernet, USB 2.0, and serial ATA along with codec suppport for VC-1, H264, and MPEG2HD protocols. The device also supports Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) 10.
Key features of the STB7109, according to ST, include:
- 300 MHz SH4-202 CPU core
- Transport stream merger/router
- Programmable transport stream interface (PTI)
- Advanced video decoder:
- H264/AVC HP@L4 and MPEG2 MP@HL
- Microsoft VC1
- Graphics engine/blitter
- Advanced security:
- Secure Video Processor (SVP)
- Windows Media DRM
- Dual display composition:
- High definition and standard definition
- Main and auxiliary output video DACs
- DVI, HDMI output
- Digital video & audio inputs
- Programmable audio decoder:
MPEG1 I/II, MP3, Dolby digital, AAC LC, high efficiency AAC
- USB 2.0 host controller
- DVR capable with a serial ATA HDD interface
- Windows CE and Linux capable
STB7109 typical application diagram
(Click to enlarge)Further information on the STB7109 STB SoC are available in our
prior coverage of the introduction of the chip last fall.
ST says its "open" Windows CE reference design is a "standard, complete and reusable high-definition" platform that is well suited for the design of networked digital products and HD-DVD players.
"Working with Microsoft, we have taken a major step toward providing consumer electronics manufacturers with a stable and cost-effective platform for the rapidly growing networked-DVR and IP-STB market," said Christos Lagomichos, Vice President of the Home Entertainment Group at STMicroelectronics. "Foreseeing the booming of the next generation of high-definition media, we are also closely paying attention to HD-DVD technology and already preparing for the next evolutionary step of this platform."
Related stories: 
