Pace claims that the DB440 is one of the world's first commercially available set-top boxes to support the VC-1 "advanced compression video codec," an emerging Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standard based on Microsoft's Windows Media Video 9 technology.

According to Pace, the DB440's Windows Media Video 9 decoder offers between 100Kbps and 5Mbps decoding up to full D1 resolution 720x576@25fps (PAL) including support for advanced post-processing for superior video quality at very low bit-rates. Additionally, low bit-rate content can be viewed on the DB440 at high resolution (full D1) due to full utilization of post-processing options available in Windows Media Video 9.

Key features and specifications of the DB440 appear below.

Hardware:

• 280MHz core processor (ATI Xilleon)
  
• 300MHz fully programmable digital media processor (Equator BSP-15)
  
• 64 MB SDRAM main memory, 32MB media processor memory
  
• Multiple video planes, one graphics plane (multiple windows)
  
• Pixel by pixel transparency control
  
• Full alpha blending and cursor control, Anti-flicker hardware
  
• Video scaling with arbitrary on-screen positioning
  
• 2D graphics acceleration
  
• MPEG-1 Audio layer 3 (MP3)
  
• Infra-red remote control receiver capable of receiving commands from standard handset (RC5) and IR keyboard support
  
• Remote control (IR) handset
  
• Internal PCI 3v3 expansion slot (Pace spec) for additional interfaces such as xDSL modem or tuners
  
• USB hub, keyboard and printer support via USB port

Rear panel connections:

CDB440 Rear Panel

1. Mains Input -- Auto ranging power supply inlet
   
2. Composite Video Output (RCA Phono) -- To connect to primary
   display
   
3. Left and Right Stereo Audio (RCA Phono) -- To connect to
   primary display or audio equipment
   
4. Terrestrial Antenna Loopthrough -- Modulated UHF output
   
5. TV and VCR SCART -- RGB output for high quality connection to TV and video recorder
   
6. Electrical Audio SPDIF Output (RCA Phono) -- For coaxial
   connection compatible surround sound audio system
   
7. Smartcard -- Slot and reader for optional smartcard
   
8. USB 1.1 -- Support for external devices
   
9. Ethernet 10/100 (RJ45) -- Connects to Ethernet broadband
   service

Software:

• Windows CE 4.2 or 5.0 operating system
  
• Windows Media 9 Series video and audio decoding
  
• Windows Media Player for CE
  
• Internet Explorer 6.0 for CE
  
• Certificates (CryptoAPI 2.0)

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