Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:
Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  Directory

Keywords: Match:
Windows CE reference designs fuel IP set-top boxes
Jul. 12, 2005

[Updated Apr. 13, 2006] -- Media Excel Inc. has launched a family of multicodec reference designs for building Internet protocol set-top boxes (IP-STBs) running Windows CE. Dubbed Softstream, the reference designs allow "IP-STB interoperability with major encoders and media server manufacturers selected by service providers and telecommunications industries," according to the company.

(Click for larger image of Media Excel's IP-STB)

The reference designs are based on Intel's IXP420 XScale host processor, Texas Instruments' DM642 digital signal processor (DSP), Microsoft's Windows CE embedded operating system, and Media Excel's own software libraries for H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, and VC-1 codecs. The package includes a hardware development kit, schematics and Gerber files, decoder SDK(s), a media client SDK, sample test clips, and documentation.

Key features and functions of the SoftStream IP-STB reference designs include:
  • Processor -- Intel XScale processor
  • Media processor -- Texas Instruments DM642 digital signal processor (DSP)
  • Resolution: Up to Standard Definition (D1)
  • Included video decoders -- VC-1 (Windows Media Video) MPEG-2 MP@MLMPEG-4 SP and ASP up to Level 5H.264 BaselineH.264 MP@L3 (AVC, MPEG-4 part 10)
  • Included audio decoders -- Windows Media Audio (WMA)MPEG-1 Layers I, II, and IIIAdvanced Audio Coding (AAC)AC3
  • Bit rates -- 256 kbps; 10.0 Mbps(varies with codec)
  • Outputs -- Composite and S-VideoStereo Audio and SPDIF
  • Operating system platform -- Windows CE 5.0

Rear panel connections

According to the company, the reference designs significantly simplify the integration of fast channel switching, personal video recording, closed captioning, emergency broadcast services, third-party browsers, electronic program guides, and rights management "for a flexible, customizable, yet complete, solution."


The IP STB's internal single-board-computer

The company is offering seven configurations of the SoftStream reference designs, with different mixes of video and audio codecs:

IP-STB model
Decoders
Model Video Audio
3100 VC-1 Windows Media Audio (WMA)
3200 MPEG-2 MP1 Lay I, II, III; AC3
3210 MPEG-2 and VC-1 MP1 Lay 1, II, III; AC3; WMA
3300 MPEG-4 Advance Audio Coding
3400 H.264 Baseline Advance Audio Coding
3500 Full D1 H.264 MP@L3 Advance Audio Coding
3600 All of the above All of the above


The Media Excel IP-STB 3000 reference design series is available now. Evaluation kits are US $350, which includes hardware, software, codecs, streaming server, sample videos, "and some support," according to the company. Pricing for volume licenses "varies with volumes," the company adds.



Related Stories:


(Click here for further information)


Windows XP for Embedded Applications
This white paper describes the benefits of using Windows XP when developing embedded applications.

A Manager's Guide to Selecting a Mobile Device Operating System
This white paper offers a comparative review of Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Mobile.

Visual Basic 6.0 to .NET Migration
This paper focuses on the methodology and techniques which Infosys (Microsoft Technology Center) has developed for migrating VB 6.0 Applications to .NET. Our approach ensures a smooth, cost effective, and efficient migration.

Mobile Device Security: Securing the Handheld, Securing the Enterprise
This whitepaper identifies security threats to corporate data on mobile devices and details how mobile devices can become a "backdoor" to the enterprise.

Mobile Device Security: The Eight Areas of Risk
It's common knowledge that adding mobile devices to your network increases security risks. There are multiple facets to mobile security, all of which should be paid close attention to. This E-Guide presents a more in depth look into the eight key areas of securing wireless devices.

Quality Assurance and .NET
This paper discusses best practices for functional, regression and load testing of .NET applications.

SCADA Security in Integrated Networks
As businesses leverage their SCADA systems by integrating them into the business networks, they must also assure the security of the SCADA system.

The Advantages of Small Form Factor HMI
HMIs have mutated and changed with new requirements, and they have become more flexible and capable. And while they've been doing that, they've become smaller and more useful.

9 Critical Requirements for Web Application Security
Learn why your Web applications expose dangerous security breaches and what’s required to effectively protect your Web applications and the sensitive information behind them.

 


Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!
Free weekly newsletter
Enter your email...
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Updated! The latest Windows-powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets

HOT TOPICS
Microsoft targets PNDs with new embedded OS
Microsoft tips .NET MF 3.0 highlights
Microsoft previews Windows Embedded Standard
Microsoft offers free Windows CE 6.0 textbook
Microsoft renames embedded operating systems
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
New Atom models target low-cost PCs
REFERENCE GUIDES
Windows Device Showcase
Intro to Windows Embedded
Intro to Shared Source
Real-time Windows Embedded
Windows Embedded books
Join our Windows Embedded discussion forums:
Windows XP Embedded
Windows CE
Windows Mobile


Windows Embedded developer newsgroups
Windows CE
XP Embedded
PocketPC
Smartphone

Microsoft's Windows Embedded resources
Embedded dev center
Mobile dev center
Windows CE tutorials
XP Embedded tutorials
Windows Embedded seminars
Windows Embedded application categories
3rd-party partners


BREAKING NEWS

• Cortex-A8 SBCs target signage and kiosks
• Student competition offers a different kind of fireworks
• Windows CE SBC targets HMI development
• All-you-can-eat carrier launches -- sort of
• Adeneo and IntervalZero promote "soft-control" architecture
• App creates virtual serial ports in Windows CE
• Windows satellite phone service takes off (literally)
• Bsquare and Microsoft renew key distribution agreement
• Software syncs HTC phones with Macs
• Electricity meter runs Windows, talks to Google
• Windows device is two phones in one
• MIcrosoft's online store to debut with 600 Windows Mobile apps
• Windows Mobile gets upgraded Skype VoIP client
• Panel PC targets outdoor use
• Samsung shrinks ARM11 application processor


MOST POPULAR (last 90 days)
• "Netbook" uses Intel's Atom N270
• Windows CE takes on Linux in low-end netbooks
• HTC ups Touch resolution
• Microsoft unleashes new embedded OS
• Windows Mobile phone gets 800 x 480 display
• HTC spins WiMAX phone?
• Smart camera sports Atom
• Dual-core AMD netbook gets rave review
• Windows Mobile 7 "delayed"
• GPS phone uses new Marvell "Tavor" chip
MOST POPULAR (Classics from the vault)
Windows XP Embedded USB boot
Troubleshooting Windows XPe's blue screen "Stop 0x0000007B" error
Asus reveals $190 mini notebook
Windows Mobile 6 SDKs available for download
Windows Mobile VPN client plays with Cisco
HTC adds GPS to Windows Mobile Touch line
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
Guide to HTC's Windows Mobile smartphone platforms
• HTC releases Touch Diamond ROM upgrade
Customizing Windows XP Embedded thin clients

Also visit our sister sites:


Sign up for WindowsForDevices.com's...

news feed

Or, follow us on Twitter...



Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  Directory  |  About  |  Contact
 

Ziff Davis Enterprise Home | Contact Us | Advertise | Link to Us | Reprints | Magazine Subscriptions | Newsletters
Tech RSS Feeds | White Papers | ROI Calculators | Tech Podcasts | Tech Video | VARs | Channel News

Baseline | Careers | Channel Insider | CIO Insight | DesktopLinux | DeviceForge | DevSource | eSeminars |
eWEEK | Enterprise Network Security | LinuxDevices | Linux Watch | Microsoft Watch | Mid-market | Networking | PDF Zone |
Publish | Security IT Hub | Strategic Partner | Web Buyer's Guide | Windows for Devices

Developer Shed | Dev Shed | ASP Free | Dev Articles | Dev Hardware | SEO Chat | Tutorialized | Scripts |
Code Walkers | Web Hosters | Dev Mechanic | Dev Archives | igrep

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2009 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.