-- Satellite-IP hybrid set-top box unveiled
-- Pace's H.264 IPTV reference platform launched
The most advanced IPTV developments to date from Pace Micro
Technology plc (LSE:PIC), the leading independent developer of digital
TV technologies for the global payTV industry, were on show this year
at IBC2006.
The best of both worlds - going hybrid
For satellite operators looking to compete more effectively in the
changing TV landscape, Pace demonstrated its satellite-IP hybrid
set-top box. This hybrid set-top box can take both HD and standard
definition (SD) content from satellite and IP sources, enabling a
range of live broadcast and VOD options.
Content can then be securely distributed to other approved
IP-enabled devices around the home, such as a PC, mobile unit or
another IP set-top box, using both wired and wireless connections.
With an embedded hard drive, stored content can also be securely
accessed through the IP network.
IPTV for advanced digital services
Pace also showed, for the first time, its next-generation TIP850
reference platform. Using the latest silicon, this draws together
today's most advanced digital TV services into just one device. Using
IP delivery, the TIP850 is a high definition (HD) H.264 personal video
recorder (PVR) offering the highest quality pictures and sound, with
up to a terabyte of storage, for complete flexibility of viewing. With
an optional DTT tuner this set-top box will be suitable for telecom
operators looking to deploy large volumes of product to launch their
full-service IPTV offering.
Mark Rooney, Head of IPTV at Pace commented: "By 2010 there will
be an estimated 350 million IP connected devices sold each year. IPTV
and IP home networking will therefore be very strongly placed, and we
will see IP becoming the dominant force in media.
"Pace is at the forefront of this development. Building on our
experience in the IPTV market - we first started shipping IPTV set-top
boxes in 1999 and by the end of 2005 owned 10% of the IPTV set-top box
market - and our ability to bring the latest technologies to market
first, we are well-placed to give our customers the right mix of
know-how and ability to successfully launch their IPTV or hybrid-IP
service.
About Pace Micro Technology
Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE:PIC) is a leading technology
developer for the global payTV industry. Pace's main focus is on
creating intelligent and innovative products and services that benefit
our customers and fuel the development of digital TV.
Pace has one of the world's most experienced specialist
engineering teams and is the partner of choice for leading payTV
operators across the globe, including Comcast, DirecTV, BSkyB, FOXTEL,
Premiere, Sky Italia and UPC (part of Liberty Global).
Pace's international headquarters are in Saltaire, West Yorkshire,
UK, with further offices in the USA, France, Germany, India and Hong
Kong. For more information on Pace, please visit www.pacemicro.com.
