Broadcom has announced the world's first 65 nanometer (nm) digital TV single-chip receivers that support the DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast- Terrestrial) and DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld) standards. The BCM2940 mobile TV receiver is a 65nm monolithic single-chip solution that integrates a dual-mode demodulator and tuner to support both DVB-T and DVB-H.
DVB-T and DVB-H services are becoming ubiquitous and increasing in availability on handheld devices, including cell phones and emerging portable media players, since the screens are large enough to support standard definition TV. The technology is becoming an integral part of global broadcasting, setting the standard for satellite, cable, terrestrial and IP- based services. Services using DVB standards are available on every continent with over 170 million DVB receivers of all kinds deployed worldwide.
Having overcome spectrum licensing and regulatory hurdles, the first large-scale commercial DVB-H network deployments will roll out this year in Russia and in several European countries. Business models are also evolving from subscription-based services to "free-to-air" (or advertiser-supported) broadcasts that provide a dramatically expanded customer base and further accelerate service deployments.
"The DVB-H standard is open and supported by an industry-wide consortium, which in turn, should help drive the number of mobile TV users to nearly double each year until 2012," said Clint Wheelock, Vice President and Chief Research Officer for ABI Research. "Low power solutions that combine superior radio performance and support DVB-H, in addition to the large footprint of existing DVB-T deployments, will be critical in adopting these services."
Utilizing an innovative design and aggressive process technology implementation, both the BCM2940 and BCM2930 significantly reduce power consumption by up to 40% and footprint requirements by up to 30% from current handset design budgets. Additionally, the advanced tuner and demodulator design of both chips allows for measurably improved reception indoors and in high-speed environments. With these capabilities, all of which are critical for commercial success and widespread adoption, the BCM2940 and BCM2930 are the ideal choices for portable digital TV applications.
The Broadcom BCM2940 is available in both WLBGA and FBGA packages. Both mobile TV devices and firmware are now sampling to qualified customers.
Posted to the site on 5th February 2008
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/29066.php