DiBcom is to launch a new platform that offers device manufacturers a solution to the problem of multiple standards worldwide for fixed and mobile TV.

Known as Octopus, the platform is based on a programmable architecture that enables one design to be seamlessly and cost-effectively targeted at many existing and upcoming mobile TV standards.

DiBcom said the first commercialised version is fully compliant with the most widely deployed standards today: CMMB, DVB-T, DVB-H, DVB-SH, ISDB-T (1SEG & Full-SEG) and T-DMB. Other emerging standards such as ATSC M/H, DVB-T2, and any others, will follow.

Khaled Maalej, CTO of DiBcom, said existing multi-standard components combine the circuitry of some standards in one chip with minimum optimisation.

He said Octopus, however, is based on one programmable, broadcast specific, vector signal processor (VSP) and is able to handle any standard by adapting its microcode.

The VSP engine is integrated with a multi-mode channel decoder and MAC, memory and a power management unit (PMU), therefore offering optimal power consumption for each standard.

Manufactured using 65nm technology, the Octupus platform comes with a multi-band RF tuner in two package options, and in either single or diversity (dual-antenna) configurations.

DiBcom said the advantages offered by the new platform include:

  • A universal and cost-effective architecture ideal for a one-to-many strategy (all regions, all applications addressed with one device)
  • High performance at low power consumption in all functional modes
  • An integrated PMU for a simpler system design (one voltage input), efficient power consumption and longer battery life
  • No unnecessary hardware duplication or reliance on powerful CPU’s as required by other multi-standard solutions
  • Embedded descramblers for all conditional access (CAS) protected content

Possible applications for the Octopus platform include the automotive, PC/notebook, PMP, PND, mobile phone as well as LCD TV and Set-Top-Box market sectors.

Yannick Levy, CEO of DiBcom, said handset manufacturers now had the opportunity to increase their volumes of mobile TV terminals based on the Octopus platform since they can ship them to any region in the world by simply loading the appropriate software.

"Availability of a large choice of terminals is a major market enabler," he said.

Octopus component samples will be available in early Q2 2009.

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