MaxLinear’s MxL5x2 satellite receiver and EN5520 channel stacking ICs adopted by Sky for next-generation Sky Q set-top boxes

MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for cable and satellite broadband communications, the connected home, and for data center, metro, and long-haul fiber networks, today announced it is shipping its MxL5x2 Full-Spectrum CaptureTM satellite front-end receiver in the new Sky Q set-top box, announced by Sky plc.

Sky Q is Sky’s next-generation home entertainment service, which will open up a whole new way of watching TV. Available in early 2016, Sky Q is a family of advanced products, connecting wirelessly to create a new ecosystem that makes it easier than ever for customers to access all their favorite TV, and brings an even wider range of entertainment to the big screen.

It will allow customers to watch on up to five screens simultaneously, while recording four other channels, pause on one screen and carry on viewing on another, watch shows from their box, whether live, recorded or on demand, anywhere around the home, and for the first time, to take their recordings with them on their tablet.

Sky Q’s multichannel reception features are powered by MaxLinear’s MxL5x2 Full-Spectrum Capture satellite receiver ICs, which digitize the complete broadcast satellite band (4.1GHz) and perform the digital tuning and demodulation of up to 12 satellite channels in a very low power, ultra small form-factor.  The MxL5x2 ICs also provide exceptional rejection of Wi-Fi, LTE and terrestrial interference signals, ensuring that the set-top boxes have excellent HD and UHD reception performance, even in adverse environments. 

The Sky Q platform is also utilizing MaxLinear’s EN5520 digital channel stacking IC for multi-dwelling units (MDUs), which enables Sky to offer the same Sky Q experience to subscribers in multi-dwelling apartments and commercial buildings. 

“MaxLinear is extremely pleased to be a design partner and strategic supplier to Sky for the next-generation Sky Q platform,” said Will Torgerson, Vice President & General Manager, MaxLinear Broadband Group.  “MaxLinear’s relentless focus on best-in-class performance and world-class customer support enables Sky to bring complex, cutting-edge products to market quickly and cost effectively.”

“Sky Q offers customers a whole new way of watching TV,” commented Andrew Olson, Director of New Products at Sky. “To deliver that, we relied on MaxLinear’s expertise and unique satellite receiver ICs during the design phase, and the resulting solution is fantastic. We were delighted with the support provided by MaxLinear throughout the project.”