By Roger Gregory, NXP Semiconductors.
Video is being revolutionized by the ability of semiconductors to process staggering amounts of data in real time; and The Internet is driving the widespread distribution to a degree that DVDs and other digital media could not. However, the real impact is much more extensive than that.
Roger Gregory, NXP Semiconductors
By Roger Gregory, NXP Semiconductors.
Video is being revolutionized by the ability of semiconductors to process staggering amounts of data in real time; and The Internet is driving the widespread distribution to a degree that DVDs and other digital media could not. However, the real impact is much more extensive than that. The Internet is now evolving from a simple delivery pipe into a means of providing customized, content-related services that allows consumers to use video content in entirely new and different ways, such as Google's You Tube.
A parallel but intimately related development is the migration from analog to digital. By 2011, 90% of homes in Europe and North America will consume digital content. The migration will be much faster for Japan and Korea. China will soon catch up after developing its own digital standard.
For the design engineer, the transitions from analog to digital and from SD to HD together add up to one big challenge: Format conversion.The SD to HD trend has implications for the Internet because by 2011 more than 50 million households worldwide will have IPTV subscriptions. The vast majority of these households will tap into their IPTV service with an IP-STB.
The panels in LCD televisions have reached the limits in picture quality capabilities. Improvements have to come from advanced video processing to increase the frame-rate, create smart algorithms, advance in digital without neglecting SD material and process in HD at 10 bits throughout.
These semiconductor processor developments will make sure that displays will match the characteristics of the human eye and therewith give a better sensory experience.
An option that is receiving a great deal of technical interest is the introduction of peer-to-peer networks in the home because it reduces Internet bandwidth requirements—a worthy goal in a telecommunications infrastructure stressed by sharply rising video content.
The IP-STB is likely to play a key role in this, as it is already connected to a (home) IP network. Therefore access to content in other places in the home over the same IP network is enabled. Current WiFi technology (based on IEEE 802.11g) lacks bandwidth for HDTV video streaming. The new 802.11n standard operating on 5Ghz will be essential for IP-STB enabling fast and reliable streaming of video content through the home. New silicon available for 802.11n is all in the draft certification phase and currently used on a small scale for gateways. As this WiFi standard is the ideal fit with an IP-STB, a strong market penetration is expected starting in 2008.
As new video devices enter a home, the IP-STB's role as a media server will also require a security layer. In particular, device configurations must be moved between devices easily and seamlessly.
Enter NFC.
NFC is designed with security in mind and operates only over very short distances—typically less than 4 cm—and its communications are encrypted. Its application to the IP-STB become apparent when one considers that the IP-STB will become a means of making financial transactions such as paying for third-party services that are not provided by the initial service provider. On top of that, NFC can easily be combined with securing the 802.11n network without using complicated WPA codes. A smart card with detailed configuration information would aid in the set up of the STB, making life for the customer easier, therefore reducing the need for helpdesks and installation services.
Conclusion
Over the next few years, video will enter a new and exciting stage driven by the transition from analog to digital, SD to HD, the emergence of video services on the Internet, and the desire of consumers to take their personal media with them anywhere they go.
Evidence that the challenges can be addressed can be seen in the recent announcement of three STB development platforms developed for specific applications and markets by NXP Semiconductors.
NXP has several module’s available with interfaces meeting most of the STB reference designs. These developments show that the STB has turned into a mature product, capable of dealing with complex structures and allowing many consumers all over the world to enjoy the ongoing flow of vibrant digital media, easily and affordably. For details click here: nxp.com.
Roger Gregory is the marketing director of the Telco and Operator group in the Home business unit at NXP Semiconductors. Roger is responsible for leading the global marketing and business development activities for IP-set-top box (STB), satellite pay system STB solutions and wireless audio products. The global marketing team he leads is focused on bringing advanced solutions to customers that meet the requirements of these new, emerging markets. Roger began his career at NXP in 1994, as an engineer, and then a systems architect for the Philips optical drive solutions based in the United Kingdom. In 2000, he became the international marketing manager of DVD Recoding systems. Following a year in corporate strategy, Roger moved to the U.S. in 2005 to lead the marketing activities for IP-STB solutions. Roger holds a degree in Electronic Engineering from University of Salford, England. He may be reached at roger.gregory@nxp.com. >
Advertisement
