DOCSIS(R) 2.0 With Downstream Channel Bonding and Unprecedented Embedded Security Enables Cable IP Video Delivery and Downloadable Security
Broadcom's new cable set-top box chip enables MSOs to utilize DOCSIS 2.0 for high-speed, two-way set-top communications, including Internet protocol (IP) video services. To support high-speed cable set-top box communications, the new Broadcom chip includes downstream channel bonding, which combines several DOCSIS channels together to significantly increase data rates when compared to today's cable modem solutions.
Announced today is Broadcom's BCM7118 advanced set-top box chip that incorporates downstream channel bonding, enabling cable set-top boxes to support present and future MSO requirements, as defined by the industry developed Next Generation Network Architecture (NGNA) guidelines. By moving to a DOCSIS-based platform for voice, video and data, MSOs operating costs can be decreased while enabling their networks to support richer interactive services, switched or broadcasted IP video delivery, as well as other IP voice and data services. At the same time, the Broadcom BCM7118 will enable the development of cost-effective, low cost cable set-top boxes that provide superior performance and consumer-friendly features, while featuring embedded security with unprecedented levels of content protection.
The BCM7118 also features an integrated Broadcom secure processor (BSP), which provides very sophisticated security features to protect high-value content and to prevent set-top box tampering. Using distinctive multi-layered security, the BCM7118 integrates hardware and software that performs content security functions in a highly protected environment on-chip, effectively providing a tamper proof barrier for video and audio content. Moreover, each chip is programmed by Broadcom with a permanent unique identification and configuration that forms the foundation for specific conditional access systems, decryption key processing, key management and system protection that includes the forthcoming downloadable security system.
"We have integrated a tremendous amount of state-of-the art technology into the new BCM7118 cable set-top box chip based on cable operator and customer feedback regarding what they need to compete in their end markets," said Daniel Marotta, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's Broadband Communications Group. "Our new cable TV set-top box chip sets a new benchmark for the industry with respect to speed, performance, integration, and security, plus it supports IP video services."
Based on NGNA developments to date, the BCM7118 provides support for all of today's cable network operating requirements, and also integrates features required to support the transition to CableLabs-based open industry standards (i.e. OpenCable(TM) Applications Platform (OCAP), DOCSIS 2.0 with DOCSIS Set-Top Gateway (DSG) and Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS)).
Product Information
The new BCM7118 single-chip digital cable set-top box chip, with DOCSIS 2.0 and channel bonding features, includes:
* The latest generations of video compression technologies, such as
advanced video coding (AVC-MPEG-4), VC-1 and MPEG-2.
* Decoding formats for both high-definition (HD) and standard definition
(SD) television programming.
* Advanced Dolby(R) Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, MP3 and MPEG AAC audio
decoders that provide better audio quality, at lower bit rates.
* Certifiable DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 2.0 and DSG advanced mode software.
* Flexible host digital set-top box software supporting the OpenCable
Application Platform (OCAP) and popular middleware solutions.
* Downstream channel bonding compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.
* A high-performance 2D graphics engine that provides up to 32-bit color
to support OCAP applications.
* The ability to operate with current cable broadcast, video on demand
(VOD) and switched video channels (and in channel bonding modes).
* Over 1000 DMIPS of processing power supporting OCAP, OCAP applications,
channel bonding, DOCSIS 2.0 and DOCSIS DSG advanced mode.
* Sophisticated security hardware that provides enhanced security for
present conditional access (CA) systems and supports requirements for
emerging Polycipher Downloadable Conditional Access Security (DCAS).
Downloadable security eliminates the need for a CableCARD(R) and
supports multiple conditional access systems, retail products, and
multiple cable operators.
* Integrated PVR capability that enables the simultaneous recording of
multiple channels, allowing the user to store and playback the content
throughout the home.
* Support for secure multi-room content distribution over home
networking interfaces.
Reference Design Platforms
The BCM7118 is designed to be used in a wide range of set-top box applications. These products can range from a very low-cost, entry-level digital set-top box that supports OCAP, DSG, and DCAS, to higher-end HD/SD DVR products and multi-room HD/SD DVR client products. As a result, Broadcom is developing two reference designs, including the BCM97118RNG, a very low cost, entry-level digital set-top box reference platform to address applications for basic all-digital video customers, and the BCM97118, a full-featured reference platform that includes a SATA hard disk drive and interfaces to support multi-room DVR communications.
Product Availability
The BCM7118 is sampling to early access customers. The chip is packaged in an 841 PBGA. Pricing is available upon request.
Broadcom's Broadband Communications Group
Broadcom offers manufacturers a range of broadband communications and consumer electronics SoCs that enable voice, video and data services over residential wired and wireless networks. These highly integrated silicon solutions continue to enable the most advanced system solutions on the market, which include digital cable, satellite and IP set-top boxes and media servers, broadband modems and residential gateways, high definition and digital televisions, HD DVD players and personal video recorders.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Our products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. Broadcom provides the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything(R).
Broadcom, one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies with 2005 revenue of more than $2.67 billion, is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at 1-949-450-8700 or at www.broadcom.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important factors that may cause such a difference for Broadcom in connection with cable set-top box products such as the BCM7118 include, but are not limited to, general economic and political conditions and specific conditions in the markets we address, including the volatility in the technology sector and semiconductor industry, trends in the broadband communications markets in various geographic regions, including seasonality in sales of consumer products into which our products are incorporated, and possible disruption in commercial activities related to terrorist activity or armed conflict in the United States and other locations; uncertainties as a result of the company's previously-disclosed ongoing review of its practices in respect of options/equity grants to employees, and the publicized more general review of option grant practices throughout the technology and other industries by public regulatory bodies, and potential changes in accounting and other practices resulting therefrom; the rate at which our present and future customers and end-users adopt Broadcom's technologies and products in the markets for digital cable set-top box applications; delays in the adoption and acceptance of industry standards in those markets; the timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer orders and our ability, as well as the ability of our customers, to manage inventory; the gain or loss of a key customer, design win or order; our ability to scale our operations in response to changes in demand for our existing products and services or demand for new products requested by our customers; intellectual property disputes and customer indemnification claims and other types of litigation risk; our ability to specify, develop or acquire, complete, introduce, market and transition to volume production new products and technologies in a cost-effective and timely manner; our ability to retain, recruit and hire key executives, technical personnel and other employees in the positions and numbers, with the experience and capabilities, and at the compensation levels needed to implement our business and product plans; problems or delays that we may face in shifting our products to smaller geometry process technologies and in achieving higher levels of design integration; competitive pressures and other factors such as the qualification, availability and pricing of competing products and technologies and the resulting effects on sales and pricing of our products; the timing of customer-industry qualification and certification of our products and the risks of non-qualification or non-certification; our ability to timely and accurately predict market requirements and evolving industry standards and to identify opportunities in new markets; changes in our product or customer mix; the volume of our product sales and pricing concessions on volume sales; the availability and pricing of third party semiconductor foundry, assembly and test capacity and raw materials; fluctuations in the manufacturing yields of our third party semiconductor foundries and other problems or delays in the fabrication, assembly, testing or delivery of our products; the risks of producing products with new suppliers and at new fabrication and assembly facilities; the quality of our products and any remediation costs; the effectiveness of our expense and product cost control and reduction efforts; the risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations, particularly in light of recent events; the effects of natural disasters, public health emergencies, international conflicts and other events beyond our control; the level of orders received that can be shipped in a fiscal quarter; and other factors.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss the foregoing risks as well as other important risk factors that could contribute to such differences or otherwise affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason.
Broadcom(R), the pulse logo, Connecting everything(R), and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States certain other countries and/or the EU. DOCSIS(R) and OpenCable(TM) are trademarks of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Dolby(R) is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Broadcom Press Contact
Laura Brandlin
Senior Director, Marketing Communications
949-926-5108
Email Contact
Broadcom Investor Relations Contact
T. Peter Andrew
Vice President, Investor Relations
949-926-5663
Email Contact
Broadcom Technical Contact
Peter Schenitzki
Senior Product Marketing Manager
949-926-5252
Email Contact
Web site: http://www.broadcom.com/