Cable-Tec Expo 2009: Broadcom Aims At Cable Multiroom DVR

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Broadcom introduced two set-top system-on-a-chip solutions for delivering whole-home HD DVR services, and the company said they're designed to significantly cut power requirements.

The supplier's BCM7125 and BCM7119 single-chip, multiformat HD solutions -- on display here at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo -- support tru2way and CableCard. The chips have dual integrated 1-GHz cable tuners and DOCSIS 2.0 compatible modems, according to Broadcom.

Both chips support the Digital Living Network Alliance media-sharing spec, while the BCM7125 adds an integrated Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) 1.1 interface that enables service providers to offer whole-home digital media distribution services over coax. In addition, the products support 3-D graphics for user interfaces for flipping, rotating and moving images.

Broadcom touted the SoCs' dynamic power-management controllers, which are capable of managing and shutting down unused system components in real-time. Even in the lowest power modes, according to the company, the BCM7119 and BCM7125 can remain aware of network events both in the home and from headends. Both chips support the EPA's Energy Star program.

The set-top SoCs are sampling to set-top box manufacturers. Broadcom did not disclose pricing.