CES 2012: Connected media platform provider Sigma Designs is beefing up its set-top box (STB) offerings with a range of new partnerships.
Working with Avtrex Inc. and Syabas Technologies, Sigma is adding new software and middleware technology to its advanced platform reference design, the Ultra Thin Set-Top Box, to speed time to market for OEMs.
The reference design continues to add fuel to the growing market for set-top-boxes by enabling the ability to stream high-definition content from the Web, in 1080p, via networking through powerline, all in a device so small that it fits in the palm of the hand.
Sigma also has added Intel's Wireless Display (WiDi) technology to its STB reference designs, enabling consumer electronics partners to deliver a wider range of viewable content by streaming content from notebooks wirelessly to a HDTV via a STB.
Intel introduced its WiDi technology exclusively with Sigma Designs' System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions in 2009. Since then, the two companies have partnered to launch three generations of products for single-function TV adapters to enable consumers to share their notebook screen on their HDTV. This is the first time Sigma Designs and Intel are offering a reference platform where Intel WiDi can be added to a multi-functional Over-The-Top (OTT) STB. This design will be provided directly by Sigma Designs.
Meanwhile, Sigma has unveiled a joint Wi-Fi Display / DLNA IPTV reference design with Qualcomm Atheros Inc. This new design enables connected media players based on Sigma Media Processors to receive video wirelessly over the WiDi standard supported by Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi devices as well as being interoperable with DLNA enabled devices supporting the appropriate profiles.
And finally, a new suite of home video conferencing solutions aimed at the consumer electronics market have also hit the market. These new solutions, which include a HD Camera, a console and a remote control, takes advantage of Sigma Designs' heritage as a IPTV STB provider to OEMs and service providers to add an immersive video conferencing experience that fits into any home.
