Sigma Processor Powers Verismo STB

Sigma Designs announced that its SMP8652 secure media processor is being used inside Verismo Networks’ broadband TV set-top-box (STB).

For more information visit: www.sigmadesigns.com


Unedited press release follows:

Sigma Designs Powers Verismo Networks’ Broadband TV Set Top Box

SMP8652 Media Processor Chosen to Deliver Unparalleled TV Entertainment From Today’s Wide Range of Sources to the Digital Home

MILPITAS, CA–(December 15, 2010) – Sigma Designs (NASDAQ: SIGM), a leading provider of system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for delivering entertainment and control throughout the home, today announced that its SMP8652 Secure Media Processor™ is being used inside Verismo’s Broadband TV set top box. Sigma’s SMP8652 gives Verismo’s customers the most complete solution available for migrating their customers to the IP-connected home.

With Sigma’s SMP8652, Verismo has a complete, end-to-end solution that allows the integration of linear channels, combined with best in class over the top (OTT) Internet videos, Video-on-Demand (VOD), and live channels from around the world, along with the ability to play back personal media right off the box. The solution also provides social networking functionality with sites like Facebook and Twitter, and photo viewing from popular Internet sites like Picasa.

The SMP8652 is instrumental to the success of Verismo’s solution. Sigma’s unique chipset enables 1080P HD functionality and includes a powerful secure media processor that can decode and playback in a wide variety of Internet video file formats — more than any other on the market.

“We chose the Sigma solution because its history with successful deployments in IPTV set top boxes,” said Dhaval Ajmera, executive vice president at Verismo. “Sigma’s media processor solution offers the highest integration with the widest support for more video streams and protocols than any other solution on the market. Sigma’s solution is by far the most complete and affordable solution available today.”

Sigma Designs SMP8652 delivers a low cost, high performance solution for the IP-enabled home. The SMP8652’s efficient architecture offers substantial savings for new set top box designs while providing high-quality user experiences.

“Verismo has taken full advantage of our high performance media processor platform to give end users a world-class solution for the IP-connected home at an excellent price point,” said David Lynch, vice president and general manager, Media Processor Group at Sigma Designs. “We believe their end-to-end solution, with our media processor, will win many high profile installations as an IPTV client for over the top content.”

About Sigma’s SMP8652 System-on-a-Chip Solution
Sigma’s SMP8652 media processor is a single-chip system-on-chip (SoC) solution that integrates next-generation capabilities such as a multi-core architecture, powerful multimedia processing, robust content security system, and a full complement of peripherals. The SMP8652 features a powerful 500-Mhz MIPS host CPU, a second processor called the IPU for offloading burdensome real-time tasks, and a third processor dedicated to managing security functions. Its advanced decoder engines support high definition video decoding of H.264 (MPEG-4 part 10), Windows Media® Video 9, VC-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 (part 2), the new AVS standard, and can support up to 16 independent streams on screen in different formats. High-performance graphics acceleration, multi-standard audio decoding, and advanced display processing capabilities round out its multimedia core. Powerful content security is ensured through a dedicated secure processor, on-chip flash memory, and a range of digital rights management (DRM) engines for high-speed payload decryption. Additional functions include 32-bit DDR-2 memory controller, dual Gigabit Ethernet controller, dual USB 2.0 controller, NAND flash controller, and SATA controller enable a single-chip solution for most set top boxes.

About Verismo Networks
Verismo’s mission is to redefine the home television entertainment experience. Our open internet TV platform is the only platform that brings seamless convergence of IPTV linear channels, internet video, social networking and personal media playback directly to the TV. The Verismo end-to-end solution enables OEMs to expand their reach globally and cost effectively while giving subscribers an un-paralleled viewing experience.

About Sigma Designs, Inc.
Sigma Designs is a leading fabless semiconductor provider of highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) solutions that are used to deliver entertainment and control throughout the home. SoC solutions include media processing, wired and wireless networking, video image processing, and home control along with system software to form the critical components of consumer electronic products that include Internet protocol TV (IPTV) set top boxes, gateways, Blu-ray players, and media communication devices. Headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., Sigma Designs has direct sales representatives in the United States, Brazil, China, Europe (Denmark and France), Israel, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and distributors in Korea, Russia and India.