KT IPTV service uses ST HDTV decoder chips

SEOUL,SOUTH KOREA: STMicroelectronics,announced Korea Telecom’s (KT)  launch of its new IPTV service using high-definition (HDTV) set-top boxes based on ST’s STi710x family of highly integrated HDTV decoder chips.

The commercialization of Korea’s IPTV service was successfully tested and evaluated during the final trial in May 2007, and KT officially announced the launch of its IPTV service in Korea, on the 4th of July this year.

During the final trial, KT Corporation, Korea’s leading broadband operator, chose the STi710x-based set-top boxes from Humax (model name: TS-110) and Samsung (SMT-H6170), both of which are KT’s consortium partners for the country’s IPTV service. Additionally, LG-Nortel, another consortium partner for the service, is also developing its set-top boxes based on the STi710x.

The service provides over 1,200 on-demand videos with hardware-assisted security and 27 interactive services ranging from education to finance to instant messaging. An electronic program guide and user-created content are also available. Other KT IPTV services include: digital photos and personalized stock; plus weather and sports information.

“KT is committed to leading the development of IPTV services,” said Young-Hyun Kim, Assistant Vice President of KT’s Media Technology Department. “Using the latest and most innovative set-top-box technology enabled by ST’s cost effective AVC decoder available today, to deliver high-definition multimedia content and innovative services, is a key element in driving consumer enthusiasm.”

“The STi710x family of single-chip HDTV decoders has quickly become a worldwide standard as the key device in leading-edge set-top-box designs, enabling operators and OEMs to deliver the very best home entertainment experience, via satellite, cable, terrestrial, or in the fast-growing area of IPTV,” said Luigi Mantellassi, General Manager of ST’s Consumer Segment, Asia-Pacific.