IBM SET-TOP-BOX CHIP EXPANDS USE OF LINUX IN CONSUMER APPLICATIONS.

IBM is working with MontaVista Software, Inc. to make its Hard Hat Linux operating system available for IBM's PowerPC based single-chip Set-Top Box (STB) Controller.

Combining high-performance PowerPC-based STB controllers with Linux-based open standards software, IBM is providing electronics manufacturers with the ability to develop new classes of home gateway products such as television set-top boxes, that will serve as an interactive medium between content and service providers and consumers. Netgem, one of Europe's leading developers of interactive services applications, plans to develop new products based on the IBM STB controllers running the Hard Hat Linux operating system.

Advanced STBs are part of the fast-growing category of "pervasive computing" devices helping to make information available to more people in more ways.

"Our customers have been requesting support for Linux, and this is a major step forward in meeting their needs," said Scottie Ginn, vice president for pervasive technology, IBM Microelectronics Division. "The support of a leading interactive service developer like Netgem is evidence that versatile, adaptable hardware coupled with open software is a valuable combination to help our customers accelerate their pace of innovation in the digital television arena."

The MontaVista Hard Hat Linux 2.0 operating system and cross development tools for embedded applications are based on Linux Version 2.4 and are developed by MontaVista Software, Inc.

"Hard Hat Linux and IBM's set top box integrated controller represent a natural integration of software and hardware functionality," commented Sheila Baker, MontaVista Software vice president of Marketing. "Leveraging Hard Hat Linux for IBM's PowerPC-based architecture will empower customers to speed their designs to market, on time and at the right price."

Netgem's new interactive digital software platform supports innovative interactive services such as electronic program guides, multimedia mail, Internet access, and video and audio on demand.

"Television has not evolved to offer the same additional services as the PC and mobile phone until now," said Joseph Haddad, Netgem CEO. "By developing an interactive software platform based on IBM's set-top box integrated controller, Netgem has given digital television operators the ability to capitalise on existing Internet infrastructure and to offer interactive services suited to consumer needs. This makes our new software a cost-effective solution for our customers."

IBM's STB034xx chip family includes an MPEG-2 audio/video decoder, a memory interface subsystem and a range of peripheral interfaces all on a single piece of silicon. Based on the PowerPC processor, it features high-speed operation at 162 MHz, with a 16-KB instruction cache and an 8-KB data cache, providing the performance necessary for a range of new services.

IBM's scalable PowerPC architecture provides a common Linux programming platform across the e-business infrastructure. IBM's PowerPC microprocessors, embedded processors and cores are suited for high-end workstations, data storage devices and servers that feed the network; wired hubs, routers, and switches that make up the network; and the hand-held communications devices and other pervasive computing applications that access the network.

Both IBM and Netgem plan to demonstrate MontaVista Software's Hard Hat Linux running on the IBM STB034xx chip in their respective booths at the upcoming MediaCast show to be held in London from May 21-23.

IBM also intends to make available in the second half of 2001 its third-generation integrated controller for digital set top boxes. The next-generation STB Integrated controller is being designed to extend performance from today's STB03xxx 225 DMIPS up to 350 DMIPS, utilizing the embedded Power PC 405 processor running at speeds up to 252 MHz. This extra on-chip power is intended to enable advanced features such as personal video recording, Internet gaming, interactive TV, web browsing, and secure on-line transactions.

Plans for the third generation architecture includes support for an external processor interface, a new advanced 2D graphics subsystem, simultaneous dual-stream recording to HDD with single stream playback, and other peripheral interfaces. This statement of intent underscores IBM's commitment to interactive and digital TV, and IBM's plans to address the requirements of both service providers and STB manufacturers.