NxtWave Technology Enables Development Of Broadcast-Ready Digital Cable Set-Top Box.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

Cable 2002

LANGHORNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 2002

NxtWave Communications recently unveiled the NXT2005 product family which delivers optimal digital television signals from both traditional cable and over-the-air (terrestrial) sources.

The result is the opportunity for cable-box manufacturers, for the first time, to be able to offer broadcast-ready digital set-top cable boxes.

The innovation is a breakthrough for manufacturers who have been seeking a way to offer cable compatibility for products receiving digital television signals. NxtWave Communications, a leader in digital television technology, is actively involved in bringing digital television to the general public through both terrestrial and cable distribution channels.

With the launch of the NXT2005 product line, NxtWave delivers a low-risk, low-cost solution to the cable compatibility issue, while also providing additional benefits for consumer electronics manufacturers.

"While the FCC is working diligently to move the digital television transition forward, the fact is that not all cable systems will initially be able to offer every digital signal in every market. Our NXT2005 line is an ideal solution because it delivers superb quality cable signals and terrestrial signals without added costs to the manufacturer or the consumer," said Mike Gittings, NxtWave director of worldwide marketing.

Gittings said the company is working closely with the industry to develop solutions to end-user reception issues. The fact that NxtWave's demodulation technology is integrated into a single chip means that, unlike other systems, no additional components are necessary, greatly reducing the cost of the unit, while increasing its functionality and output.

The NxtWave NXT2005 product family is completely compliant with OpenCable(TM) and ATSC standards for broadcast and cable reception.

The first member of the NXT2005 family, the NXT2004 VSB/QAM Receiver, is designed for a variety of applications where cost, low power and industry-leading performance are a must. Packaged in a 100 pin LQFP, with power consumption under 750 milliwatts, it is the smallest, lowest power receiver of its kind.

Industry-leading terrestrial reception performance is enhanced with NxtWave's Nxtenna technology. Features such as, NTSC detection, tuner control circuitry, integrated A/D and an on-chip micro controller simplify the customers' receiver design.

The NXT2003 builds on the NXT2004 core by adding a DVS-167/178 compliant QPSK receiver. Additional features such as an integrated frequency synthesizer for forward data channel down-conversion further reduce end system cost. In a 128 pin LQFP package, with typical power consumption under 1 watt, it provides uni-directional cable application physical layer functionality to enable the decryption of scrambled signals.

The NXT2005 adds a return path modulator and integrated DAC, to the NXT2003, to provide interactivity. The modulator uses a digital synthesizer to tune across the upstream band. The high level of on-chip integration further reduces the number and cost of external components. It is encased in a 144 pin LQFP and has a typical power consumption of 1 watt.

Gittings said the NXT2005 product family, currently being tested in various applications internationally, will be available for volume shipment in the third quarter of 2002.

For additional information regarding the NXT2005 family, contact the sales department of NxtWave Communications, 6 Venture, Suite 350, Irvine, Calif., 92618. Phone: [phone], fax: [phone]. Samples of the products will be on display, by appointment, at the NxtWave hospitality suite in New Orleans during the NCTA Cable 2002 Show.

About NxtWave Communications Inc.

NxtWave Communications offers the highest performing integrated circuit solutions satisfying the requirements of manufacturers of digital set-top boxes, digital TVs, PC TVs and other broadband appliances through the company's efficient and robust modulation and demodulation techniques.

NxtWave's products provide error-free digital reception, even with severe signal impairments commonly present in cable and terrestrial broadcast systems. The company's exclusive technology gives manufacturing customers and consumers significant cost and performance advantages.

NxtWave Communications is a privately held digital broadband communications company, with headquarters at One Summit Square, Rt. 413 & Doublewoods Road, Langhorne, Pa., 19047, with worldwide sales headquarters at 6 Venture, Suite 350, Irvine, Calif., 92618. For additional information visit www.nxtwavecomm.com.