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Proton Communications, Oregan Networks and Metro Link deliver Next generation Set Top Box for Digital Broadcasting and IP Television markets
Las Vegas, Nevada - January 9th 2003 - Proton Communications in conjunction with Oregan Networks and Metro Link today unveiled the HT-5060, a next generation Set Top Box (STB) for digital broadcasting and IP television markets. Targeted at a worldwide market, HT-5060 offers configuration options including DVB-T (6, 7, and 8MHz), ATSC and QAM (J.83B) digital tuners.
The HT-5060 STB is a highly powered content delivery platform, based on a 300MHz XILLEONTM processor from ATI Technologies and running an embedded Linux OS. The specification provides an ability to decode either two high definition video streams or four low definition streams simultaneously.
The combination of a powerful MIPS processor architecture and advanced graphics hardware acceleration, bestows the HT-5060 with unrivalled capabilities for delivering 3D video games and other revenue generating services for the network operator. Full Internet web browsing is possible via broadband IP, together with instant messaging, video-on-demand, video telephony, PVR functionality, MP3 ripping and playback, DVD playback, datacasting and in-home video distribution.
The Proton HT-5060 runs a Linux based middleware from Metro Link, with versions available for both ATSC and DVB deployments, incorporating optional support for Personal Video Recorder (PVR) functions and IP television services. This is complemented by embedded web browser technology from Oregan Networks, providing a graphical user interface which may be fully customised by the network operator, an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) as well as full web browsing functionality.
"The HT-5060 provides network operators with the ability to maximise their return on investment, through delivery of a comprehensive range of revenue earning content and services", said Edwin Pang, Marketing Director of Proton Communications. "The unique combination or performance, modularity and customisability, delivered at a highly competitive price offer a much extended life cycle beyond that of legacy ATSC and DVB STBs."
Mark Perry, Chief Executive Officer of Oregan Networks said, "Oregan is delighted to provide its embedded web browser and interactive TV applications on such a highly specified platform. The HT-5060 offers more than adequate performance to deliver the latest in web technologies, including Macromedia® Flash®." He added, "The display quality of the HT-5060 is remarkable. Viewing web based content and interactive services displayed in high definition 1080i and 16:9 widescreen formats will prove to be a winner with the consumer."
"Network operators worldwide seek advanced yet adaptable new features that can be customised to meet the needs of consumers. Proton's HT-5060 is the first cost effective STB that delivers the hardware versatility to fully exploit the capabilities of Metro MediaWorks, including standard definition and high definition PVR, MP3 ripping and playback, along with integrated DVD all simultaneously driven by a vibrant onscreen graphical user interface", commented Tony Naples, Metro Link's VP of Sales and Marketing. "The HT-5060 is also sufficiently economical to be the delivery platform for digital media to access points around the home, leveraging the Metro MediaWorks distributed architecture for in-home networking".
"ATI is pleased to be providing the industry-leading XILLEON 220 for Proton's HT-5060 Set-top box," said Yujing Wei, Manager of DTV Marketing and Business Development, Consumer Products Division, ATI Technologies Inc. "XILLEON 220 enables our partners such as Proton to deliver the best DTV performance and rich interactive experience to consumers".
Proton Communications
Founded in 1996 as a subsidiary of Taiwan's leading consumer electronic company, Proton Electric Industrial Co. Ltd, with a team of Silicon Valley professionals, whose expertise encompasses digital signal processing, TCP/IP, embedded software and digital transmission. Proton became the first licensee of Network Computer Inc. in 1996 to manufacture the first IP Set Top Box. In 1999, Proton was the second company worldwide to announce an IP MPEG-2 Set Top Box.
Oregan Networks Ltd
Oregan Networks is a provider of end-to-end technology solutions for delivering interactive services to digital entertainment devices. Oregan provides embedded web-browsing technology for TV centric devices, along with turnkey solutions to network operators and service providers for delivery of content and applications via broadband Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity. Oregan operates from headquarters in London, UK with sales locations in Europe, Japan and Asia.
Metro Link Incorporated
Providing comprehensive middleware solutions for the emerging next-generation Internet-Enabled Networked Home Media Centre, Metro Link is "Accelerating the Evolution of Convergence in the Home". Metro Link's suite of software brings the benefits of Entertainment, Computing, Rich Digital Media, and Home Networking to the consumer electronics integrator or manufacturer. Founded in 1989, Metro Link is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with operations in three additional states within the USA.
ATI Technologies Inc
ATI Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative 3D graphics and digital media silicon solutions. An industry pioneer since 1985, ATI is the world's foremost visual processor unit (VPU) provider and is dedicated to deliver leading-edge performance solutions for the full range of PC and Mac desktop and notebook platforms, workstation, set-top and digital television, game console and handheld markets. With 2001 revenues in excess of US $1 billion, ATI has more than 1,900 employees in the Americas, Europe and Asia. ATI common shares trade on NASDAQ (ATYT) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ATY).
