NEC Electronics Introduces new SoCs for Set-Top Boxes with Extensive Multi-Format Video Support

-- NEC Electronics (TSE: 6723) today announced the availability of a new image-processing solution, the EMMA3™SL/P system-on-chip (SoC) based on NEC Electronics’ enhanced multimedia architecture (EMMA) platform. EMMA3SL/P SoC is a set-top box (STB) device compliant with H.264 high definition (HD), the next-generation image-compression standard, as well as the multi-format video support used for the increasing number of worldwide internet-protocol television (IP TV) STBs, such as DivX®, VC-1, and WMV. The new SoC is also the first among the company’s EMMA products to support China’s audio/video standard (AVS).

The EMMA3SL/P device is an image-processing SoC that integrates key functions needed to receive and decode digital broadcasts, including MPEG-2 HD audio/video decoders, transport-stream demultiplexers, as well as display controllers for enhanced display and graphics features.

The new SoC includes these features: (1) multi-format video support for IP TV STBs, in addition to support for the H.264 HD standard and China’s AVS, (2) integrated enhanced security features, and (3) 20 percent reduction in the number of on-board pins compared to the company’s existing products, due to the high level of function integration.

Digital audio/visual (AV) applications are a strategic business focus for NEC Electronics, and the company is actively promoting chips for this market segment. Having released the world's first digital broadcasting STB SoC in 1998 under the brand name "EMMA," the company has built a formidable range of digital AV SoC devices since then covering three main areas — STBs, digital TVs and DVD recorders. With these devices, NEC Electronics reached a cumulative total shipment of 100 million as of April 2009. NEC Electronics introduced two EMMA devices in January 2009, the EMMA3SL/LP and EMMA3SL/L SoCs, to the wider H.264 STB market. Due to specific emerging demand for increased multi-format video especially in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, NEC Electronics announced an expansion of its STB device roadmap with advanced security features and cost efficiency, building on technology gained from previous products.

Principal Features

(1) Supports multi-format video for IP TV

(2) Complies with enhancedsecurityfeatures

(3) Reduced total component cost, simplified board design and assembly

(4) Additional features

NEC Electronics believes the new device will serve as a perfect platform to support the technical and pricing requirements of STB manufacturers and enable them to produce state-of-the-art STBs at a low cost. The company plans to market the EMMA3SL/P SoC aggressively and continues to expand its accompanying lineup of high-performance digital AV product offerings.

Exhibition at International Broadcasting Convention 2009

NEC Electronics’ EMMA3SL/P device will be showcased in NEC Electronics' booth located in Hall 1, Stand C27 at the International Broadcasting Convention 2009 (IBC 2009), to be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from September 11 to 15.

Availability

Samples of NEC Electronics’ new EMMA3SL/P SoC are available now. Volume production is scheduled to begin by the second half of 2009 and expected to reach 250,000 units per month. More information about NEC Electronics' extensive digital AV product offerings can be found at http://www.necel.com/digital_av/en/index.html

The main specifications of the new EMMA3SL/P can be seen here.

About NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH

NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH, headquartered in Duesseldorf, Germany, is a leading developer and supplier of semiconductor products in Europe. Committed to meeting customers' cost, performance and time-to-market requirements, the company offers solutions ranging from standard products to system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions, as well as customized products for next-generation designs. Our customers also benefit from state-of-the-art manufacturing from the global production network of our parent company, NEC Electronics Corporation. Additionally, NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH is the exclusive European sales and marketing channel of LCD modules from NEC LCD Technologies Ltd.. For more information visit http://www.eu.necel.com.

About NEC Electronics Corporation

NEC Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) specializes in semiconductor products encompassing advanced technology solutions for the high-end computing and broadband networking markets, system solutions for the mobile handset, PC peripherals, automotive and digital consumer markets, and platform solutions for a wide range of customer applications. NEC Electronics Corporation has subsidiaries worldwide including NEC Electronics America, Inc. (www.am.necel.com) and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH (www.eu.necel.com). For additional information about NEC Electronics worldwide, visit www.necel.com.

About NEC Electronics America, Inc.

NEC Electronics America, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Electronics Corporation. NEC Electronics America offers solutions ranging from standard products to system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions, customized products for next-generation designs, a local manufacturing facility in Roseville, California, and the global manufacturing capabilities of its parent company. NEC Electronics America is also the exclusive sales supplier of NEC active-matrix LCD and PDP modules in North America. More information about the products offered by NEC Electronics America, Inc. can be found at http://www.am.necel.com.