The Pixelworks(TM) PWBSP-16 Broadband Signal Processor IC is a fifth-generation system-on-chip IC that extends the capabilities of the successful BSP(TM)-15 product and will help drive the adoption of Internet Protocol television, or IPTV, and other digital video applications. The PWBSP-16 processor significantly reduces cost, breaks video price/performance barriers, and provides a market-ready, programmable, multi-codec solution for consumer electronics (CE) and customer premises equipment manufacturers, states an official release.

"The PWBSP-16 chip is an exciting milestone for opening up the mainstream markets for IPTV by providing a complete solution for consumer electronics manufacturers to build cost-effective devices to unlock the power of broadband networks for video entertainment and communications," said Pixelworks president, chairman & CEO Allen Alley. "We are helping to accelerate the adoption of Internet Protocol television by creating the easiest path for customers to get cost effective solutions to market in the shortest possible time."

Internet Protocol television allows consumers to view full-motion video or television content, including high-definition, over a network or broadband Internet connection. The market for IPTV set-top boxes, according to industry analysts, is expected to exceed 4 million units in 2005 and will approach 15 million units by 2008.

"IPTV is quickly being adopted in Asia and Europe, while the North American market is also hopeful about the future of this technology," said Dr. Jon Peddie. "The PWBSP-16, supplemented by the Babelfish II hardware reference design, is a solution that can help speed market availability of IPTV sooner rather than later. With the power of a programmable video processor coupled with a reference design available to OEMs from a single provider, IPTV may well see earlier adoption in a wide range of CE devices."