Motorola plans to use Conexant Systems’ advanced multimedia processor and highly integrated network processor in set-top boxes likely to hit the market in 2008,or possibly 2009.
Motorola is still in the process of defining its technology roadmap for set-top boxes that it intends to introduce the year after next and beyond.
Conexant becomes an additional source of next-generation Motorola set-top silicon, joining Broadcom Corp. Broadcom is building the ICs that are going into set-tops with separable security that Motorola is planning to introduce early in 2007, and boxes with built-in multimedia networking Motorola has slated for introduction later in the year.
Motorola said it may source silicon from other vendors as well.
“Converging networking and media processing technologies are driving the demand for innovative new solutions that allow consumers to manage and control many different devices in their digital home network,” said Lewis Brewster, Conexant chief operating officer, and executive vice president and general manager of the company’s Broadband Media Processing business.