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Socionext the Japanese chip vendor has developed the world's first demodulator IC that is compatible with both ISDB-S3 Satellite Broadcasting and ITU-T J.183 Based Channel Bonding Technology for terrestrial ISDB-T and ISDB-C as in Cable networks. The chipsets are to accelerate the popularization of 4K and 8K broadcasting through satellite and cable, and are developed as part of the NHK backed Super HiVision programme.
The new SC1501A can receive both the direct signals from the satellites and the retransmission of satellite signals through cable systems (IF pass-through, transmodulation) for 4K and 8K broadcasting.
SC1501A and the Receiver System
SC1501A Chip Image
Socionext has also developed prototype receiver systems equipped with the SC1501A, one of which will be used in the experimental retransmission of Advanced Wide-Band Digital Satellite Broadcasting thorough the cable TV system, jointly conducted by Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), KDDI Corporation (KDDI), Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (J:COM), and Japan Digital Serve Corporation (JDS).
Prototype Receiver for ISDB-S3 Satellite Broadcasting & ITU-T J.183 Channel Bonding
Socionext is a leading provider of digital TV solutions based on its long-time expertise on video signal processing technologies. The company recently developed the world's first single-chip 8K HEVC video decoder.
In Japan, test broadcastings of 4K and 8K have started, and the full services are scheduled in 2018. Testing and prototyping is underway across the industry, aiming for the popularization of the broadcasting formats by 2020.
CEATEC also hosted the Sharp/NHK prototype 8K satellite receiver.
A digital receiver system that can handle various kinds of transmission schemes is essential to promote the wider use of 4K and 8K broadcasting. Socionext has developed SC1501A, a demodulator IC that is compatible both with the Advanced Wide-Band Satellite Broadcasting (ISDB-S3), and channel bonding technology based on ITU-T J.183. The chip is capable of receiving various form of signals including direct signals from the satellites, as well as retransmission through cables such as IF pass through and transmodulation. Equipment makers can utilize the SC1501A in combination with Socionext's codec and digital TV SoC products to easily develop receiver systems such as TVs, recorders, and set-top-boxes.
The experimental retransmission of Advanced Wide-Band Digital Satellite Broadcasting through the cable TV system will be jointly conducted by Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), KDDI Corporation (KDDI), Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (J:COM), and Japan Digital Serve Corporation (JDS). Socionext has developed a prototype of receiver equipped with the SC1501A, to be used in the cable retransmission experiment.
Outline of the Experimental Retransmission
In addition to the prototype receiver used for the experiment by the four companies, Socionext has developed another prototype designed only for direct satellite signal.
Prototype Receiver for ISDB-S3 Only
These two prototype receivers, for "ISDB-S3 (satellite) and ITU-T J.183-based channel bonding" and for "ISDB-S3-only", are to be used as the reference models for equipment makers, to help expand Socionext's visual systems businesses.