Conexant Strengthens Set-Top Box Leadership Position With New Family Of High-Performance HDTV Video Decoders

Highly Integrated Single- and Dual-Channel Devices Enable Unsurpassed Performance for High-Definition PVR STBs

January 5, 2007

Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor solutions for broadband communications and the digital home, today introduced two new video decoders for personal video recording (PVR) enabled set-top boxes (STBs) used to receive high-definition television (HDTV) programming in worldwide networks. The highly integrated CX2427X is an advanced dual-channel video decoder that includes several features that enable unsurpassed performance including a powerful processor and next-generation memory technology. It is capable of decoding two HDTV programs simultaneously, and supporting PVR applications on up to two televisions. This eliminates the need for a dedicated STB receiver for each TV, enabling consumers to concurrently watch or record up to four different programs on TVs located in different rooms. The CX24500 is a single-channel video decoder that is targeted at mass market STB devices with PVR support. It shares a common core architecture with the CX2427X, providing manufacturers with a cross-platform software solution that allows them to cost-effectively address multiple market segments. "Our new video decoder family delivers unmatched performance, and provides manufacturers and operators with a cost-effective solution for single and dual-room HDTV receivers used in any type of broadcast network," said Lewis Brewster, executive vice president and general manager of Conexant's Broadband Media Processing business. "Consumers benefit as well, because the economies of scale that operators gain by leveraging a common platform allows them to deliver a wide range of HD and PVR-enabled set-top boxes at a much lower cost point than was previously possible." The CX2427X and CX24500 are the industry's highest performance dual- and single-video decoders, and are based on a powerful ARM(R) 1176 processor. To further boost performance, the devices include a double data rate memory (DDR2) interface with unified memory and an integrated level two (L2) cache. The devices have several integrated features that lower bill-of-material (BOM) costs, including three universal serial bus (USB) ports, integrated audio digital-to-analog converters (DACs), multiple video outputs including high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 1.3 with high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP) 1.2, and two Ethernet media access controllers (MACs) with a media independent interface (MII). This enables future expansion for networking technologies such as HomePlug(R) A/V, MoCA or 802.11 wireless networking. The new HDTV video decoder family also features hard drive connectivity via two serial advanced technology attachment (SATA-2) interfaces, including external attachment through eSATA-2 allowing cost-effective user upgrades. This high-speed, second-generation interface improves throughput performance, and is particularly important for PVR applications. In addition, an integrated V.92 hardware modem provides broadcasters with a high-performance and cost-effective solution for back-channel communication without the need for software modifications. The flexible, multi-format CX2427X and CX24500 support key video compression standards including MPEG-2, MPEG-4 advanced video coding (AVC)/H.264 and VC-1. These technologies significantly improve bandwidth utilization, which allows service providers to deliver more high-definition content using their existing infrastructure. Engineered to maximize design flexibility, the decoders also support a wide range of audio standards including aac, aacPlus(TM), Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus(R), and Microsoft's WMA Pro. The device also supports worldwide broadcast formats including NTSC, PAL, and SECAM, and multiple operating systems including Nucleus+, Linux(R) and Windows(R) CE. Additional features include the latest advanced security technologies which significantly improve the ability of broadcasters to protect their service against piracy. Service providers also have the ability to personalize individual STBs with unique serial numbers and encryption keys to ensure that the receivers will only function when deployed within their networks. Conexant offers a comprehensive suite of digital set-top components and system solutions for worldwide entertainment and broadcasting networks. The company's product offering includes silicon tuners, demodulators, MPEG audio and video decoders, and dial-up and DOCSIS modems. Availability, Packaging and Pricing The CX2427X and CX24500 are sampling now with volume production scheduled for the third calendar quarter of 2007. The CX2427X is packaged in 913-pin ball grid array (BGA), and is priced at $40.00 each in production quantities. The CX24500 is packaged in a 736-pin BGA and is priced at $30.00 each in volume quantities. Complete reference designs that help manufacturers reduce cost and speed time-to-market are also available, bundled with a range of operating systems, middleware, drivers and development tools. About Conexant Conexant's innovative semiconductor solutions are driving broadband communications and digital home networks worldwide. The company has leveraged its expertise and leadership position in modem technologies to enable more Internet connections than all of its competitors combined, and continues to develop highly integrated silicon solutions for broadband data and media processing networks. Key products include client-side xDSL and cable modem solutions, home network processors, broadcast video encoders and decoders, digital set-top box components and systems solutions, and dial-up modems. Conexant's suite of networking components includes a leadership portfolio of IEEE 802.11-compliant WLAN chipsets, software and reference designs, as well as solutions for applications based on HomePlug(R) and HomePNA(TM). The company also offers a complete line of asymmetric and symmetric DSL central office solutions, which are used by service providers worldwide to deliver broadband data, voice, and video over copper telephone lines. Conexant is a fabless semiconductor company with an annual revenue run-rate in excess of $1 billion. The company has approximately 3,200 employees worldwide, and is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. To learn more, please visit http://www.conexant.com.

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