New Integrated Digital Cable-Ready TV Tuner Module

11-Oct-04

Microtune Inc. of Plano, Texas and Toshiba Corp.ís Toshiba Module Group have cooperated to develop a digital cable-ready TV tuner module that will be used in a number of high-definition televisions (HDTVs) Toshiba is unveiling. Based on Microtuneís MT2111 single-chip tuner, Toshibaís module is a ready-to-manufacture RF-to-video subsystem that complies with U.S. digital TV standards, including the DCR regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for digital cable-ready TVs. The module will be deployed in nine of Toshibaís new projection high-definition TVs expected be available in the U.S. beginning Fall 2004.Microtune's MT2111 offers the equivalent of four tuners (off-air NTSC analog, off-air ATSC digital, cable NTSC analog, and cable QAM digital) in a miniature single-chip fabricated of silicon germanium. The device integrates all active RF components, including a low noise amplifier (LNA) and intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier, in a 1/4 in. square package. This engineering marvel follows the trend for making HDTVs more affordable and reliable through integration.