Press Release... Pace Micro Technology / May 28, 2003

Pace to Bring High Definition TV Set-Top Boxes to National Show 2003
Company to Showcase Digital Cable Adapter
BOCA RATON, Fla., May 28, 2003 -- Pace Micro Technology Americas today announced its plans to showcase what it calls the world's first Digital Cable Adapter (DCA) along with its latest high-definition (HD) set-top technologies at the National Cable Telecommunications Association's (NCTA) upcoming National Show, scheduled for June 8 - 11, 2003, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

If cable operators can eliminate the carriage of analog signals on their networks they will dramatically increase their available bandwidth, which they can then use to offer new services and create new revenue paths. This idea of an "All Digital Cable Network" is not new, but is not yet reality. At the National Show, cable operators will be able to see the Pace DCA, the world's first ultra low-cost adapter that converts digital video signals for viewing on analog television sets that will make the "All Digital" dream a reality. Details will be revealed at a press conference during the National Show, on Monday, June 9 at noon in the Press Room at McCormick Place.
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In addition, recognizing HD as a powerful competitive differentiator for cable operators, Pace will also be demonstrating its HD set-tops in Pace booth #510 and in the show's HD Pavilion.

  • The Pace DC-550 HD, which is currently being deployed by Time Warner Cable and others. Pace is leading the industry with the most flexible, innovative, and cost-effective HD system for cable operators. Pace has achieved several firsts for the industry with the Pace DC-550 HD:

  • 260 MIPS processing power and 64 MB of memory -the Pace DC-550 HD has the ability to meet cable operators' application demands now and in the future.

  • The Pace DC-550 HD is the world's smallest HD set-top -- weighing in at less than four pounds and measuring only 12" x 9" x 2" - the Pace DC-550 HD easily fits into any home viewing environment and enables an efficient use of space in cable operator warehouses and trucks;

  • The first HD cable set-top with component video loop-through connectivity -- consumers can connect devices like DVDs and games consoles through the Pace DC-550 HD simplifying both installation and use;

  • The first HD cable set-top with both optical and electrical audio loop-through connectivity -- customers with high-end home theater systems will now get the most advanced audio capability;

  • The Pace DC-550 HD supports HD video scaling in program guides, and has dynamic management of output scan rate conversions and aspect ratios - supporting all formats of SD and HD content;

  • Zoom and stretch control of both SD and HD content -- allowing full user control of their viewing experience;

  • The Pace DC-550 HD is the most durable set-top ever built, using ABS Polycarbonate casing and a non-brittle thermoplastic rubber foot with a nylon-6 snap rivet, this set-top minimizes wear and tear and drastically reduces the operators' cost of refurbishment.

  • The first HD cable set-top to offer an IR Receive tether allowing the consumer to hide the set-top away in a cabinet and operate the set-top via a "remote eye";

  • The first and only Energy Star compliant HD set-top -- saving more than 20 percent in energy consumption;

  • The Pace DC-755 HD, this high definition digital cable set-top is Motorola two-way network compatible and has more than 300 MIPS processing power. The Pace DC-755 HD features an integrated DOCSIS 1.1 cable modem and DVI 1.0 with HDCP capability. This set-top will support VOD and other advanced applications through middleware. The Pace DC-755 HD has been developed with the future in mind, ensuring next generation applications and services, including OCAP, are supported.

    Additionally in booth #510, Pace will be demonstrating the Pace DC-510, which has been deployed by Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. The Pace DC-510 is the world's smallest standard definition digital cable set-top, with an industry-first single-chip solution. It is successfully integrated with the major video-on-demand (VOD) applications, including movies-on-demand, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), and free-on-demand (FOD) services; and has an integrated electronic program guide (EPG). The Pace DC-510's high reliability and low failure rate, along with its compliance with the Energy Star standards for energy efficiency, make it unique in the industry.

    "Set-top technology can evolve in different ways. Traditionally, people use set-tops to integrate technologies for enabling more advanced services, as we have done with the introduction of our latest HD set-tops. With the introduction of our DCA product, Pace is proving that set-tops can also be used to solve industry issues such as bandwidth management and spectrum usage. The Pace DCA is a very important first step toward an all digital cable network which is critical to the future of the industry," said David Novak, V.P. of marketing at Pace Micro Technology Americas.

    Pace Americas' President Neil Gaydon on Panel to discuss Set-Top Boxes
    With the set-top box becoming the corner stone for the digital transition and for high-definition television, Pace Americas' President Neil Gaydon has been asked to speak at the National Show as part of a panel of industry experts. The session will focus on the latest evolution of set-tops as well as what functionality will be included in the future. The panelists will discuss likely scenarios of implementation and change related to interoperability and portability of set-top boxes. Neil's presentation is Sunday, June 8 at 4pm CDT.


    Source: Pace Micro Technology
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