The world of IPTV has rapidly evolved in its relatively short history - from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4, SD to HD - and a host of other standards and features to support the delivery of TV services over managed broadband networks. With HD capability becoming a requirement of many new deployments worldwide, the A140 allows service providers to deliver a high performing HD STB, based on the latest generation STi7105 system-on-chip (SoC), but at a cost effective price point and without having to deploy an over-featured STB.
High Definition
Flat-panel TVs have also rapidly evolved in recent years from standard definition to HD Ready and now Full HD. The A140 can decode resolutions up to 1080i 60Hz but is also able to de-interlace content and display it progressively - such as de-interlacing 1080i to 1080p - to deliver the picture quality your customers expect on their high-end LCD and Plasma TVs.
Advanced Codec Support
The support of low bitrate advanced video codecs provides operators with the opportunity to grow revenue generating services, while maximising the efficient use of network bandwidth, creating the ability to: Reach a greater number of subscribers; Increase the number of interactive and multicast channels; Enhance viewing experience with HD channels
Unique
The A140 is a very compact STB, but is able to deliver high performance, along with the required connectivity including; analogue AV, HDMI, USB & S/PDIF. The unique Amino styling sits elegantly with any latest top-specification AV equipment in the living room.
Extensive Ecosystem Support
The A140 is supported by an extensive ecosystem of middleware, browser, conditional access and DRM options required for the widely varying configurations of the IPTV market.
Comprehensive Design Tools and Support
Amino software technology is based on open standards such as Linux and HTML. Application developers for the A140 benefit from the Amino JMACX system which enables full control of the STB functions from the browser. JMACX provides the service operator with a powerful set of HTML and JavaScript extensions which allow simple and highly effective user interface designs to be created or ported. For increased flexibility in creating custom applications ADKs and SDKs are also available.
Software Updates and Maintenance
The A140 holds a complete software image in on-board flash memory, and is also designed to support secure bootstrap from a multicast server. At any time, a deployed A140 can be upgraded with a new software image via the secure multicast server. The multicast approach ensures that very large numbers of deployed set-top boxes can be upgraded without placing an individual load on the server or the network. For security, software images can be signed with keys unique to each deployment.