Advanced Television

Aston’s MAYA HD satellite receiver using STB technology from STMicroelectronics

March 14, 2013

After showing the first prototype during the CSTB 2013 show in Moscow, Aston announces the availability on the MENA market of its MAYA HD PVR satellite receiver. The new MAYA HD PVR Satellite receiver is built around the latest-generation HD H.264 STiH237 (Cardiff) decoder chipset from STMicroelectronics, a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a top global supplier of set-top box (STB) ICs. The MAYA HD receiver offers a cost-effective solution that meets Aston’s exacting quality standards. The platform is compliant with all off-the-shelf conditional access systems, including Viaccess and Conax.

Reflecting  most challenging quality standards

Drawing on 25 years’ experience in satellite receivers and leveraging the optimized design developed by STMicroelectronics, the new platform from Aston integrates the highest quality standards in terms of technical specifications and choice of components. High-quality hardware design, combined with Aston’s deep software-development expertise, offers customers the fluidity and reliability they have come to expect from the brand.

 Cost-effective solution

The MAYA HD features an optimized design that delivers exceptional value for money. All mechanical and electronic components have been totally optimized through a unique approach that makes no concessions on quality and reliability.

Sleek, elegant design

In keeping with Aston’s reputation for exclusive trend-setting industrial design, the innovative, compact and exceptionally sleek MAYA HD device sets new standards in the satellite-receiver market.

As the heart of the MAYA HD, the STiH237 decoder is manufactured in ST’s low-power system-on-chip process technology that enables the integration of a high-performance satellite receiver and all of the features to support personal video recording and Over-the-Top video services. The STiH237 supports the full range of HD broadcast and multimedia codecs, hybrid and IP standards, the latest security and content protection standards, and important middleware stacks from the leading providers.

Meeting the latest low-power objectives, ST’s decoder also delivers outstanding “green” features such as the latest generation of energy-efficient Ethernet and a 0.5W stand-by mode with fast-resume capability.

Aston’s new line of satellite receivers, built on ST’s HD set-top box decoder technology, offers alternative innovative and exceptionally robust solutions with proven capabilities for the fast-expanding markets of Middle-East and North Africa, where cost-effectiveness combined with high-level security features are winning factors. The MAYA HD product line reflects Aston’s commitment to growing its presence in the global satellite receiver market.

The close collaboration between Aston and STMicroelectronics, which enabled the development of the latest-generation platform in less than three months, illustrates Aston’s ability to combine technological prowess with cost-effectiveness without compromising on reliability or market differentiation. This will result in the rollout of an entirely new range of high-definition satellite receivers by summer 2013, underscoring Aston’s goal of expanding its international footprint and developing innovative product design methods to better meet target-market expectations.

“Aston leveraged its long-standing partnership with STMicroelectronics to cooperatively develop an innovative new platform for widespread deployment in record time. STMicroelectronics has successfully integrated our exacting technology standards and tailored its solution to meet our needs. We are extremely satisfied with the outcome of this collaboration,” said Stéphane Nitenberg, CEO of Aston.

Categories: Press Releases, PVR, STB