8K tuner production samples ready for Olympics
November 14, 2017
By Chris Forrester
SiTune Corp, which specialises in semiconductor tuners for next-generation TV, says it now has production samples of its devices ready for 8K broadcasting. The tuners will be on show at InterBEE (November 15th – 17th) Makuhari Messe Convention Center, Tokyo.
Its model STN6528 can handle the new Advanced Wide Band Digital Satellite Broadcasting Standard ISDB-S3 (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting for Satellite, 3rd generation, ARIB STD-B44) needed for Japan’s Super HiVision 8K broadcasting system, which is being introduced next year in readiness for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
In addition to supporting Japan’s new 8K TV satellite standard, the STN6528 is two tuners in one as it supports the traditional ISDB-T / J.83 QAM terrestrial / cable service alongside ISDB-S BS / CS digital Full HD and 4K satellite broadcasts as well. SiTune says it is the only company to support both satellite and terrestrial / cable RF inputs while concurrently tuning both signals and providing both satellite and terrestrial / cable outputs at the same time.
California-headquartered SiTune’s statement says: “The STN6528 makes it possible for a television’s Time-Shift TV feature to support 8K content as well as legacy Full HD and 4K content. As host country of the 2020 Olympics, Japan’s broadcast industry is preparing transmission of 8K programming over satellite systems, driving demand of new 8K televisions. Additionally, Blu-ray recorders will also be equipped with 8K tuners giving customers simultaneous ability to record multiple 8K, 4K and Full HD videos on their recorders. A 3T/3S (3 Terrestrial and 3 Satellite) tuner module using the STN6528 lets consumers record multiple programs from their favourite broadcast TV channels over a 1 week rolling window, including 8K content, for viewing on new 8K TVs. Time-Shift TV plus the STN6528 allows consumers more time to watch their favourite TV shows without having to specifically record individual shows or a channel dedicated to 8K content.”
“SiTune’s STN6528 Tuner plus Socionext’s SC1501A Demodulator is the best solution for 8K TV designs in Japan,” said Kenichi Katada, Socionext Marketing Manager. “With the release of production samples, SiTune and Socionext are ready to support TV manufacturers, Blu-ray recorder makers, Set Top Boxes, and module producers as new products capable of receiving 8K satellite broadcast are designed and developed for production.”
SiTune says full production of the tuner will commence in Q2/2018.