Walt,
I think the Internet capable chip announcement is the main reason.
ESS has done a nice job put their modem and video technology together in this product offering. It seems the best solution for this application.
Please see
biz.yahoo.com
ESS Technology, Inc. Introduces ES4228 Chip for
User-Friendly Internet Set-Top Solution
FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- ESS Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: ESST - news) today announced the immediate
availability of its new ES4228 processor for user-friendly Internet Set-Top use. A simple and easy-to-use Web Browser
software and E-mail application allows the user to access the Internet using an Internet Service Provider (ISP) of their choice.
The system connects with TVs instead of computers for Web browsing, E-mail exchange and E-Commerce applications.
ESS Internet Set-Top systems architecture maximizes the in-house video and modem technologies with optimized Web
Browser software and provides a complete solution to system manufacturers. The ES4228 chip set, which includes the ES4227
video companion chips, the ES2890 V.90 56k modem DSP, and the ES2818 modem AFE, comes bundled with internet
browser, E-mail and set-top control software. The ES4228 Internet set-top design solution can display Web pages on a
conventional TV with clarity, sharpness and speed, thanks to a proprietary anti-flicker filter. An IR remote control unit is used
as an input device for browsing the Web pages, and an on-screen keyboard enables the user to input text. An optional full-sized
IR remote keyboard is offered for easier text input.
''This Internet solution from ESS allows consumers to access Web content in a living room environment,'' stated Johnston
Chen, Vice President of Consumer Products at ESS. ''We are excited to offer this user-friendly and cost-effective solution to
enhance television viewing with interactive functions.''
The ESS Internet Set-Top solution is offered in multiple configurations such as a stand-alone Web Browser System, a Web
Browser with Video CD player, a Web Browser with Super Video CD player, or a Web Browser with a DVD player. The
ES4228 reference design, complete with evaluation hardware and design documentation, is available immediately.
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