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To: Stoctrash who wrote (28257)	1/19/1998 10:24:00 PM
From: BillyG	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 50808

Philips just lowered the cost and raised the picture/audio quality (under poor signal conditions)of satellite receivers and settops......... Philips Semiconductors Achieves Major Breakthrough in Zero-IF Satellite Receiver Design with Launch of New Down-Converter IC SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 1998--Philips Semiconductors today announced a major technological breakthrough in digital satellite broadcast receivers with the launch of the world's first 'Zero-IF' QPSK down-converter IC. The new IC, TDA8060, completely eliminates any need for intermediate frequency (IF) stages and reduces design costs and complexity by enabling receivers for DVB and DBS broadcast systems world-wide to be implemented with only three low-cost integrated circuits instead of the five or more ICs currently being used. "In terms of reduced manufacturing costs, the TDA8060 not only lowers the component count of set-top boxes, it also eliminates all of the circuit alignment problems associated with IF stages," said Philippe Hermant, product marketing manager, Philips Semiconductors. "In fact, the overall saving in manufacturing costs can be as high as 30%." In addition to reducing equipment size and cost, the TDA8060's unique Zero-IF feature provides set-top boxes with a number of significant performance advantages. Because there are no intermediate frequencies involved, there is no possibility of interference with other signals in the receiver. The result is a reduction in the number of errors that occur in the MPEG digital video and audio information extracted from the broadcast signal, particularly under poor signal conditions, thus providing the viewer with the added benefit of better picture and sound quality. The absence of IF signals in a TDA8060-based receiver also makes it easier for set-top box manufacturers to meet the stringent EMC requirements that apply in many parts of the world. IF frequencies are a common source of radiated interference that can adversely affect nearby equipment such as telephones, radios and TV sets, requiring conventional receivers to incorporate 'tin-box' screening around their IF stages. The Zero-IF TDA8060 simplifies screening requirements considerably, further reducing manufacturing cost and complexity. The TDA8060 covers all the frequency bands in use throughout the world for both digital video broadcasting and direct broadcast satellite systems, allowing manufacturers to produce a single printed circuit board design that can be customized to any of the existing digital satellite broadcast standards. It is also compatible with the SMA-TV standard that is currently emerging in the USA. Fabricated in the company's advanced QUBIC BiCMOS process, the TDA8060 is a significant advance in the extension of Zero-IF principles to RF frequencies in the 950 MHz to 2200 MHz range. The TDA8060 is supplied in a space-saving 24-lead SSOP surface-mount package and costs approximately US$2 in high volume quantities. The IC is manufactured in Philips Semiconductors' facility in Caen, France, where it was also designed. Philips Semiconductors, Inc., a subsidiary of Philips Electronics North America and an affiliate of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by regional customer applications labs. Additional information on Philips Semiconductors can be found on the home page at www.semiconductors.philips.com or by calling 1-800-447-1500 ext. 1497. Note to Editors: For inquiry handling, please quote "TDA8060 Zero-IF Down-converter." Please send your publication's reader inquiries to: Philips Semiconductors, Harte-Hanks Response Management Center, 2800 Wells Branch Parkway Austin Texas, 78728 CONTACT: Philips Semiconductors Jodi Guilbault, 408/991-2332 Jodi.Guilbault@sv.sc.philips.com or Miller/Shandwick Technologies Richard Cline, 650/962-9550 rcline@miller.shandwick.com

To: Stoctrash who wrote (28257)	1/19/1998 10:39:00 PM
From: CPAMarty	Respond to of 50808

Satellite groups plan sell-off - paper zdii.com January 18, 1998 7:31pm Reuters LONDON, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Satellite operator giants Inmarsat and Eutelsat are planning to abandon a co-operative ownership and become private companies ahead of possible multi-billion dollar flotations next year, the Financial Times reported on Monday. The newspaper said the businesses could be valued at more than $3.0 billion and a flotation would offer rich rewards to shareholders such as British Telecommunications Plc <BT.L> and America's Comsat Corp <CQ.N>. BT has a 22 percent stake in Eutelsat and an eight percent stake in Inmarsat. Comsat holds a 23 percent stake in Inmarsat. A float would allow the companies to raise funds for expansion plans for satellite coverage, raise debt and bring in other shareholders. ((London newsroom, +44 171 542-7987 fax +44 171 583-3769, uk.equities.news@reuters.com)) Source: Reuters