Thomson's flexible Intel® architecture-based design enables customers to future-proof their set top boxes by supporting multiple current and emerging software-based video CODECs including MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, Windows Media 9 Series and MPEG-4 Part 10 (JVT). These technologies make it possible for telephone companies to deliver a menu of video and audio entertainment to wider audiences of consumers over existing DSL networks, without replacing existing infrastructure.

According to Thomson, even service providers who are currently deploying Video-on-Demand (VoD) using MPEG-2 compression technology are selecting the Thomson IP1001/RCA IP1000 IP-digital set top box because they want a "future-proof" platform that can accommodate the ultimate deployment of advanced video compression technology without a truck roll. Other customers are using the platform to immediately implement advanced video compression deployment.

The Intel® architecture platform enabled Thomson to provide its customers with a choice of high-performance platforms, while bringing the product to market nine months ahead of other solutions.

"Intel stepped up to help us by providing the building blocks and board support package we needed to meet our cost and time-to-market targets. We were able to accelerate the availability of our advanced video compression solution by nine months." - Keith Wehmeyer, General Manager, Thomson* IP Video Business

After comparing Intel® silicon with solutions from other vendors, Thomson also came to the conclusion that the Intel� platform offered significant performance advantages. Thomson has validated its digital set-top box platforms with a range of processors enabling the platforms to scale across multiple performance requirements, applications and usage models. Available processors include the Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Intel® Celeron® processor at 733 MHz and the Low Voltage Intel® Pentium® III processor.

According to Thomson, even at the low end of the performance curve, the ULV Intel® Celeron® processor runs video compression CODECs at 60 percent CPU utilization, leaving ample processor cycles for decryption algorithms, middleware, browsers and user interfaces. At the high end of the curve, the Intel® Pentium® III processor, with its larger L2 cache, performs Windows Media 9 decode with 40 percent CPU utilization.