MaxLinear Inc the largest provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications announced the selection of its MxL201RF ultra-low power silicon tuner by Netgem, Paris. MxL201RF will be used by Netgem, Europe's largest provider of connected entertainment technology, in many of its key hybrid set-top box (STB) designs.

Netgem had announced partnerships with operators in Europe and Australia for terrestrial, cable and IPTV (News - Alert) services in the month of June. Netgem's STB will be utilized as part of these operators' offerings for combining content traditionally provided through terrestrial and cable TV services along with premium and interactive content through broadband access. MaxLinear's MxL201RF tuner will be integrated into the STBs that Netgem will be offering to these customers.

MaxLinear's MxL201RF digital cable and terrestrial tuner measures only 5mm x 5mm in a 32-pin QFN package, it offers a small, flexible and cost effective front end for cable and terrestrial STBs.

In a release, Kishore Seendripu the CEO of MaxLinear said, "These new STBs are noteworthy to consumers because they blend over the top content with terrestrial and cable content in a seamless manner. This is another great example of the value and flexibility of MxL201RF. Netgem is a leader in the market and we're thrilled to work with the company on these applications and look forward to future collaborations."

MaxLinear's MxL201RF consumes only 400mW of power, resulting in building a four-tuner system with the power budget of only one competing device. The smallest tuner footprint which enables designers in implementing ultra compact front-end solutions is offered by the MxL201RF. Compliance with the European Union Code of Conduct and U.S. Energy Star standards in both standby and operating modes is enabled by the low power properties of the MxL201RF tuner.

In a release, Christophe Aulnette, the managing director of Netgem said, "Netgem takes pride in its ability to provide a great consumer experience through middleware that provides a single interface for entertainment, regardless of whether the source is IPTV, cable or terrestrial signals. We like working with MaxLinear because they are a partner that is committed to that same level of innovation and product excellence as Netgem."