Pace launches new low-cost set-top box solution for APac

Pace Micro Technology, the world's largest dedicated developer of digital
set-top boxes, has unveiled its low-cost set-top box solution, tailor made for
Asia Pacific broadcasters - the Dx235. It is a flexible platform, available on
cable (DC235), satellite (DS235) and terrestrial (DT235) variants.

Each is based on Pace's common hardware design, onto which separate cable
and satellite front-ends, operator specific software and applications can be
added. This concept is ideal for digital TV broadcasters and operators who are
seeking a cost-effective, yet proven and rapid route to market.

Utilizing MPEG-2 decoding technology, the Dx235 range builds on Pace's
significant experience in digital TV to enable operators to offer superb audio
and visual quality in an easy-to-use format. The Dx235 can be 'self-installed'
by the end-consumer in minutes. Once plugged in to the TV, this clever set-top
box automatically scans for all available channels, making it ready for use
immediately. This is especially helpful for new operators entering the market as
it removes providing a home installation service can be yet another costly
barrier to launching an IPTV offering.

Despite being low-cost, the Dx235 boasts a range of features to meet most
consumers' needs, including a multi-lingual electronic program guide (EPG) and
RCA phono outputs to enable hi-fi system and AV amplifier connectivity, for easy
integration into a home audio or theater system.

Operators will also benefit from Pace's wide ranging relationships with all
of the world's major conditional access (CA) providers, including Conax,
Irdeto, Mediaguard, NDS, Nagravision and Viaccess.

Sandy Barblett, Asia Pacific Regional Director for Pace Micro Technology
commented, "At Pace, we are expanding our Asia Pacific product range,
putting Pace expertise into a new generation of low-cost set-top boxes.
Operators and broadcasters will get the best of both worlds-Pace's
comprehensive digital expertise at a price that makes launching digital more
attractive than it has ever been before."

Operators today want to come to market with a set-top box that delivers the
services their customers want at a price that encourages rapid take-up. Once
those customers are on board, Pace's global expertise comes into play again.
This is because the company can work on higher specification platforms such as
personal video recorders (PVR) to extend their services and grow operators'
revenue.

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