Sirius Backseat TV and Sirius Satellite Radio ICs

STMicroelectronics (ST) is providing the digital broadcasting chipset for SIRIUS Backseat TV, a TV service that delivers live TV directly to vehicles, that will be launched this year. The SIRIUS Backseat TV digital AV (audio and video) signal is broadcast over the same frequency spectrum allocation as Sirius radio. SIRIUS TV channels can be received via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver. All SIRIUS Backseat TV receivers can also receive SIRIUS satellite radio service.

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while, at the same time, front-seat occupants can listen to Sirius Satellite Radio (Sirius Sat Radio). The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit in the front-seat area.

SIRIUS in-vehicle satellite video receiver is based on three ST chips: the STA210 RF tuner IC; the STA240 channel, service and source decoder IC; and the STA264 advanced hierarchical demodulator chip. The core of the in-vehicle satellite video receiver is is manufactured by Delphi.

STMicroelectronics’ STA210, STA240, STA264 ICs for SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Backseat TV Receiver

How Sirius Satellite Radio receiver works?
Sirius receiver is based on an ST’s chip, the STA240 baseband processor. The STA240 itself is based on ARM7TDMI core to handle security and subscription mechanisms and ARM946E-S to handle audio decoding and control functions. Every baseband processor has a burned unique Sirius ID (serial number), an essential part of the subscription mechanism. Sirius receiver tuner also employ ST product, the STA210. The receiver receives the incoming 2.3 GHz satellite (Sirius Sat Radio) and terrestrial signals, then mix them to get 75 MHz IF signals. This IF signals are fed to the STA240, which are digitized, demodulated, error-corrected, de-interleaved, and decrypted using specialized circuits on the chip. The baseband processor utilizes a 16 MB SDRAM memory to buffer four seconds of one of the satellite signals in order to bring it into time coincidence with the other for Maximal-ratio combining. On newer receivers that let you pause live radio, a dual-port PSRAM is employed to store up to 44 minutes of the selected channel. The baseband processor outputs digital audio over an I²S interface, which is fed to a D/A converter to produce the analog audio signal. The front-end of a Sirius receiver is called the head unit, a user interface, displaying the channel, artist, category, and song name. This is implemented by the third-party designers of Sirius-ready receivers, using a microprocessor of their choice. The head unit and baseband processor communicate  using Sirius Standard Protocol via an RS-232 interface. (source: wikipedia.org)

ST has been at the forefront of digital broadcast radio technology for more than ten years and is now the world's leading supplier of the microchip components that power the digital radio receivers made by leading consumer and automotive radio manufacturers. Specifically in the US digital satellite radio market, ST is also the chip supplier for XM Radio receivers, in addition to SIRIUS digital satellite radios.

About Sirius Backseat TV

Sirius Backseat TV is a TV service that delivers live TV from the best family TV networks to the video screens of select vehicles equipped with a SIRIUS Backseat TV receiver. The Sirius Backseat TV receiver is the only receiver capable of receiving the SIRIUS Backseat TV service. In addition, all Sirius Backseat TV receivers can receive Sirius satellite radio service.

Sirius Backseat TV will initially be available in the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. This factory-installed option will include the SIRIUS Backseat TV receiver and one year subscriptions to SIRIUS Backseat TV and SIRIUS Satellite Radio services. An after-market version of the SIRIUS Backseat TV receiver is expected to become available through our retail partners this summer.

Three channels of family programming from the most popular and most trusted brands – Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Jimmy Neutron, Disney Channel’s Cory in the House and Hannah Montana, and Cartoon Network’s Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and Dexter’s Laboratory.

More info: STMicroelectronics’s Digital Broadcasting Chipset in Sirius Backseat TV Receiver

Related news May 22, 2007:

Sirius Satellite Radio Select Nexperia PNX9520 Processor for Sirius Backseat TV

NXP announced that Sirius Satellite Radio has selected its Nexperia PNX9520 processor for Sirius Backseat TV, a TV service for vehicles. The PNX9520 multimedia processor from NXP has been designed into a system from Delphi Corporation.

James E. Meyer, SIRIUS, said:

SIRIUS is dedicated to delivering the best in-vehicle entertainment available anywhere. With its multimedia processor, NXP is enabling us to deliver a high-quality experience - in terms of both video and audio - to make our new SIRIUS Backseat TV the Best TV in the Backseat…

Kurt Sievers, NXP Semiconductors, said:

NXP is excited to be working with Sirius, a pioneer in in-car video services, with its new Sirius Backseat TV…

The PNX9520 multimedia processor makes the most of proven Nexperia technology from NXP - bringing the rich sensory experiences that consumers are accustomed to at home to the car…

The Nexperia PNX9520 processor enables high quality picture through a highly efficient video decoding, graphics acceleration and advanced post-processing features. PNX9520 is specifically designed for in-car entertainment, offering the ability to implement the latest video and audio codecs as they become available.

More info: www.nxp.com.

Related news: April 2, 2007:

Delphi’ Satellite Radio Receiver for Sirius Backseat TV

Delphi Corporation announced the company will provide the satellite radio receiver technology  to enable the Sirius Backseat TV (from Sirius Sat Radio ) in Chrysler’s vehicle lineup in the 2008 model.

The satellite radio receiver for Sirius Backseat TV  is the next wave of entertainment coming into the vehicle. Using the same spectrum allocation as satellite radio, a digital video and audio signal is sent to the vehicle, providing three channels of family-oriented TV programming.

Ken Erickson, Delphi, said:

We’re proud to be working with Chrysler Group to help usher in the next phase of in-car entertainment…

With this video technology, passengers will be able to bring new entertainment content directly into their vehicle. They won’t have to watch and carry around the same DVDs anymore…

Delphi helped revolutionize the satellite radio business in 2002 when it introduced the first OEM-installed satellite radio receiver. Delphi has produced an industry-leading 13 million units since production began on the technology five years ago.

Source: www.delphi.com.

Related news, Mar 29, 2007:

Sirius Backseat TV for New 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans - Sirius Sat Radio

Live TV programming from family entertainment Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network will be available through Sirius Backseat TV in select 2008 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

Sirius Satellite Radio announced that Chrysler Group will be the exclusive auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its vehicle, beginning with the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country  minivans. Three channels of live, family TV programming from Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network delivered directly to the vehicle.

About SIRIUS
Sirius Sat Radio (SIRIUS Satellite Radio) delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS Satellite Radio also delivers 65 channels of news, sports, talk, traffic, entertainment, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NBA, NASCAR, NHL and NFL.

Sirius Internet Radio (SIR) is a CD-quality, Internet version of the SIRIUS radio service via PC or mobile devices. SIRIUS Internet Radio delivers more than 75 channels of entertainment, talk, music and sports.

Frank Klegon, Chrysler Group, said:

Chrysler Group is committed to offering innovative technologies that are right for our customers…

… SIRIUS Backseat TV makes its world debut in Chrysler Group’s all-new 2008 minivans, combining with innovative features that include a dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, and our unique Swivel ‘n Go seat system, offering more options for families on the go. No one else in the marketplace offers their customers this combination of innovative technology.

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to Sirius Satellite Radio (Sirius Sat Radio). The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen(s). 

George Murphy, Senior Vice President:

The offering from SIRIUS sat radio adds to the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan’s long list of leading amenities for today’s busy families…

…Along with a dual DVD system that plays different media at the same time, pinpoint LED lighting to read by, a table to play games or finish homework, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, power-sliding doors and liftgate, YES Essentials cloth seats, Swivel ‘n Go seating and our exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, Chrysler Group’s minivans offer something every member of the family will enjoy during their journey.

Price of SIRIUS Backseat TV is $470 (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price - MSRP), including the first year of service, when packaged with Chrysler. After the first year, SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for $7 per month when packaged with SIRIUS Satellite Radio ($12.95 per month).

Source: SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Sirius Sat Radio)

Related news June 2, 2006:

Agere Chips for SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Agere Systems will provide its advanced SoC chips to manufacturers of SIRIUS satellite radio. SIRIUS products that will use New Agere chips will be used in some SIRIUS products,  including satellite radio receivers used in automotive, portable,  navigation, and  home applications. The new Agere’s chip set features offers lower power consumption, improved audio performance, better integration and and size reduction.

Denis Regimbal, Agere Systems Mobility Division:

Agere appreciates the opportunity to continue as a valued silicon supplier for SIRIUS, which has made the vision of satellite radio an everyday, widespread, and rapidly growing consumer reality in North America…

SIRIUS provides premium content and innovative services; Agere¡¯s technology delivers the features, low power, and quality to help make those benefits a reality for consumers…

Jim Meyer, SIRIUS, said:

Demand for SIRIUS products and programming is growing rapidly…

Agere continues to be a valued supplier, as we introduce new and innovative features in our next generation products that, we believe, will attract additional subscribers…

SIRIUS currently has more than 4 million subscribers and expects to surpass 6.2 million subscribers by the end of 2006.

Agere is going to deliver its receiver chips for SIRIUS satellite radio in 2007.

More info: www.agere.com.

Summarized from many sources, Embedded System 2007