First ever DVB-H H.264 mobile PVR device on show at IBC

09/09/2005 Pace demonstrates latest DVB-H technology for live TV on the move

Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE:PIC), the leading dedicated innovator of technology solutions for the payTV industry, is revolutionising the way we watch TV with the launch of the world’s first DVB-H H.264 mobile personal video recorder (PVR) – the PDH400.

Pace’s PDH400 product innovation successfully integrates the new DVB-H standard into its existing mobile PVR device – the PVR2GO – enabling live digital content to be watched and enjoyed by the subscriber on the move – wherever they are, whenever they want.

Utilising advanced H.264 video compression technology PDH400 comes with superb quality graphics and sound, delivered in a modern, user-friendly package that makes this cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone.

Peter Simpson, Chief Technologist at Pace Micro commented: “The key element behind the thinking and design of the PDH400 is that it should work as an extension of the payTV experience – providing a product that can be used and enjoyed by anyone in the family.

“This is what makes PDH400 special as it incorporates cutting edge technologies, which are at the forefront of DVB-H developments, and moulds them into a product that is simple and intuitive for any consumer to use.”

As well as enabling live TV content on the move, PDH400 also works as a personal video recorder (PVR) and comes with a maximum hard drive capacity of 40Gb, which can store in excess of 200 hours of programming. Streaming H.264 from a solid state memory SD-card is also supported.

With a 4.3” (11cm) colour widescreen display, the PDH400 works beautifully as a shared experience for viewers.

To develop the PDH400 product concept, Pace has been working with two of the leading technology providers in the industry – Sony SES (Semiconductor & Electronic Solutions Europe) and Broadcom. Through this collaboration, PDH400 comes with the latest developments in DVB-H technology from Sony SES and multimedia silicon from Broadcom together with Pace’s leading design and PVR expertise.

Pace is also working with NDS to integrate NDS mVideoGuardTM DVB-H CA and an ESG (electronic service guide) into the PDH400.

Mark Hopgood, head of DTV marketing, at Sony SES, commented: "We are delighted to support Pace with our DVB-H technology. With the huge market potential of mobile DTV just around the corner Sony SES continues to collaborate with its customers through field trial to eventual commercial launch."

Chris Cytera, Product Marketing Manager at Broadcom added: "We are delighted that Pace has chosen our market-leading mobile H.264 solution for its new PDH400 product. Available now, the BCM2702 offers high-performance decoding for H.264, WMV9 and a whole range of audio and video codecs. Combining programmability with best-in-class power consumption, it is the ideal choice for DVB-H, T-DMB or any other mobile TV standard".

The PDH400 is being demonstrated on the Pace stand (Hall 1, Stand 221) and also on the NDS stand (Hall 1 Stand 171) where it will be receiving a live DVB-H stream.