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STMicroelectronics and HDIC establish China JV for Digital TV Software | | |
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Geneva, October 12, 2004 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers and the largest vendor of ICs for digital Set-Top Boxes (STBs)1 and integrated Digital Television (iDTV) today announced it has signed an agreement to form a joint venture with HDIC, a company of the prestigious Shanghai Jiaotong University that develops technologies for digital TV. The joint venture, 65% owned by ST, will initially consist of about 20 people, and will be based in Shanghai, China. HDIC will contribute its existing MBT System Technology of TV Middleware for the Chinese market, which it has been developing for many years, as well as head-end software for TV operators. Under the direction of CTO Dr. Hongtao Liao, the joint venture will develop, market, and sell middleware software for digital TV and STB for both the Chinese and worldwide markets. Dr. Liao, who spent many years in Europe in charge of various technology developments before relocating to China, is a leading expert in DTV (Digital TV) software . Although primarily focused on the Chinese DTV market, the JV will also develop non-Chinese versions of middleware, such as OCAP (Open Cable Access Platform) for the US market and MHP (Multimedia Home Platform) for European markets. "This is a significant agreement both for ST and HDIC," said Jean-Yves Gomez, General Manager of ST's TV Division. "We believe that the combination of ST's top position in digital entertainment and HDIC's leadership position in Chinese DTV technology will allow ST to expand its influential position in Digital Consumer and, in particular, in the booming Chinese market." "HDIC has developed, over many years, broad expertise in the research and development of DTV technology. We are delighted to establish this cooperation with ST, a world-renowned company in the DTV industry, so that we may work together to bring new and varied solutions to the DTV market," said Sun Jun, General Manager of HDIC. Subject to applicable regulatory approvals, the JV should start operations by end 2004.  About HDIC Shanghai High Definition Digital Innovation Ltd is a leading design house of DTV broadcasting and consumer electronic solutions. The company has spent more than 10 years in DTV research and development. Its flagship Java-based DTV MBT middleware solution offers hardware-independence, openness and flexibility to its interactive customers. About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. 1 Source: IDC, September 2004 At HDIC: Wang Yao Public Relations Manager Tel: +86 215426 3082 ext 8105 E-mail: yaowang@cdtv.org.cn |
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