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Nov. 13, 2003

UK-based Internet protocol (IP) set-top-box (STB) maker Amino announced that it uses Espial's Suite for TV in its range of Linux-based AmiNed STBs, including the incredibly small AmiNet100, a device smaller than its own remote control (pictured at left). Espial's software improves the "HTML-on-TV" experience, and sped up AmiNed device development times, according to Amino.

(Click for larger view of the tiny AmiNet100 STB)

Amino says its AmniNet STBs are intended for use in the consumer market, as well as in networked digital video systems found in hotels, schools, and hospitals. AmiNet supports both "walled-garden content" or full Web access, according to Amino. AmiNet STBs provide accurate rendering of Web content on televisions, and enable user interaction through a TV remote control, according to Amino.

IP (Internet Protocol) video deployments are growing rapidly in North America, Europe, and Asia, according to Amino. More than 17 million consumers worldwide subscribed to DSL last year. More than nine million DSL subscribers are predicted in Japan this year, increasing from five million last year. Telcos are commercially deploying video over IP via DSL today, as cable operators launch competing telephone services.

Amino's tiny, Linux-based AmiNet110 STB

What makes it go?

The AmiNet100 contains a Linux-based embedded computer board (shown below) that measures just 2.9 x 2.9 inches (75 x 75 mm) inside its small, anodized aluminium case. Amino lists the device's main features as follows:

Flexible memory options
Upgradeable Flash memory
10/100BaseT Ethernet
MPEG2 video decode with picture in graphics technology and alpha blending
VoD (RTSP video session control) with HTML and JavaScript Interfaces
Multicast (IGMP) with HTML and JavaScript Interfaces
MPEG1 & 2 MP@ML at up to 8 Mbps
HTML 4 Browser
Ability to include embedded CA systems including Irdeto Cyphercast
IR Remote Control (IR Keyboard option)
TV Output with Macrovision protection option
Flexible audio and video output: Composite, Stereo audio, 4:3 and 16:9 formats

Inside view showing AmiNet100's embedded computer

Amino offers six models in its AmiNet line, but all include Ethernet, a 350MIPS system processor, and full MPEG 2 demux and decode functionality, according to Amino. The devices all run Linux, along with various other open source software packages. Amino sells its AmiNet devices as finished products, but also licenses and customizes the AmiNet designs.

Amino AmiNet200 (left) and AmiNet600 (right)

Suite for TV

Espial's Suite for TV includes its Escape browser, through which users access TV menus and video playback functions. Espial natively supports the PowerPC processor used in the AmiNet devices, enabling them to supply Amino with an "out-of-the-box" solution.

Mike Greenall, Amino's marketing director, notes, "Espial technology was ported to our platform very quickly. Without Espial's platform support, this would have taken months."

"Amino's elegant low cost AmiNET range of STBs gives them a leading position in the market," said Dr. Neale Foster, director of TV at Espial. "One of the fastest growing segments of set-top box deployment is in the IP market. IP TV designs require a faithful and accurate Web experience due to the 'always on' broadband connection that is present. Previous generations may have tolerated a subset experience, but today's users demand more."

Amino, based in Swavesey UK, near Cambridge, was founded in 1997 and is privately held. It claims to be among the five fastest growing technology firms in the UK.

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