Entropic EN5288. Photo: Entropic

[Via Satellite 03-12-2014] A major direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operator in the Middle East has deployed Microelectronics Technology’s (MTI) 4×4, quad Single Cable Router (SCR) DBS outdoor unit Low Noise Block (LNB) product based on Entropic’s third-generation Channel Stacking Switch (CSS) silicon, the EN5288. Developed to address the growing multi-tuner, multi-viewing location home, the new Quad SCR gives the operator a chance to offer more services and entertainment to its subscribers.

The Pay-TV market in the Arab World is expected to grow at a steady pace from 2014 to 2017, with subscriptions increasing to 19 million and total market revenues reaching $2.5 billion at the end of 2017. The EN5288-supported Quad SCR LNB will support four tuners in each home to extend the DBS operator’s ability to offer more services to more locations in the home. Emtropic’s CSS technology enables delivery of multiple video streams from satellites to homes over a single cable.

“Growth in multi-tuner and satellite bandwidth to support High Definition television is driving the need for Channel Stacking Switch solutions to be deployed in the Middle East by DBS operators,” said Eugene Wu, business head satellite and mobile division, MTI. “In working with Entropic, we were able to develop a LNB product that would significantly reduce both the cost and cabling complexity of DBS installations as it can seamlessly distribute satellite signals for four receivers where in non-CSS installations only one was supported.”