Entropic Debuts Multi-Band Ethernet-to-Coax Adapter Reference Design

Entropic (News - Alert), a fabless semiconductor company, announced that its first-ever multi-band Ethernet-to-Coax Adapter (ECA) reference design, based on the MoCA (Multimedia over Coax) standard, is capable of supporting new ‘virtual’ set-top functions being enabled on connected CE devices.

Recently more devices are acting as ‘virtual’ set-top boxes that stream high definition (HD) IP video over a home network from a digital video recorder (DVR)/Gateway (News - Alert) Server or directly from the Internet using an over-the-top (OTT) service such as Netflix, VUDU, Amazon, Cinema Now, ESPN3 or HBO GO. in addition any service providers are also coming up with new services that let consumers enjoy video content online over these devices.

In order to enable consumers to have superior experience, these devices should be integrated with the same robust, high speed MoCA connection being deployed in STBs and DVRs. Entropic’s multi-band ECA can be connected to the devices directly or through an adapter so that both IP and broadcast content can be watched over the available coax network.

Entropic explained that the multi-band MoCA adapter reference design is based on the EN2580, its own MoCA 1.1 silicon solution, which is fabricated in a 40nm advanced sub-micron process and integrates a baseband MAC/PHY, analog front-end and new RF transceiver technology. With MoCA enabled devices and Ethernet-to-Coax (ECB) bridges, one can experience multi-room DVR, superior on-line gaming, seamless delivery of video content from the Internet, easy PC to TV content sharing, multi-room gaming, Wi-Fi extension, place shifting and more. 

Officials with the company commented that maintaining operator-class quality of service with these 'virtual' set-top boxes is going to be challenging. The multi-band ECA eliminates many of the issues associated with streaming video content over in-home Wi-Fi networks, thus reducing the potential for service calls, lowering product returns and enhancing the user experience. Additionally, the multi-band ECA allows pay-TV subscribers to leverage the power of the service provider installed MoCA network as the best means for distributing premium live broadcast, recorded or OTT video content to their 'virtual' set-top box. 

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