STMicroelectronics, a supplier of silicon chips for set-top boxes (STBs), announced March 22 a low-cost satellite STB receiver/decoder chip – the STI5188 – intended for high-volume free-to-air markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Europe.

This integrated device combines the functions of ST’s STV0288 DVB-S receiver and the STM5118 mass-market STB decoder to create a product that will enable the manufacture of digital receivers competing in cost with analog sets.

Engineering samples of the STI5188 have been shipped to key customers, with volume production planned to begin before the end of the second quarter, the company said.