Broadcom adds Sling tech to SoC

The Sling Media SDK is to be integrated into Broadcom’s set-top box system-on-a-chip platforms. It means the placeshifting technology will be made available to manufacturers of STBs and other consumer electronics devices outside that of Sling’s owners EchoStar.

It is anticipated that Broadcom-powered boxes with Sling Media software will be available by the third quarter of 2012. Subscribers will have the ability to watch any content available on the STB a wide range of portable devices with full authentication.

“It’s clear that consumers expect a wide array of television viewing options on their favorite wireless devices, and EchoStar’s Sling Media technology solution is the gold standard for placeshifting,” said Dan Marotta, executive vice president and general manager, Broadcom. “SlingLoaded support on our high performance set-top box solutions paves the way for exciting new mobile entertainment experiences.”

The two companies are building on the recent trend that has seen the launch of a variety of ‘Go’ style services by operators on both sides of the Atlantic. The curve has been pushed by the consumer enthusiasm for smartphones and tablets.

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