STMicroelectronics to use ARM’s chips in next-gen STB

The Cortex A9 MPCore processor and the Mali 400 Graphics Processor made by ARM will be used in the production of STMicroelectronics’ next generation of set top boxes and digital TV system-on-chip ICs.

ARM already provides STMicroelectronics with processor technology, but the difference with this latest deal is that the equipment is capable of processing high bandwidth broadband and broadcast content streamed directly into homes.

According to ARM, this is a great deal for the firm and is a clear demonstration of how the ARM equipment has become popular due to the growth of cortex processors and mail GPUs to be used in set-top-boxes and DTV equipment.

STMicroelectronics will begin using the Cortex A9 MPCore and Mali 400MP in set-top-boxes from mid 2010.