StarTimes, a key player in the pay-tv business in China, recently selected Entropic (News - Alert)'s EN5288 Channel Stacking Switch Outdoor Unit solution for use with their direct broadcast satellite service deployments in Africa.

This partnership with StarTimes will enable operators in Africa to more efficiently and affordably provide advanced TV services to multi-tuner DVRs throughout the home.

With Entropic's EN5288 for Low Noise Block converters and Multi-switch solutions for multi-dwelling units, StarTimes will be able to help DBS operators reduce satellite installation costs incurred while deploying expensive digital video recorder set-top devices.

Entropic's EN5288 CSS (News - Alert) ODU solution also will enable StarTimes to create an end-to-end single-cable run satellite solution from their LNB and Multi-switch products to their set-top devices.

This architecture will further reduce operators' cost and cabling complexity by sending multiple video streams from different satellites into and around the home, over the single-cable feed.

Operators will also be allowed to deploy three-tuner DVRs in multiple rooms by using the existing single-cable run from the LNB or Multi-switch.

"Entropic's CSS technology enables the delivery of multiple video streams from individual or multiple satellites into the home over a single-cable," said Mr. Jianqiang Wang, project manager, StarTimes. "This single-cable architecture enabled by Entropic's EN5288 solution provides for a fast, cost-effective installation that virtually eliminates retrofitting and the need to rewire rooms.”