TeraLogic Introduces Linux-Based DTV Reference Platform

By Jeff Michalski

(01/30/02, 11:17:16 AM EDT)

TeraLogic, Inc., the leading developer of integrated circuits, platforms, and software for digital television, today announced the Cougar-L Linux Digital TV Platform.Cougar-L is based upon TeraLogic's TL851 Universal Decoder and TL811 ``Gateway'' PVR Controller chips. The Cougar-L software API is compatible with the original Cougar system, which runs on the VxWorks operating system. TeraLogic will continue to support the Cougar API and multiple operating systems in future generations.

With Cougar-L, TeraLogic broadens the operating system options of its Cougar Platform to include Linux. Cougar, the most successful DTV platform ever launched, has been shipping to customers since 1999 with the VxWorks operating system. More than 250 Cougar Platforms have been shipped to date. Digital TV, set-top and PVR/DVR system manufacturers worldwide are using the Cougar platform for DTV software and system development.

Leading OEM and component manufacturers have cooperated with TeraLogic in developing the Cougar-L platform. Among these partners are Kenwood, PMC-Sierra (QED), SONY, Texas Instruments, and VividLogic. Numerous add-on options are available in addition to the following base feature set:

Hardware: - Pre-production style single board design with TL851 Universal Decoder

- Support for multiple Network Interface Modules allow PIP, PVR Watch and Record

- Built-in Hard Disk for PVR and data applications

- IEEE1394 support for networking consumer appliances including digital VCR

- Ethernet and USB for peripheral interconnect

- Built-in front side smart card reader for Conditional Access

Software:

- Linux kernel based on SGI sources

- Journaling file system for robust PVR applications

- Support for X Windows and TCP/IP networking stack

- Cougar Application software API

- Cross compiler and debugger for x86 hosted Linux development

- USB based keyboard and mouse support