MILPITAS, CA--(Marketwire - Jan 4, 2012) - Sigma Designs, the world leader in connected media platforms, today announced a unique set-top box (STB) reference design with Quantenna's high performance 802.11n 4x4 MIMO technology that enables Sigma's STB to receive video wirelessly and still meet the strict requirements for quality, robustness and reliability service providers demand.

The new platform combines Quantenna's industry acclaimed 802.11n QHS710 solution with Sigma's highly integrated 8652 connected media platform technology. This joint design will provide the best-in-class wireless and media processor combination on the market.

"By adding Quantenna's highly reliable Wi-Fi video delivery to our portfolio, we now can provide our customers with the most complete connectivity solution in the industry," said Thinh Tran, CEO and chairman at Sigma Designs. "The addition of Wi-Fi to our G.hn, HomePNA and HomePlug AV solutions, allows us to offer operator flexibility whether wireless or wireline networking is required."

Quantenna has developed its 4x4 MIMO technology to meet the stringent requirements of highly reliable media-based applications like IPTV and whole-home video distribution. Quantenna's family of Full-11n™ chipsets uses the company's cost-optimized, third-generation QHS710 chipset to deliver up to 600 Mbps of bandwidth.

"Our partnership with Sigma is another significant step to accelerate the adoption of our industry leading MIMO technology for whole-home multimedia entertainment," says Dr. Sam Heidari, chief executive officer for Quantenna. "This new reference design with Sigma demonstrates how two industry leaders can bring unparalleled performance and value to OEM partners and service providers for next generation set-top box designs."

The award-winning SMP8652 media processor from Sigma Designs integrates a complete suite of next-generation capabilities for a single-chip SoC solution with powerful multimedia processing, robust content security system, multiple on-chip CPUs, and a full complement of system peripherals. Its combination of on-chip processors and memory controllers provides the needed headroom for the next generation of client middleware and software stacks. At the same time, establishing a minimal memory footprint using a high-speed 32-bit data path enables implementations with small form factors, lower bill of material (BOM) costs, and lower power dissipation.

Availability
The reference design will be available in the first quarter of 2012 for early access customers. Sigma Designs will be demonstrating, by appointment only, the Quantenna-based reference design at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, N.V. (January 10^th - 13^th), at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Tags/Keywords: Sigma Designs, Quantenna, SIGM, SMP8652, Secure Media Processor, set-top box, Wi-Fi, 802.11n, 4x4 MIMO, HDTV

About Sigma Designs, Inc.
Sigma Designs, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ SIGM ]) is a world leader in connected media platforms. The company designs and builds the essential semiconductor technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's leading IPTV set-top boxes, connected media players, residential gateways, home control systems and more. For more information about Sigma Designs, please visit [ www.sigmadesigns.com ].

Sigma Designs and the Sigma Designs logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sigma Designs, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are believed to be trademarks of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about the anticipated features and benefits of Sigma's products and solutions. Actual results may vary materially due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, including the rate of adoption of Quantenna-based set-top boxes or Sigma Designs SoCs in general. Sigma's ability to deploy and achieve market acceptance for Sigma's products in these markets, the ability of its SoCs to compete with other technologies or products in these emerging markets as well as other risks that are detailed from time to time in Sigma's SEC reports, including our quarterly report on Form 10-Q as filed December 8, 2011. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Sigma undertakes no obligation to publicly release or otherwise disclose the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made as result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.