Multi-standard RF-to-baseband transceiver ICs supplier Xceive Corp. and Taiwan’s Empia have partnered to develop the first ATSC/NTSC USB bus-powered TV tuner for the U.S. market. With its small size (similar to the size of a USB memory stick) and low power consumption (powered by the USB bus), the USB TV tuner reference board is the first that users can take anywhere in the world, making it easy to watch TV on any analog TV standard or on an ATSC digital signal, claimed the partners.

“The tuner’s high receiving sensitivity and compatibility with global standards allows for analog and digital TV reception,” said Ray Lu, chief executive officer and founder of Empia.

The hybrid USB TV tuner includes Xceive’s silicon tuner, XC3028, an integrated silicon tuner that supports all worldwide analog and digital TV terrestrial and cable standards. It is the only stand-alone tuner to receive ISF certification from the Image Science Foundation Research Lab, said Xceive.

Additionally, the USB TV tuner features Empia’s EM2880/2882, a USB controller that provides a cost-effective solution for both digital and analog TV. The EM2880/2882 recently received MCE, WHQL and USB-IF certification.

“Creating a USB bus-powered ATSC/NTSC TV tuner was a difficult challenge until now,” said Alvin Wong, vice president of marketing for Xceive. “This reference board is truly an accomplishment and an industry first.”

Xceive demonstrated the reference design at an invitation-only suite at the Grand Hyatt Hotel during the Computex show in Taiwan.