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MaxLinear Enables Unitron Group’s 16-Channel SAT>IP Multi-Switch for Multi-Dwelling Units

June 04, 2013

MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communications applications, today announced that Unitron Group of Belgium, has selected MaxLinear’s MxL584 Full-Spectrum Capture™ (FSC™) eight-channel satellite DVB-S/S2 receiver for its 16-channel SAT>IP multi-switch targeting multi-dwelling unit (MDU) applications.

SAT>IP multi-switches extend the functionality of traditional satellite multi-switches to provide satellite TV content to IP-enabled devices such as tablets, laptops, smartphones, IP set-top boxes and connected TVs. The SAT>IP protocol is developed and supported by SES.

Content distribution to multiple screens, video recording functionality and consumer adoption of IP-enabled devices are driving the demand for more satellite channels per household, as well as accelerating the transition to IP distribution. DBS operators and installers servicing large MDUs face the challenge of meeting these requirements in a cost-effective manner.

Unitron’s SAT>IP solution is a low cost and compact 16-channel SAT>IP multi-switch optimized for satellite content delivery to MDU complexes. It integrates RF loop-through functionality that enables cascading multiple devices. By using multiple Unitron SAT>IP multi-switches in conjunction with a single Quattro low-noise block (LNB) downconverter, DBS operators can serve IP-distributed satellite TV content to large MDUs.
Unitron’s multi-switch leverages MaxLinear’s four-input MxL584 Full-Spectrum Capture™ DVB-S/S2 receiver to realize the frontend functionality required for these applications. Due to its very low power dissipation, small size, and very lean bill-of-materials (BOM), two MxL584s are assembled into a small form factor multi-switch to deliver 16 satellite channels.

“There’s a new wave of innovation in satellite television systems that is making it easier to access content on IP devices, and this new multi-switch from Unitron will make that innovation available to apartments, condos and other MDUs,” said Yves Rasse, Senior Director, Consumer Product Line. “In addition to its performance, the MxL584 has innovations including remote monitoring and fast channel change that add value to both MDU operators and to consumers.”

“Our multi-switch puts satellite-based TV ahead of cable in terms of IP distribution throughout an MDU, which gives our customers an advantage,” said Bert Vanhoutte, Marketing and Product Director of Unitron. “The multi-switch is really made possible by the MxL584 which is the first single-chip DVB-S/S2 solution we’ve seen that could power as many channels as we need with such a low power requirement.”

Technical Highlights
The MxL584 is part of the MxL500 family of 40-nm satellite Full-Spectrum Capture™ receivers that enable cost-effective and flexible multi-channel gateway and multi-switch solutions in a very compact form factor.
The MxL584 integrates four FSC™ tuners, eight demodulators and all active front-end components, including low-noise amplifiers (LNA), into a compact and cost-effective 10 mm x10 mm QFN package. The device can receive complete 4.8GHz of satellite spectrum on its four inputs. As a result, it simultaneously receives and demodulates any combination of eight DVB-S/S2 channels located arbitrarily in the satellite spectrum.
The MxL584 supports remote monitoring of satellite signal conditions, which allows MDU operators to maintain their installation directly from a service center. The ultra-low power receiver is fully compliant with the requirements of Energy Star and the European Code of Conduct for Digital TV Services and Broadband Equipment.

Availability
Unitron’s concept of the SAT>IP multi-switch is being demonstrated at ANGA COM held between June 4 – 6, 2013 at Cologne, Germany. The MxL584 is now available from MaxLinear's sale team and worldwide resellers.

About Unitron Group (or Johansson Group)
Unitron Group is an international group of companies, offering state-of-the-art headend technologies and digital TV accessories, for providing TV distribution to multi-dwelling and residential buildings. Unitron's solutions are available to many original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers and television operators, under their own brand names. Installers and customers have access to our 'Johansson' branded products via a worldwide network of distributors.

About MaxLinear, Inc.
MaxLinear, Inc. is a leading provider of radio-frequency and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for broadband communications applications. MaxLinear is located in Carlsbad, California, and its address on the Internet is www.maxlinear.com.

MxL, Full-Spectrum Capture, FSC and the MaxLinear logo are trademarks of MaxLinear, Inc. Other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning or implying future financial performance or trends and growth opportunities affecting MaxLinear, in particular statements relating to the announcement of Unitron’s selection of the MxL584 for multi-dwelling unit satellite applications. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We cannot predict whether or to what extent we will realize revenues from our relationship with Unitron Group. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current, preliminary expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including (among others) intense competition in our industry; the ability of our customers to cancel or reduce orders; uncertainties concerning how end user markets for our products will develop, including new markets for satellite applications of our products; our lack of long-term supply contracts and dependence on limited sources of supply; potential decreases in average selling prices for our products; and on-going intellectual property litigation related to hybrid television tuner products. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, investors should review the risks and uncertainties contained in MaxLinear’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including risks and uncertainties identified in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. MaxLinear is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.