Hitachi announced a number of design enhancements to its AVSM (Audio-Visual Storage Manager) software technology, including compatibility with Broadcom Corporation’s set-top box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) system-on-chip (SoCs) solutions. Broadcom is an industry leader in SoCs that simplify the development and manufacturing of high performance STBs/DVRs. Hitachi’s AVSM software has now been fully integrated and tested on Broadcom platforms.
Hitachi also announced that in addition to systems using 3.5-inch hard drives, manufacturers can now use AVSM in conjunction with "slim" or "small form factor" STBs/DVRs using 2.5-inch drives. The compact systems generally have lower power requirements, generate less heat and have a lower bill of materials cost as well as lower shipping costs.
AVSM is designed to seamlessly manage the mix of high-definition video streaming and best-effort file operations, such as electronic program guides or background IPTV downloads present in STB applications. Through "smart" hard drive management, AVSM reduces disk drive duty cycle by up to 60 percent and eliminates file system fragmentation, ultimately helping to extend the life of the hard drive and host STB system and improve the user experience.
More details are available at Hitachi.
