STMicroelectronics Launches Optimized Java(TM) Technology for Low-Cost Consumer Electronics Platforms

Advanced Java Virtual Machine implementation offers a significant performance boost for Java technology-based set-top box applications such as Multimedia Home Platform

GENEVA, Dec. 7, 2005 -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the world's leading supplier of ICs for Set Top Boxes (STBs)* announced today the availability of ST20 J-Engine, a highly optimized Java(TM) Virtual Machine (JVM(TM)) for the ST20 CPU, based on the Sun Java Connected Device Configuration HotSpot(TM) Implementation software. This CPU has been shipped in over 200 million SoC devices from ST, making it the most widespread core in the STB market.

Java technology is appearing in an increasing number of consumer media platforms, from Digital Video Broadcast's Multimedia Home Platform (DVB-MHP) and CableLab's OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) specifications to IP set- top boxes and Blu-ray Disc optical media players. Developed specifically for the STi5100 and STi5105 STB decoders, ST20 J-Engine offers consumer electronics manufacturers, middleware vendors and third party developers, an off-the-shelf solution to accelerate existing Java technology-based solutions or to develop new value-added products.

The result of close collaboration between ST and Sun Microsystems, ST20 J-Engine passes the TCK (Technology Compatibility Kit), and has successfully undergone a full set of Sun quality assurance tests to ensure production ready software from the first release.

"We are delighted that this collaboration between Sun and ST has produced a robust, high-performance JVM software implementation," said Eric Chu, Senior Director, Mobile & Embedded Business and Marketing, Sun Microsystems. "Immediate availability of this technology will continue to drive the successful adoption of Java technology in consumer markets."

The ST20 J-Engine package includes a full implementation of the Personal Basis Profile and Foundation Profile technologies in addition to the Sun Java CDC HotSpot Implementation software. The implementation runs under the OS20 operating system and is fully integrated with ST's STAPI driver suite. Plug- ins are provided to allow the Eclipse Java Development Environment to be used to debug applications written in the Java programming language that run on the target system.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2004, the Company's net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com.

* MPEG Video ICs: The Buzz Around MPEG-4 AVC. Instat June 2005