Set-top boxes (STBs) are a fairly large part of the television picture these days, particularly when the issue of cable cutting is raised. Free—one of the biggest broadband and IPTV (News - Alert) service providers in France—is looking to take the lead in STB by bringing out the first ever Android STB with Ultra HD resolution. That's a big step in its own right, and Free managed to offer its new device with the help of Broadcom technology.

There are actually, at last report, multiple Broadcom (News - Alert) components found in the device. Not only is Broadcom's BCM7252 STB system on a chip (SoC) found therein, but the Free system also brings in Broadcom's BCM43570 for both Bluetooth remote control functions as well as 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity. It's the BCM7252, however, that seems to be the clear standard-bearer here, as it's delivering a lot of capability to the Free system.

With the BCM7252 in place, the system has sufficient processing power for not only the security required for Android (News - Alert) TV systems, but also the capability to handle 4Kp60 video. It uses a dual-core Brahma15 10.5K DMIPS processor, backed up by a high-performance graphics processor known as the 3D OGLES3.1, with security engine and HDMI 2.0 connections to offer the best in video presentation.

Free was previously known for the Freebox Revolution (News - Alert), said to be the first multiservice box offered for ADSL customers. It offers its services to around 15.4 million subscribers, including 5.8 million broadband and 9.6 million mobile subscribers. Free's general manager, Sebastien Boutruche, commented on the release: “As an early innovator with our triple play service for subscribers in France, Freebox has demonstrated its commitment to affordably deliver the latest in entertainment to our subscribers. With our new Ultra HD Android TV set-top box, our customers will enjoy the stunning clarity of Ultra HD 4K content right in their homes.”

While Ultra HD 4K content is still in its earliest stages, it's clear that Free wants to hit the ground running as far as this service goes. Offering up both bandwidth and the means to view content, Free has put itself in a very good position ahead of a larger launch of 4K content. Broadcom, meanwhile, gives itself a clear edge in the market here as well, showing that its SoC systems can capably handle 4K video, and the demands on a processor required to present such video to users. A system strong enough for 4K video is strong enough to do quite a bit else, and Broadcom may well have landed the best possible demonstration of its capability by getting in on the latest Freebox.

Those who want to see these systems in action won't have long to wait; reports suggest the BCM7252 is in production now, and Free's new 4K STB is set to ship this month. We're starting to see the earliest days of 4K video arrive, and it's going to be a very exciting time for home theater fans out there.