Case Study: TVonics (UK set-top box maker) achieves rapid development of energy-efficient, compact receivers with Altium Designer (Altium)

TVonics - Customer Case Study

TVonics, a UK maker of stylish, energy‑efficient digital TV set‑top boxes founded in late 2004, competes on compact form factors, low power consumption and rapid time‑to‑market. With a small, experienced ex‑Sony design team and challenging development schedules (for example the MDR‑200 moved from drawing board to manufacture in four months), they needed a cost‑effective, easy‑to‑use PCB tool with strong UK support.

The team adopted Altium Designer (two licences) and used its reusable design blocks, 3D visualization/STEP import, automated rules and panelisation to speed development, optimise power and simplify DFM. The result: about two months saved by reusing power‑optimised sections, reliable delivery of compact two‑ to four‑layer boards (down to 2.5×2 in), successful MDR‑200 delivery for the October 2007 pilot and broader commercial success—some 280,000 units shipped in three years.

TVonics

Mike Jones

Senior designer