STB Systems, also known as Sigma Designs or SigmaTel, was a prominent company in the computer hardware industry. Founded in 1986, STB Systems initially focused on manufacturing graphics cards and multimedia peripherals.
STB Systems gained recognition for its high-quality graphics cards, which offered advanced features and performance for personal computers. Their graphics cards were compatible with both IBM-compatible PCs and Apple Macintosh computers, making them versatile options for users across different platforms.
One of the notable achievements of STB Systems was the introduction of the VESA Local Bus (VLB) architecture. The VLB graphics cards, developed by STB Systems, provided faster data transfer between the graphics card and the system's memory, resulting in improved graphics performance.
As the demand for multimedia capabilities grew, STB Systems expanded its product line to include sound cards and video capture devices. They developed sound cards with enhanced audio quality and features, enabling users to enjoy immersive audio experiences on their computers.
In 2001, STB Systems merged with Sigma Designs, a company specializing in multimedia technologies. The merged entity became known as Sigma Designs and continued to develop multimedia products, including graphics cards, video decoding chips, and media processors.
In 2008, Sigma Designs acquired a company called Integrated Circuit Systems (ICS) and entered the consumer electronics market, focusing on media processing solutions for set-top boxes, digital TVs, and media players. They rebranded themselves as SigmaTel and became a leading provider of audio and video technologies for portable media devices.
Over time, the company shifted its focus away from graphics cards and repositioned itself as a provider of multimedia solutions for consumer electronics. However, as the market evolved and faced increasing competition, Sigma Designs faced challenges and eventually sold its assets and exited the consumer electronics market in 2018.
Although STB Systems is no longer active, it played a significant role in the development of graphics and multimedia technologies, contributing to the advancement of computer hardware during its existence.
