Broadcom Introduces New Set-Top-Box Chip

Broadcom Corp., the largest maker of semiconductors for cable modems and digital set-top boxes, introduced a new computer chip that can make the boxes double as modems for fast Internet access.

The Irvine manufacturer said the $45 chip will give consumers access to interactive-television, voice and data services through set-top boxes. Motorola Inc. and Scientific-Atlanta Inc., the two biggest U.S. makers of set-top boxes, which receive cable signals, already use Broadcom’s chips in their products.

Broadcom shares, which jumped Tuesday on news of the company’s entry into the high-speed fiber-optics market, fell back Wednesday, losing $6.06 to close at $175.94 a share in Nasdaq trading.