This term (Set-top box) describes a specialised computer which translates incoming digital signals into a form suitable for viewing on a standard television set. The source of the signals could be a digital satellite or terrestrial broadcast, a cable television channel or a video-on-demand programme sent down a telephone line.
Set-top box, sometimes abbreviated to set-top or STB, is a somewhat misleading term as the device is not necessarily placed on top of the television set and is not necessarily a box.
Other projected uses for the set-top box include control of interactive viewing, for example with a home-shopping channel or WebTV; it may also decrypt signals on subscription or pay-per-view channels. The term is an obvious compound, helped towards acceptance by its form and rhythm, even though, as one commentator remarked, it is normally found under the set rather than on top of it.
Set-top boxes may be associated with these major categories:
(1) Broadcast TV Set-top Boxes - The more elementary level set-top box with no back channel (return channel.) These might however come with some memory, interface ports and some processing power.
(2) Enhanced TV Set-top Boxes - These have a back channel (return channel), often through a phone line, and are the mainstay of today's set-top boxes. These are capable of Video on Demand, e-commerce, Internet browsing, e-mail communications, chat and more. They are giving way to the next category.
(3) Advanced Set-top Boxes - A fully integrated set-top box. These have good processors, memory and optional large hard-drives. They're often used with high-speed connections. Advanced set-top boxes are more likely to be integrated with DVRs and high-definition TV oriented functionality. See Media Centers.
(4) All-in-one Set-top Boxes - A fully integrated set-top box. Features could include high-speed Internet access, iTV, digital video recording & gaming. Instead of this, a "sidecar" might be used in tandem by the subscriber's original set top box and/or TV. See Media Centers.
(5) Sidecar - This type of set-top box provides an additional transport stream of data from the network operator (content provider,) to compliment the original stream that's being received by the subscriber via their original set-top box. With Charter Communications', the BMC-8000 (Broadband Media Center) is/was a sidecar box that works in tandem with the Motorola DCT-2000. A fully integrated unit would not require a Sidecar.
(6) Hybrid Digital Cable Box - A specialized and often more expensive Cable TV set-top box with high end functions. Motorola Broadband's DCP501 home theater system is/was an example. It also has a DVD player.
Related Articles
Digital Entertainment from Space Satellite
By: Keith Londrie | 16/09/2006 | Cable and Satellite TV
Satellite is an object that orbits another object. There are many kind of satellites used for many purposes. For communication and entertainment artificial communication satellites are used.
Why Cable Companies Are Running Scared
By: Cristian J. De La Rosa | 10/09/2006 | Cable and Satellite TV
What goes on in Satellite Companies through the eyes of Cable Companies. Cable Companies decide to test their fate and visit a Satellite Company.What has them on the run?
The Advantages Of Satellite TV
By: Dror Klar | 28/11/2007 | Cable and Satellite TV
The options are too many to list here, but you may be amazed by what satellite tv offers.
Satellite Dishes Are the Boon in Modern Technology
By: Keith Londrie | 19/09/2006 | Cable and Satellite TV
With the advancement of technologies, satellite television came in to existence. Satellite television is a revolution when compared to terrestrial and cable television, as it received signals from communication satellites in the space. In many places these satellite television supplement its conventional counterparts to get wide range of channels.
Satellite TV Reception
By: Frank Johnson | 12/02/2006 | Art and Entertainment
You are sitting at home, watching TV, and while your show is entertaining you, outside the weather is getting worse. It starts raining, the wind is getting stronger, but your Satellite Antenna is doing its work as if it is a sunny quiet day.
Cable TV on Pc– the Basics
By: Julius ozoh | 12/05/2008 | Cable and Satellite TV
The Cable TV Technology can be described as bringing progress to and more efficient broadband transmissions broadcasting. There are satellite service broadcaster also known as direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers. Two prominent and well-known DBS providers are DIRECTV and the Dish Network. They beam the programs acting as a broking firm, paying broadcaster like ESPN, HBO, movie stations etc available via satellite and re-sell them to the viewer.....
Purchasing Satellite TV Equipment
By: D. David Dugan | 26/04/2006 | Advertising
Each day more people make the decision to get their television programming through a satellite. Satellite TV is increasing in popularity and that rise in popularity is expected to continue on into the future.
What To Consider When Selecting A Satellite TV Provider
By: D. David Dugan | 26/04/2006 | Advertising
There was a point in time when cable was the most popular way to watch television; however, that is beginning to change. Each day more individuals make the switch from cable to satellite TV.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I love my best friend.
By: sarebear07 | 06-07-2008
I am in love with my best friend of five years. We are both 19 and he is dating a 16 year old. He says he loves her and doesn't know I love him. Do I not say anything or somehow tell him? What do I do?
Help a 14 year old girl out
By: cheyenne | 05-07-2008
i need help i have this boyfriend devin whom i am currently with he loves me but i dont love him i lie when i tell him i do and i wanna break up than i have my ex boyfriend whom i love and he loves me back we broke up cause he was having a bad time at home but i want to be with him but he is moving far away who should i chose?
First Love - New Love?
By: hotdogd | 05-07-2008
I have been divorced (29 yr marriage) for over a year and have reconnected with my first love from 35 years ago (He also has been divorced about a year). We live about 800 miles apart and now speak once a week on the phone. He visited about 2 months ago and all went very well. I felt many old feelings were rekindled - but don't know if he feels the same. I know he's dating other people in his area and I am also dating. I haven't found anyone who really intersts me other than him - what can I do? How do I find out his true feelings for me without pressuring him?
Love?
By: billlay bob | 04-07-2008
do you beliueve in love at first sight
My love story.
By: billlay bob | 04-07-2008
i hate my life
This love is crazy
By: micheeeeeeeee | 03-07-2008
This summer I planned on being a counselor for bible camp. There I saw these 2 good looking guys 1 w/ blonde hair and blue eyes and the other a little uglier but more muscluar. I spent half of the week at bible camp swooning over the blondie, then I realized I liked the brown haired one, Matt. He comforted me when I saw the ambulance going towards my aunt's house during camp, and he sounded like he cared. He is a great guy and I was a counselor for his little sister who loves me! My friend says he is weird and not popular & has issues & his mom helps him with alot of stuff & he is stupid. I know he isn't the best looking guy, but isnt love not finding the perfect guy but seeing his imperfections perfectly? Im a believer in love at first sight, i just think that msot people don't see it at first. I can say I love him but i wont see him until next summer & its driving me crazy. he is a year older than me and i said bye to him but its just driving me crazy. HELP
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Cable and Satellite TV Articles
Free LCD TV - Switch to Great Mobile Phone Deals
By: Jacob Marshal | 19/07/2008
The deals like Free LCD TV with Mobile Phones have helped customers to enjoy great services at low rates and have become popular ways for the modern customers who want efficient services in a budget friendly way.
Satellite Internet TV is Changing the Way We Watch Television
By: Ryan Hopkins | 18/07/2008
Are you tired and frustrated with throwing your hard earned money down the drain? Many people are looking for ways to cut costs around the house and many are now starting to learn about being able to get free satellite television. This article is going to explain the new technology..
Looking for Satellite Software for Your Pc
By: Ryan Hopkins | 18/07/2008
The new Satellite TV for PC is out and has been available to the public for the last year. Many people are barely learning that it is possible to watch TV from the comfort of their home right on their laptop or personal computer. Are you looking for satellite software for your PC..
Watch TV Series Online Free - Pc Satellite TV
By: Ryan Hopkins | 18/07/2008
Are you a television fan? Are you finding yourself getting ready for all the Fall premieres that are getting ready to come out in just a couple of months. Maybe you are a CSI fan and can not wait until the next episodes come out and you are waiting anxiously for them.
SMR Movie Downloads - This is A Must Read
By: Ben Levanger | 18/07/2008
The movie has captured the imagination of one and all. Little did the makers of the first film realize that its popularity would bring the masses to the theaters and boost box office sales. But who needs theaters now when you can download movies to your computer and even your mobile phone? SMR movie downloads are here to stay.
Pc Satellite Tv: Discovering the Latest Technology
By: Rashel Dan | 14/07/2008
Ever heard of the latest buzz on the technology of PC Satellite TV? What is it? PC satellite television will allow you to watch live TV broadcasts on your computer, through the Internet. It has many features and advantages compared to the typical TV and cable or satellite TV subscription.
Comcast Services - Digital Hd Cable Tv, Flat-rate Phone, and High Speed Internet at One Incredibly Low Price
By: Suzanne W McMahon | 11/07/2008
Comcast Cable services sets the wants of the subscriber first by making it so easy to get every telecommunications and entertainment service through one service company. Comcast Cable is the one of the world’s biggest provider of cable television services, and Comcast Cable’s expanding cable ventures to deliver digital Hi-Def television services, deliver faster broadband, and IP telephone service.
What is Pc Internet Tv?
By: Ryan Hopkins | 10/07/2008
Many people everywhere are choosing to do away with the "old fashioned" method of watching television. So what is PC Internet TV...
More from Keith Londrie
Dog Treats - Why You Want to Use Them?
By: Keith Londrie | 30/10/2007 | Pets
It is not a secret that rewarding someone has the greatest motivation effects. Humans enjoy different kinds of rewards and definitely food is not among the top rewards. However dogs love these little tasty pieces of food they are given when they do something right.
What Does The Colour Tell? Pink Car Seat Cover Secrets Revealed
By: Keith Londrie | 17/10/2007 | Automotive
Colours are much more than a nice decoration. Each colour tells a story. Moreover it influences us, humans, to feel in a specific way.
The Three Keys to Successful Goal Setting
By: Keith Londrie | 16/10/2007 | Goal Setting
It sounds pretty easy in theory you decide to do something and you do it. However in the real life things doesn't happen that way. Many people face great difficulties when they want to achieve something. Believe it or not the most difficult part is not in reaching the goal but in setting it.
Home Remedy for Diaper Rash
By: Keith Londrie | 16/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
It is time to change your little one's diaper and wow! You see a red bottom in front of you. Obviously your child has a diaper rash.
Do You Need Glucosamine Chondroitin Health Supplements
By: Keith Londrie | 11/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
If you are looking to improve your health you are likely to be interested in the natural health supplements that are on the market today.
Top Five Resume Mistakes
By: Keith Londrie | 10/10/2007 | Communication
Here are the most common resume mistakes. Some of them are quite simple while others are subtle and hard to spot. In any case...
Stained Glass Pieces - Made at Home
By: Keith Londrie | 21/08/2007 | Home and Family
Stained glass is fabulous, that is a fact. It can add a lot of luxury and charm to your home. Learning how to make it is not that difficult and you will see how in the following lines.
Retirement Planning for a Better Life
By: Keith Londrie | 21/08/2007 | Finance
Many consider retirement is almost the end of their lives. They cannot go to work and that is why they are useless. However this is simply not true. You have worked at least thirty years and now is the time to enjoy your life and do all the things that were left behind before.
Technology 
