Digital signals are transmitted using computer code - ones and zeroes - which means they are less susceptible to interference and provide a higher quality picture and sound than analog.
Consumers require a Set-Top-Box (STB) to configure DTV channels.
A set-top box (STB) or set-top unit (STU) is a device that connects to a television and an external source of signal, turning the signal into content which is then displayed on the television screen
STB is the interface between a receiving satellite dish or Telco networks and a broadcasting facility video/audio infrastructure.
Professional set-top boxes are referred as IRDs or integrated receiver/decoders in the broadcast industry.
STBs can make it possible to receive and display TV signals, connect to networks, play games via a game console, surf the Internet, interact with Interactive Program Guides (IPGs), virtual channels, electronic storefronts, walled gardens, send e-mail, and videoconference.
Set-top boxes are associated with these major categories: -
Broadcast TV Set-top Boxes - A more primitive set-top box with no back channel (return path.)
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Enhanced TV Set-top Boxes - These have a back channel return path, often through a phone line. These may be capable of Video on Demand, e-commerce, Internet browsing, e-mail communications, chat and more.
Advanced Set-top Boxes - A fully integrated set-top box. These have good processors, memory, middleware, software applications and optional hard-drives. They're often used with high-speed (broadband) connections. Features could include high-speed Internet access, Interactive TV, digital video recording & gaming.
Sidecar - This type of set-top box provides an additional transport stream of data from the network operator to compliment the main stream.
Hybrid Digital Cable Box – A specialized and often more expensive cable TV set-top box with high end functions. Motorola Broad band’s DCP501 home theater system is an example.
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