What Are Set-top Boxes?
(For a big list of set top box manufacturers and/or providers, go to www.itvdictionary.com/stb.html)
Set-top Box - (STB) - (May be known as set top, Set-tops, set-top box, set top box, STB, Receivers, Converters, Decoders, Intelligent Set-top Boxes, Smart Encoder, Digital TV Converter, DTV Converter, Voice-enabled Set-top Boxes, Digital Decoder, DTV Tuner, Descrambler, Digital Set-top Box, Addressable Converter, Demodulator, Smart TV Set-top Box, ITV enabled Set-top Box, Internet-enabled Set-top Box, ITV enabled Set-top cable box, Satellite- enabled Set-top Box, Cable-enabled Set-top Box, Low-end Boxes, Thin Boxes, Thick Boxes, Smart TV Set-top Box, Super Box, All-in-one Set Top Box, Integrated Set Top Box, Hybrid Cable Box.) - It's ancestor is often considered the Nintendo game box, as those ancient 8-bit game boxes had data ports. When the functions of a set-top box is built in to the TV, it's often known as a "Built-in". Do note that just because a TV has the set-top box functions built in to it, it doesn't mean it's a digital TV. In that case it's just an analog TV with set-top box functions built into it.
Set-top boxes are often associated with these major categories:
(1) Broadcast TV Set-top Boxes - (a.k.a. Thin Boxes) - The more elementary level set-top box with no return channel (back-end). They might however come with some memory, interface ports and some processing power.
(2) Enhanced TV Set-top Boxes - (May be known as: Smart TV set-top box, Thick Boxes) - These have a return channel, usually through a phone line, and are the mainstay of today's set-top boxes. These are capable of Video on Demand, Near Video on Demand, e-commerce, Internet browsing, e-mail communications and chat. They are giving way to the next category.
(3) Advanced Set-top Boxes - (a.k.a. Advanced digital Set-top boxes, Smart TV Set-top box, Thick Boxes) - These are in many ways like a PC. These have good processors, memory and optional large hard-drives. They're more often used with high-speed connections. The Explorer 6000 & 8000 set-top boxes from Scientific Atlanta are in this category.
(4) All-in-one Set-top Boxes - (a.k.a. Integrated set top box, Super Box; maybe be known as Advanced set top box) - A fully integrated set-top box. Features could include everything from high-speed Internet access to digital video recording to games and e-mail capacity. The opposite of this is when are two or more set top boxes (sidecars) are used in tandem by the subscriber's TV.
(5) Sidecar - This type of set-top box provides an additional transport stream of data from the content provider, to compliment the original stream that's being received by the subscriber via their original set-top box. With Charter Communications' important ITV rollout, the BMC-8000 (Broadband Media Center) is 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 an example. It has a DVD player.
Set-top boxes (STB) act as a gateway between your television or PC or PC-TV and your telephone, satellite or cable feed (incoming signal.) In terms of ITV, the STB receives encoded and/or compressed digital signals from the signal source (satellite, TV station, cable network, etc.) and decodes (and/or decompresses) those signals, converting them into analog signals displayable on your television. The STB also accepts commands from the user (often by use of a remote control {keypad} or keyboard) and transmits these commands back to the network, often through a back channel (which may be a separate phone line.)
Interactive television STBs can have many functions such as television receiver, modem, game console, Web browser, a way of sending e-mail, Electronic Program Guide (EPG), even CD ROM, DVD player, video-conferencing, cable telephony etc. Many STBs are able to communicate in real time with devices such as camcorders, DVDs, CD players and music keyboards.
Set-top boxes are usually computers that process digital information. These typically have on-screen user interfaces that can be seen on the TV screen and interacted with through the use of an Hand-held Interactive Keypad, which is little more than an advanced remote control. (These are also known as Control Devices.) STBs also have facilities for upgrading software such as browsers and Electronic Program Guides (EPGs). Some have huge hard-drives and smart card slots to put your smart card into for purchases and identifying yourself to your cable, satellite TV provider.
To provide interactive services, the set-top box, from the standpoint of its hardware, needs four important components: a network, an interface, a buffer, as well as decoder/synchronization Hardware.
(1) The network interface: Allows the user to receive data from the server and send data back to the server, in a manner that it can be understood by the server.
(2) The decoder: In order to save storage space, disk bandwidth, and network bandwidth, movies are usually encoded (compressed) before they are sent over the network. Thus, the end-users needs a decoder to decode (uncompress among other things) the incoming stream's data before it's viewable. This is part of what a modem does. The decoding process is sometimes known as Demodulation or Heavy Lifting.
(3) The buffer: Due to delay jitters in the network, the arrival time of a video stream cannot be determined exactly. In order to guarantee continuous consistent playback for the viewer (end-user/subscriber) the stream is often received one or even a few seconds before it's actually seen by the end-user. This way if there are fluctuations (even those measured in milliseconds) in the transport time of the video stream to that receiver, the viewer won't know the difference as their buffer has a bit of time to spare.
(4) Synchronization hardware: Let's remember that a movie (or whatever one watches via a set-top box) consists of both video and audio streams. They must be synchronized with each other before being viewed. Other streams may be added too which could include that which is Enhanced (ITV) related.
To provide interactive services, the set-top box, from the standpoint of it's software, needs the appropriate Platform, Middleware and Software:
Platform - (Sometimes also known as "ITV client") - (1) The underlying system and standards that makes up the Built-in
and/or set-top box. The platform enables interactivity (among other things.) Platforms can include ITV related software,
middleware and/or hardware. ITV platforms however are often associated with the Middleware provider. Liberate,
OpenTV, PowerTV, Worldgate and Microsoft TV (MSTV) are middleware platforms and/or Platform providers.
(2) The operating system (i.e. Windows 98, Windows NT, etc.) used by the computer that a visitor to your Web site is
using. (3) It can be used to refer to major communications such as digital terrestrial (MMDS), cable, satellite, and the
Internet. Thus these would be referred to as "cable platform," "satellite platform" etc.
Middleware - (a.k.a. System software or Platform software) - A general term for any programming that serves to "glue together" or mediate between two separate and usually already existing programs. It includes an application manager, the virtual machine (such as Java Virtual Machine™), the interactive engine, the libraries and databases. In terms of ITV related, that would often be software that provides services that occur between the server and end-user. This includes software that connects two separate applications together. This is particularly necessary as there are in use a number of different programs, platforms and software that are all oriented to the same goal of providing ITV. If the set-top box has a Resident Application, it's often thought of as in the Middleware category. In this case a Resident Application is a program or programs that are built into the memory of the set-top box. These are updated, often automatically, by the service provider via the data stream (signal) that the set-top receives from the service provider.
Software - (ITV Software, Set-top Box Software) - This is software that adds features to the set-top box that often it doesn't need to operate, or at least operate minimally. For instance if the set-top box was "Voice-enabled," so it obeys commands spoken by the subscriber, that would be largely be thanks to the voice recognition software in the set-top box.
Back Channel (a.k.a., Return Channel, Reverse Channel, Return Path) - The physical way that the end-user is able to send information/requests/demands back to the content provider. This can be an integral part of ITV. A Back Channel is a 2-way communications link between the TV viewer (end-user) and the Interactive Television content provider; (as opposed to the Front Channel, which is a 1-way communication link from the content provider, such a television network, just to the TV viewer - something we all experience by simply watching TV.) The Back Channel is often of much lower bandwidth than the Front Channel is. It's typically a modem and attached telephone line, although it could be a cable modem, DSL, satellite connection etc.
Decoder - (Might also be known as Set-top Box, Converter, Receiver, Descrambler) - It's a device or program that changes encoded data back into its original format. The term is often used in reference to MPEG-2 video and sound data, which must be decoded before it's viewable. Most DVD players, for example, include a decoder card which sole function is to decode MPEG data.
A digital set-top box (and the majority of set-top boxes are digital) and its television Built-in counterpart, usually has 3 decoders.
(1) Video Decoder - It decodes the video packets into images that can be viewed.
(2) Audio Decoder - It decompresses the audio bit-stream.
(3) Data Decoder - It helps you choose between the potentially hundreds of channels and ITV services. It's part of the MPEG-2 stream.
**(For a big list of set top box manufacturers and/or providers, go to www.itvdictionary.com/stb.html)**
Related Terms:
Addressable - A cable/satellite set-top box (decoder) that has a unique identity. The decoder can descramble a signal (program, channel etc) for that particular subscriber. See Conditional Access and Subscriber Management Systems in the main ITV Dictionary section..
Addressable Converter - A set-top box/decoder/converter that receives data from the Head-End such as downgrades, upgrades, free previews, Video-on-Demand and Pay Per View programming.
All-in-one Set Top Box - (a.k.a. Integrated set top box, Super Box; maybe be known as Advanced set top box) - A fully integrated set-top box. Features could include everything from high-speed Internet access to digital video recording to games and e-mail capacity. The opposite of this is when are two or more set top boxes (sidecars) are used in tandem by the subscriber's TV.
Application-specific Integrated Circuit - (ASIC) - A computer chip developed for a specific purpose. The demultiplexer in Set-top boxes and Built-ins often use ASIC chips.
Architecture - Refers to the total design and implementation of a network and/or product, including its transmission technologies, various communication related protocols, as well as management and security systems etc.
ASIC - (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) - An integrated circuit developed for special rather than general applications. The PC computer chip for standard home or office use is not ASIC. www.atsc.org
Black Box - A device whose internal make-up, design, or operation is discrete. It's function is known, but usually not its internal components. Set-top boxes, particularly in the past, have been known as Blackboxes.
Built-in - When a computer (or set-top box) is part of (and in the internal make-up) of a television. The "Built-in" has the same functions of a "Set-top Box" and/or "Network Computer." Please note that just because a TV has the set-top box functions built in to it, it doesn't mean it's a digital TV. In that case it's just an analog TV with a set-top built into it.
CISCs - (Complex Instruction Set Computers) - Another term for describing the standard desktop PC or it's equivalent. PCs are built to handle a number of instructions where the opposite is true of RISC computers. RISC computers are built to take only a comparatively few. CISC computers are generally substantially more expensive than RISC computers.
Commodity PCs - A generic term sometimes used to denote consumer and industrial appliances, large and small that use a processor and have some sort of memory. Technically these devices should also be able to except input in some manner whether it's via a device that's intrinsically part of their system (such as a disk drive) or receiving it off of a network. Examples can be (but aren't necessarily,) cellular phones, Internet Appliances and even set-top boxes. The current popularity of this phrase is questionable.
Common Interface - (CI) - Describes hardware and software architecture for Conditional Access Systems whereby the generic "host" set-top box is not dedicated to one particular encryption system. Consumers use detachable hardware, which allows them to receive encrypted services they pay subscription fee(s) for. The interface between host set-top box and the CI hardware is standardized (PCMCIA-Interface) so that the same set-top box can be used to handle a variety of encryption systems.
Consumer Appliances - (a.k.a. Electronic Appliances, Internet Appliances, Electronic Devices, Network Appliances, Consumer Electronic Devices, Information Appliance, etc) - Examples are telephones, TVs and VCRs. These are electronic devices that consumers use as part of their daily lives.
Control Device - A channel changer (remote control) like device.
Cross Platform - When software works on more than one ITV platform.
CPE - Customer Premise Equipment.
DAC - (Digital to Analog Converter) - (1) A chip used in CD players and Set-top boxes (STBs) for changing the digital signal to analog. It can supply amplification for reproduction of audio and/or video signals through speakers or television. (2) Reconstructing the original analog signal from digital data.
Data Communications Equipment - (DCE) - A communications device that can establish, maintain, and terminate a connection (for example a telephone.)
Data Encoding - The method by which certain communication devices (such as a modem) encode digital data onto an analog signal for transmission. Telephone line communications are typically analog but computers create digital data (not analog) thus computers need to turn their digital data into analog data before it can be transmitted over phone lines. A converter mechanism is necessary for computer data to be transported over phone lines. The most popular of these "converter mechanisms" is a modem. Fax machines also use modems.
Data Stream - (a.k.a. Stream) - All the data transmitted through a particular communication line for a particular program, operation or scheduled transmission.
DCT - (Digital Consumer Terminal) - A General Instrument's (Now Motorola Broadband Communications Sector) set-top box abbreviation.
Demodulation - What occurs on the receiving end of a transported signal. By doing this the constant carrier signal is separated from the variable data signals. This is part of what a modem does.
Demultiplexing - Separating data streams or individual channels of data from a single multi-channel stream. For example, video and audio streams must be demultiplexed before they are decoded. This is true for multiplexed digital television transmissions. The set-top box or Built-in must demultiplex the signal it receives before it can be watched.
Deployment - When a content provider such as a Cable or Satellite company distributes to its users a common platform/middleware/hardware for ITV.
Digital Media Platform - (DMP) - A digitized platform for media that allows real-time and/or delayed delivery of video, audio and/or data to multiple networks such as cable, satellite, digital terrestrial broadcasting and broadband. Delivery can be made via a variety of devices possibly including mobile phones, set-top boxes, PDAs and computers. Often the content can be produced generically eliminating the need for platform-specific content production tools.
Digital-to-Analog Converter - A device that turns incoming analog voltage waveforms into a readable sequence of binary digits.
Digital TV Subscription - With a set-top box and a standard (analog) TV set, viewers with this service can see a number of channels, more than with a standard TV subscription. Also the image can be better.
Digital-TV Tuners - (a.k.a. DTV Tuner, Digital TV Receiver) - See Receiver.
Digital Video Broadcasting-Multimedia Home Platform - (DVB-MHP) - A specification by the DVB. It's a software (middleware) specification that will be implemented in set-top boxes, integrated digital TV receivers as well as multimedia PCs. The MHP will connect the broadcast medium, Internet, television, computer and telecommunication world through these devices and their associated peripherals. www.mhp.org. The DVB-MHP is often known as the ITV arm of the MHP.
Liberate, OpenTV, PowerTV, and CanalPlus (Canal+) have all committed to supporting this set-top standard. MHP can support many content types, not just HTML/JavaScript. It's already been demonstrated across a range of set-tops, operating systems, and hardware platforms. DVB-MHP is a software (middleware) specification of the DVB, approved by the DVB in November of 1999. It will be used in set-top boxes, integrated digital TV receivers, as well as multimedia PCs. www.dvb.org/search/index.html (Type in DVB-MHP.)
DOM - (Document Object Model) - It specifies how objects in a Web page (text, images, headers, links, etc.) are represented. It can be used to add certain Enhanced (ITV) features to the transmission (broadcast,) after it's received by the end-user (viewer.) DOM might be used to help make the Set-top Boxes' ITV functions less dependent on the content providers. Literally ITV creators can give the TV content certain Enhanced (ITV) qualities after the viewers Set-top Box receives the original transmission. www.w3.org/DOM/faq.html
End System - What the end-user on a network uses.
End-to-End - (in terms of ITV) - Everything (from the beginning to the end) it takes from the production of the ITV content, including the broadcasting of the signal, to the viewing and interacting by the end-user.
End-user - The person(s) and/or subscriber(s) who actually uses and/or views the computer, TV or device on the network.
Endpoint - A destination, a place where data is expected and doesn't need to go any further.
Eurobox - (a.k.a. Multimedia Terminals for Cable) - A set-top platform for European cable set-top boxes as set forth by the ECA.
Front Panel Display Unit - The part of the set-top that lights up with numbers and/or letters.
Gateway - (May be known as Home Gateway, Digital Gateway, Media Appliance, Entertainment Gateway, Media Centers, Digital Media Center, Home Gateway Media Centers, Home Media Server, PC-centric Entertainment Center. Associated with Set-top Boxes Integrating PVRs. Can be part of Integrated TVs) - (1) See Media Center. (2) A computer system that transfers data between different and/or normally incompatible operating systems, devices and/or networks. A Gateway would make it possible (for instance) to watch on-demand content over a TV that that viewer had originally received from the Internet via his PC.
Hand-held Interactive Keypad - Looks a lot like a remote control for a VCR or TV. Through it people interact with the content on the screen. The NTN Playmaker® is an example.
Home Gateway Media Centers - See Media Centers.
Home Networking - (Associated with Whole-Home Services Delivery, Multi-TV Personal Video Recording) - Connecting computers and other devices/appliances with processors in the home to one central hub (computer and/or set top box) in the home. See Internet Appliance.
An FAQ on Home Networking is at www.cable-modem.net/gc/networking.html. Also see this Web site's Web page on it at: www.itvdictionary.com/itv_home_networking.html. A Home Networking glossary is at: http://www.xilinx.com/esp/home_networking/glossary/hnglossary-a.htm.
HomePNA - (Home Phoneline Networking Alliance) - A consortium of businesses and organizations oriented towards promoting, developing and establishing standards, specifications and the general concept of networking home computing devices including "intelligent" toasters and refrigerators. They have a particular interest in using Ethernet-based technologies. See Home Networking. www.homepna.com
Hot-swapping - Being able to, or the act of changing a card or other form of hardware in a device (such as a computer) without it having to stop functioning (which it would do if you had to turn it off.)
Hub - The device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from workstations or other devices. It can be passive, where there is no amplification of the signals, or active where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an extension of the cable that connects to a workstation.
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 an example. It has a DVD player and high-end stereo and goes for $900.
ICAP - (Interactive Communicating Application Protocol) - Wink developed this protocol for Set-top boxes and TVs that aren't able to run a full HTML browser.
Intelligent Set-top Boxes - These track where the user goes, and/or what shows he/she watches, and/or their spending habits concerning T-com (television commerce) and presents shows, advertisements etc that the computer thinks the viewer would prefer.
Internet-enabled Satellite Boxes - The receiver (set-top box) Direct Broadcast Satellite customers have that allows them to get Satellite Internet service. Echostar is an example.
IP Media Appliance - A multi-media Web device that's capable of receiving, storing and playing back in real time, digital video and audio. The received signals, which might be encrypted, can be manipulated in a variety of ways - slow motion, 8 times zoom, freeze frame, pan, forward and reverse. Many IP Media Appliances have Internet Browsers.
IRD - (Integrated Receiver Decoder) - A Set-top box/receiver with a built in de-scrambler for decoding Pay-TV and other services.
Java - In 1990 a few geniuses at SUN MICROSYSTEMS went to work in developing a programming language that could control different consumer appliances as the major computer languages of the day were not suitable for that. They were successful. Their first Java program they developed was called HotJava. The first applications of Java were in handheld PCs and earlier TV Set-top Boxes.
Java is a cross platform language that processes on the client side (client browser.) In many ways it's a more efficient programming language. In fact it can run in anything that has a processor such as microwave ovens, cars and old slow computers. In addition it only needs to be written once for any computer. Thus Macintosh can use the same Java software as a PC. Java is an integral part of the ITV revolution.
Good JAVA FAQs are at www.davidreilly.com/java/java_network_programming & www.swtech.com/java.
JavaTV - (Java TV Application Programming Interface {API}) - Consumers, through a set-top Box or digital television that supports the Java TV API, will receive interactive television content such as Enhanced television, Video on Demand (VOD), Electronic Programming Guides (EPGs) and interactive multi-camera-angle sporting events (where you can choose the camera angle you view an event from.) www.sun.com/consumer-embedded/cover/javatv.html
Jini - Sun Microsystems' home networking software solution. Set-top boxes and other consumer appliances and computers can be networked together with Jini. www.sun.com/jini
Local Storage (in terms of ITV) - Most often refers to storing content at the subscriber's location (home or office) such as in their PVR (DVR). In many ways, the opposite of Local Storage is Network Storage.
Media Center - (May be known as Digital Media Center, Media Appliance, Entertainment Gateway, Multimedia Gateway, Home Media Center, PC-centric Entertainment Center, Digital Hub, Home Gateway, Home Gateway Media Centers, Home Media Server, Home Networking Gateway, Digital Home Media Center. Can be part of Integrated TVs) - A type of set-top box environment that can offer video, text, audio, graphics, streaming media, VOD, music downloads and games, content sharing, and videoconferencing via network (which may be the Internet) connectivity. Offered also are one or more interactive user interfaces and more typically is in the Cable TV category. Some or more of the above services that do not come with the customers original set-top box, may be added to their TV system with the addition of another set-top box called a "Sidecar." The Moxi™ platform is an example. With a PC-centric Entertainment Center, the center is replaced and/or controlled by your PC. (An example is Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center.)
Modulator (a.k.a. RF Generator) - A device that combines audio and video signals by coding them into a TV channel (radio frequency).
Net-top Boxes - More oriented towards Internet use but still can have ITV functions. Examples are AOLTV, Microsoft's UltimateTV, and Microsoft's MSNTV.
Net Device - (a.k.a. Internet Device, Internet Appliance) - A piece of hardware used for interacting with and/or accessing the Internet. A set-top can be a Net device.
Network Adapter - Typically a combination of hardware and software that enables a system to interact with others on a network such as the Internet. Big with video game players as it enables them to compete with others playing that game worldwide. These can be built-in to the Game Console or be a peripheral to it.
OCAP - The OCAP specification is largely based on the European Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) middleware specification created by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) organization (DVB-MHP).
O.P.A. Unit - (Outside-Premise-Addressability Unit) - A unit much like an addressable converter, but located outside the customer's dwelling.
OpenCable - Managed by CableLabs. Their aim is to specify the standards and specifications for the next-generation digital devices for the home. These devices support digital cable services and systems with well-defined specifications to allow interoperability and to promote competition among system suppliers. These new devices enable a new range of interactive services to be provided to cable customers. Nearly 500 government and private-sector groups have worked on the project since its origination in 1997. See OCAP. www.opencable.com
Open Standard(s) - (Open Architecture) - In this scenario, typically the Operating System and/or Middleware's and/or Software specifications are non-proprietary so add-on products can be more easily created and integrated into the system. Often Open Standards product's specifications are made public, as is the case with Linux. It's more likely that if the product has Open Standards, you can buy it in retail outlets, and you can have more freedom on deciding on where to take it to be serviced. Lack of Open Standards can slow down development and adoption of a technology. Sometimes an equivalent to Open Standards (though technically isn't) is thought to be when a system is a De Facto Standard, (meaning a standard that exists because of its widespread use such as Microsoft Windows in PCs) and engineers use it as a basis for technology development. See OpenCable.
PC-centric Entertainment Center - With a PC-centric Entertainment Center, the Media Center is replaced and/or controlled by your PC. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition is a major example of this. (Formerly code-named "Freestyle"). http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2875052,00.html. See the definitions for Windows XP Media Center Edition and Media Center. Click here for this Web site's Web page for PC-centric Entertainment Centers.
Peer-to-peer - (Sometimes known as Box-to-box Networking) - (1)When a brand or business' product(s)can only communicate with users of that specific brand or business's product(s). For instance peer-to-peer video-casting might be able to occur between, and among only one company's (for instance ReplayTV) subscribers and not between and among ReplayTV users and other company's PVR users (such as UltimateTV and TiVo subscribers.) (2) Networks where their hosts interact with each other on an equal basis, particularly in the exchange of data.
Phone-Based Web Boxes - A somewhat antiquated name for Set-top boxes that connect via phone lines (like Web TVs.)
Platform Independent - (May be known as Cross Platform, Platform Agnostic) - Meaning it doesn't matter which platform and perhaps middleware, the client uses. The French iTV tool provider IDP is an example - http://www.idp.fr.
Point-of-Development - (POD) - Security/access device roughly the size of a credit card that's inserted into Set-top boxes. A cable interface specified by the OpenCable Project. Also known as a POD module or POD card. In Europe these are known as PCMCIA cards. www.scmmicro.com/dvb/index.html
PORT - Physical connection areas on your computer (or set top box), usually on the back, for plugging in the lines from external devices such as printers, monitors etc. Certain ports are "specialized" like the port for the mouse (which is a serial port.) The two common computer ports are parallel and serial. A parallel port transfers data one byte at a time. Printers most often use parallel ports. Printers call their chosen port either LPT1 or LPT2. Set-top boxes can have input and output ports.
Portable Media Device - A player roughly the size of a paperback book that can store and playback digital video content from a PC via a USB 2.0 port or perhaps through wireless 802.11b networking technology. The device would have a hard drive and a passive matrix display, perhaps 4 inches in size. It works as an extension of a PC. Intel is making chips for it. Cost could be in the $400 range. Depending on the situation, it could be hooked up to your TV.
Receiver - (May be known as Set-top box, TV Tuner, TV Receiver, Tuner) - (1) This is the unit that typically is inside the house or business, which takes in signals from the antenna, satellite dish, or cable and turns the signal into something displayable on the TV. More associated with Satellite TV usage. (2) May be used interchangeably with "Tuner." This is the electronics in devices such as HDTVs that receives and decodes the broadcasted signal (data) so the viewer can see and/or interact with it. . The FCC has mandated HDTV tuners be integrated (built into) into HDTVs progressively starting in 2004 (depending on the size of the TV.) The major benefit to this is that people can the receive free high quality HDTV signals over the air with an inexpensive household antenna and not need to subscribe to satellite or cable TV to get HDTV reception.
Remote - The TV's or set-top box' mechanism that makes it respond to a remote control.
Remote Control - A keypad held in the hand that controls a device. Most use infrared light signals.
Resident Application - An application, programs or programs that are built into the memory of the set-top box. These are updated, often automatically, by the service provider via the data stream (signal) that the set-top receives from the service provider.
Resident Program Guide - The program guide, very probably an EPG or IPG, that the ITV system offers the viewer. It could be based in the set-top box or at the server.
Return Path -- Route the user of an STB (set-top box) can use to interact with the broadcaster. Literally it is the route the user uses to send data back to the broadcaster. It might be via a modem that's connected to a telephone line, satellite connection or some other network.
RISC - (Pronounced "risk") - (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) - A type of microprocessor that recognizes only a limited number of instructions. It's the opposite of the standard PC which is CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer). RISC computers can execute their instructions very fast because the instructions are so simple. Also RISC chips as easier to make (as they require fewer transistors.) There are Set-top boxes and other ITV related hardware that uses RISC.
Set-top-Based Banking - Banking activities via the set-top. This could include using a smart card slot for inserting smart cards, credit cards and other types of bankcards. After a connection is made to the network, financial transactions can be made
Set-top Boxes Integrating PVRs - A value-added set-top box environment that includes the digital video recording functions of the PVR (DVR). See Media Centers & Home Media Server.
Set-top Box Subscriber - The subscriber that signs up for the account that the set-top box is part of and thus theoretically could be responsible for what is viewed through it.
Set-top Browsers - (a.k.a. Web TV, Net-TV) - Being able to view and interact with the Internet via your Set-top box. See Net-TV.
Set-top Gaming - (a.k.a. Gaming) - Interactive games, in particular video games, are expected to be immensely popular in the broadband age.
Sidecar - This type of set-top box provides an additional transport stream of data from the content provider, to compliment the original stream that's being received by the subscriber via their original set-top box. With Charter Communications' important ITV rollout, the BMC-8000 (Broadband Media Center) is a sidecar box that works in tandem with the Motorola DCT-2000. A fully integrated unit would not require a Sidecar.
Standalone - A device, product or system that's not incorporated into another more comprehensive device, product or system. A PVR/DVR you put by your TV is a Standalone versus a PVR/DVR built-into a Home Media Server. As another example, offering VOD programming that you pay for individually could be considered Standalone VOD versus Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) which offers an unlimited choice of programming to those that pay a monthly (or otherwise regular) set price.
Storage - The word "storage" is often used to refer to memory that exists on disks and tapes. "Memory" is more often a
term used to indicate data storage areas that are in the form of computer chips. "Storage" areas retain the data put in them
after the computer is turned off whereas "memory" areas usually lose their stored data when the computer is turned off.
Local Storage in ITV most often refers to storing content at the subscriber's location (such as their home or business) as
their PVR/DVR does. Network Storage is when the content provider stores the content (or most of it) at their location,
typically on their servers. In VOD, Network Storage may be referred to as Network-based Video on Demand.
Subs - Subscribers.
Super Box - (a.k.a. All-in-one set top box, Integrated set top box; maybe be known as Advanced set top box) - A fully integrated set-top box. Features could include everything from high-speed Internet access to digital video recording to games and e-mail capacity. The opposite of this is when are two or more set top boxes (one being a "sidecar") are used in tandem by the subscriber's TV.
Tuner - (in terms of ITV) - (May be known as Receiver) - The tuner is for accessing QAM, OFDM and QPSK networks. As well as being able to receive data in digital form, most tuners can also receiver analog signals. Set-top and built-in tuners are often thought to be divided into 3 categories:
1) Broadcast In-Band (IB) - For this the tuner separates a channel from all the channels received and converts it into a single signal that the receiver makes viewable.
2) OUT Of Band (OOB) - Used often by cable TV set-tops. These can offer more interactive services.
3) Return Path Tuner - This type of tuner, or mechanism of a tuner, allows more readily the return of interactive data to a signal's source.
Tuner Kits - (Maybe known as TV Tuner Kits) - Hardware and/or software that can be added to gaming consoles and/or other hardware and set-top boxes, to make it able to receive and/or view TV signals. These may be added later by the customer or added at the factory prior to the item's sale. See Tuner.
Video-game Player (a.k.a. Video Game Console, Video-game Console, Videogame Player, Home Gaming Console) - The unit that video games are played through. This unit is typically connected to a TV or monitor for experiencing video games. These can have a bare bones operating system or a more powerful OS as well as numerous other functions including that of typical PCs and set top boxes, including a Digital Video Recorder. Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and Nintendo's GameCube are the leaders. Through these are Video-game players, assuming it's enabled for it, players can browse the Web, record television shows, send e-mail messages and more. Microsoft's Xbox requires a broadband connection and is for competing against others on that huge network.
(For a big list of set top box manufacturers and/or providers, go to www.itvdictionary.com/stb.html)
Set-top Box - (STB) - (May be known as set top, Set-tops, set-top box, set top box, STB, Receivers, Converters, Decoders, Intelligent Set-top Boxes, Smart Encoder, Digital TV Converter, DTV Converter, Voice-enabled Set-top Boxes, Digital Decoder, DTV Tuner, Descrambler, Digital Set-top Box, Addressable Converter, Demodulator, Smart TV Set-top Box, ITV enabled Set-top Box, Internet-enabled Set-top Box, ITV enabled Set-top cable box, Satellite- enabled Set-top Box, Cable-enabled Set-top Box, Low-end Boxes, Thin Boxes, Thick Boxes, Smart TV Set-top Box, Super Box, All-in-one Set Top Box, Integrated Set Top Box, Hybrid Cable Box.) - It's ancestor is often considered the Nintendo game box, as those ancient 8-bit game boxes had data ports. When the functions of a set-top box is built in to the TV, it's often known as a "Built-in". Do note that just because a TV has the set-top box functions built in to it, it doesn't mean it's a digital TV. In that case it's just an analog TV with set-top box functions built into it.
Set-top boxes are often associated with these major categories:
(1) Broadcast TV Set-top Boxes - (a.k.a. Thin Boxes) - The more elementary level set-top box with no return channel (back-end). They might however come with some memory, interface ports and some processing power.
(2) Enhanced TV Set-top Boxes - (May be known as: Smart TV set-top box, Thick Boxes) - These have a return channel, usually through a phone line, and are the mainstay of today's set-top boxes. These are capable of Video on Demand, Near Video on Demand, e-commerce, Internet browsing, e-mail communications and chat. They are giving way to the next category.
(3) Advanced Set-top Boxes - (a.k.a. Advanced digital Set-top boxes, Smart TV Set-top box, Thick Boxes) - These are in many ways like a PC. These have good processors, memory and optional large hard-drives. They're more often used with high-speed connections. The Explorer 6000 & 8000 set-top boxes from Scientific Atlanta are in this category.
(4) All-in-one Set-top Boxes - (a.k.a. Integrated set top box, Super Box; maybe be known as Advanced set top box) - A fully integrated set-top box. Features could include everything from high-speed Internet access to digital video recording to games and e-mail capacity. The opposite of this is when are two or more set top boxes (sidecars) are used in tandem by the subscriber's TV.
(5) Sidecar - This type of set-top box provides an additional transport stream of data from the content provider, to compliment the original stream that's being received by the subscriber via their original set-top box. With Charter Communications' important ITV rollout, the BMC-8000 (Broadband Media Center) is 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 an example. It has a DVD player.
Set-top boxes (STB) act as a gateway between your television or PC or PC-TV and your telephone, satellite or cable feed (incoming signal.) In terms of ITV, the STB receives encoded and/or compressed digital signals from the signal source (satellite, TV station, cable network, etc.) and decodes (and/or decompresses) those signals, converting them into analog signals displayable on your television. The STB also accepts commands from the user (often by use of a remote control {keypad} or keyboard) and transmits these commands back to the network, often through a back channel (which may be a separate phone line.)
Interactive television STBs can have many functions such as television receiver, modem, game console, Web browser, a way of sending e-mail, Electronic Program Guide (EPG), even CD ROM, DVD player, video-conferencing, cable telephony etc. Many STBs are able to communicate in real time with devices such as camcorders, DVDs, CD players and music keyboards.
Set-top boxes are usually computers that process digital information. These typically have on-screen user interfaces that can be seen on the TV screen and interacted with through the use of an Hand-held Interactive Keypad, which is little more than an advanced remote control. (These are also known as Control Devices.) STBs also have facilities for upgrading software such as browsers and Electronic Program Guides (EPGs). Some have huge hard-drives and smart card slots to put your smart card into for purchases and identifying yourself to your cable, satellite TV provider.
To provide interactive services, the set-top box, from the standpoint of its hardware, needs four important components: a network, an interface, a buffer, as well as decoder/synchronization Hardware.
(1) The network interface: Allows the user to receive data from the server and send data back to the server, in a manner that it can be understood by the server.
(2) The decoder: In order to save storage space, disk bandwidth, and network bandwidth, movies are usually encoded (compressed) before they are sent over the network. Thus, the end-users needs a decoder to decode (uncompress among other things) the incoming stream's data before it's viewable. This is part of what a modem does. The decoding process is sometimes known as Demodulation or Heavy Lifting.
(3) The buffer: Due to delay jitters in the network, the arrival time of a video stream cannot be determined exactly. In order to guarantee continuous consistent playback for the viewer (end-user/subscriber) the stream is often received one or even a few seconds before it's actually seen by the end-user. This way if there are fluctuations (even those measured in milliseconds) in the transport time of the video stream to that receiver, the viewer won't know the difference as their buffer has a bit of time to spare.
(4) Synchronization hardware: Let's remember that a movie (or whatever one watches via a set-top box) consists of both video and audio streams. They must be synchronized with each other before being viewed. Other streams may be added too which could include that which is Enhanced (ITV) related.
To provide interactive services, the set-top box, from the standpoint of it's software, needs the appropriate Platform, Middleware and Software:
Platform - (Sometimes also known as "ITV client") - (1) The underlying system and standards that makes up the Built-in
and/or set-top box. The platform enables interactivity (among other things.) Platforms can include ITV related software,
middleware and/or hardware. ITV platforms however are often associated with the Middleware provider. Liberate,
OpenTV, PowerTV, Worldgate and Microsoft TV (MSTV) are middleware platforms and/or Platform providers.
(2) The operating system (i.e. Windows 98, Windows NT, etc.) used by the computer that a visitor to your Web site is
using. (3) It can be used to refer to major communications such as digital terrestrial (MMDS), cable, satellite, and the
Internet. Thus these would be referred to as "cable platform," "satellite platform" etc.
Middleware - (a.k.a. System software or Platform software) - A general term for any programming that serves to "glue together" or mediate between two separate and usually already existing programs. It includes an application manager, the virtual machine (such as Java Virtual Machine™), the interactive engine, the libraries and databases. In terms of ITV related, that would often be software that provides services that occur between the server and end-user. This includes software that connects two separate applications together. This is particularly necessary as there are in use a number of different programs, platforms and software that are all oriented to the same goal of providing ITV. If the set-top box has a Resident Application, it's often thought of as in the Middleware category. In this case a Resident Application is a program or programs that are built into the memory of the set-top box. These are updated, often automatically, by the service provider via the data stream (signal) that the set-top receives from the service provider.
Software - (ITV Software, Set-top Box Software) - This is software that adds features to the set-top box that often it doesn't need to operate, or at least operate minimally. For instance if the set-top box was "Voice-enabled," so it obeys commands spoken by the subscriber, that would be largely be thanks to the voice recognition software in the set-top box.
Back Channel (a.k.a., Return Channel, Reverse Channel, Return Path) - The physical way that the end-user is able to send information/requests/demands back to the content provider. This can be an integral part of ITV. A Back Channel is a 2-way communications link between the TV viewer (end-user) and the Interactive Television content provider; (as opposed to the Front Channel, which is a 1-way communication link from the content provider, such a television network, just to the TV viewer - something we all experience by simply watching TV.) The Back Channel is often of much lower bandwidth than the Front Channel is. It's typically a modem and attached telephone line, although it could be a cable modem, DSL, satellite connection etc.
Decoder - (Might also be known as Set-top Box, Converter, Receiver, Descrambler) - It's a device or program that changes encoded data back into its original format. The term is often used in reference to MPEG-2 video and sound data, which must be decoded before it's viewable. Most DVD players, for example, include a decoder card which sole function is to decode MPEG data.
A digital set-top box (and the majority of set-top boxes are digital) and its television Built-in counterpart, usually has 3 decoders.
(1) Video Decoder - It decodes the video packets into images that can be viewed.
(2) Audio Decoder - It decompresses the audio bit-stream.
(3) Data Decoder - It helps you choose between the potentially hundreds of channels and ITV services. It's part of the MPEG-2 stream.
**(For a big list of set top box manufacturers and/or providers, go to www.itvdictionary.com/stb.html)**
Related Terms:
Addressable - A cable/satellite set-top box (decoder) that has a unique identity. The decoder can descramble a signal (program, channel etc) for that particular subscriber. See Conditional Access and Subscriber Management Systems in the main ITV Dictionary section..
Addressable Converter - A set-top box/decoder/converter that receives data from the Head-End such as downgrades, upgrades, free previews, Video-on-Demand and Pay Per View programming.
All-in-one Set Top Box - (a.k.a. Integrated set top box, Super Box; maybe be known as Advanced set top box) - A fully integrated set-top box. Features could include everything from high-speed Internet access to digital video recording to games and e-mail capacity. The opposite of this is when are two or more set top boxes (sidecars) are used in tandem by the subscriber's TV.
Application-specific Integrated Circuit - (ASIC) - A computer chip developed for a specific purpose. The demultiplexer in Set-top boxes and Built-ins often use ASIC chips.
Architecture - Refers to the total design and implementation of a network and/or product, including its transmission technologies, various communication related protocols, as well as management and security systems etc.
ASIC - (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) - An integrated circuit developed for special rather than general applications. The PC computer chip for standard home or office use is not ASIC. www.atsc.org
Black Box - A device whose internal make-up, design, or operation is discrete. It's function is known, but usually not its internal components. Set-top boxes, particularly in the past, have been known as Blackboxes.
Built-in - When a computer (or set-top box) is part of (and in the internal make-up) of a television. The "Built-in" has the same functions of a "Set-top Box" and/or "Network Computer." Please note that just because a TV has the set-top box functions built in to it, it doesn't mean it's a digital TV. In that case it's just an analog TV with a set-top built into it.
CISCs - (Complex Instruction Set Computers) - Another term for describing the standard desktop PC or it's equivalent. PCs are built to handle a number of instructions where the opposite is true of RISC computers. RISC computers are built to take only a comparatively few. CISC computers are generally substantially more expensive than RISC computers.
Commodity PCs - A generic term sometimes used to denote consumer and industrial appliances, large and small that use a processor and have some sort of memory. Technically these devices should also be able to except input in some manner whether it's via a device that's intrinsically part of their system (such as a disk drive) or receiving it off of a network. Examples can be (but aren't necessarily,) cellular phones, Internet Appliances and even set-top boxes. The current popularity of this phrase is questionable.
Common Interface - (CI) - Describes hardware and software architecture for Conditional Access Systems whereby the generic "host" set-top box is not dedicated to one particular encryption system. Consumers use detachable hardware, which allows them to receive encrypted services they pay subscription fee(s) for. The interface between host set-top box and the CI hardware is standardized (PCMCIA-Interface) so that the same set-top box can be used to handle a variety of encryption systems.
Consumer Appliances - (a.k.a. Electronic Appliances, Internet Appliances, Electronic Devices, Network Appliances, Consumer Electronic Devices, Information Appliance, etc) - Examples are telephones, TVs and VCRs. These are electronic devices that consumers use as part of their daily lives.
Control Device - A channel changer (remote control) like device.
Cross Platform - When software works on more than one ITV platform.
CPE - Customer Premise Equipment.
DAC - (Digital to Analog Converter) - (1) A chip used in CD players and Set-top boxes (STBs) for changing the digital signal to analog. It can supply amplification for reproduction of audio and/or video signals through speakers or television. (2) Reconstructing the original analog signal from digital data.
Data Communications Equipment - (DCE) - A communications device that can establish, maintain, and terminate a connection (for example a telephone.)
Data Encoding - The method by which certain communication devices (such as a modem) encode digital data onto an analog signal for transmission. Telephone line communications are typically analog but computers create digital data (not analog) thus computers need to turn their digital data into analog data before it can be transmitted over phone lines. A converter mechanism is necessary for computer data to be transported over phone lines. The most popular of these "converter mechanisms" is a modem. Fax machines also use modems.
Data Stream - (a.k.a. Stream) - All the data transmitted through a particular communication line for a particular program, operation or scheduled transmission.
DCT - (Digital Consumer Terminal) - A General Instrument's (Now Motorola Broadband Communications Sector) set-top box abbreviation.
Demodulation - What occurs on the receiving end of a transported signal. By doing this the constant carrier signal is separated from the variable data signals. This is part of what a modem does.
Demultiplexing - Separating data streams or individual channels of data from a single multi-channel stream. For example, video and audio streams must be demultiplexed before they are decoded. This is true for multiplexed digital television transmissions. The set-top box or Built-in must demultiplex the signal it receives before it can be watched.
Deployment - When a content provider such as a Cable or Satellite company distributes to its users a common platform/middleware/hardware for ITV.
Digital Media Platform - (DMP) - A digitized platform for media that allows real-time and/or delayed delivery of video, audio and/or data to multiple networks such as cable, satellite, digital terrestrial broadcasting and broadband. Delivery can be made via a variety of devices possibly including mobile phones, set-top boxes, PDAs and computers. Often the content can be produced generically eliminating the need for platform-specific content production tools.
Digital-to-Analog Converter - A device that turns incoming analog voltage waveforms into a readable sequence of binary digits.
Digital TV Subscription - With a set-top box and a standard (analog) TV set, viewers with this service can see a number of channels, more than with a standard TV subscription. Also the image can be better.
Digital-TV Tuners - (a.k.a. DTV Tuner, Digital TV Receiver) - See Receiver.
Digital Video Broadcasting-Multimedia Home Platform - (DVB-MHP) - A specification by the DVB. It's a software (middleware) specification that will be implemented in set-top boxes, integrated digital TV receivers as well as multimedia PCs. The MHP will connect the broadcast medium, Internet, television, computer and telecommunication world through these devices and their associated peripherals. www.mhp.org. The DVB-MHP is often known as the ITV arm of the MHP.
Liberate, OpenTV, PowerTV, and CanalPlus (Canal+) have all committed to supporting this set-top standard. MHP can support many content types, not just HTML/JavaScript. It's already been demonstrated across a range of set-tops, operating systems, and hardware platforms. DVB-MHP is a software (middleware) specification of the DVB, approved by the DVB in November of 1999. It will be used in set-top boxes, integrated digital TV receivers, as well as multimedia PCs. www.dvb.org/search/index.html (Type in DVB-MHP.)
DOM - (Document Object Model) - It specifies how objects in a Web page (text, images, headers, links, etc.) are represented. It can be used to add certain Enhanced (ITV) features to the transmission (broadcast,) after it's received by the end-user (viewer.) DOM might be used to help make the Set-top Boxes' ITV functions less dependent on the content providers. Literally ITV creators can give the TV content certain Enhanced (ITV) qualities after the viewers Set-top Box receives the original transmission. www.w3.org/DOM/faq.html
End System - What the end-user on a network uses.
End-to-End - (in terms of ITV) - Everything (from the beginning to the end) it takes from the production of the ITV content, including the broadcasting of the signal, to the viewing and interacting by the end-user.
End-user - The person(s) and/or subscriber(s) who actually uses and/or views the computer, TV or device on the network.
Endpoint - A destination, a place where data is expected and doesn't need to go any further.
Eurobox - (a.k.a. Multimedia Terminals for Cable) - A set-top platform for European cable set-top boxes as set forth by the ECA.
Front Panel Display Unit - The part of the set-top that lights up with numbers and/or letters.
Gateway - (May be known as Home Gateway, Digital Gateway, Media Appliance, Entertainment Gateway, Media Centers, Digital Media Center, Home Gateway Media Centers, Home Media Server, PC-centric Entertainment Center. Associated with Set-top Boxes Integrating PVRs. Can be part of Integrated TVs) - (1) See Media Center. (2) A computer system that transfers data between different and/or normally incompatible operating systems, devices and/or networks. A Gateway would make it possible (for instance) to watch on-demand content over a TV that that viewer had originally received from the Internet via his PC.
Hand-held Interactive Keypad - Looks a lot like a remote control for a VCR or TV. Through it people interact with the content on the screen. The NTN Playmaker® is an example.
Home Gateway Media Centers - See Media Centers.
Home Networking - (Associated with Whole-Home Services Delivery, Multi-TV Personal Video Recording) - Connecting computers and other devices/appliances with processors in the home to one central hub (computer and/or set top box) in the home. See Internet Appliance.
An FAQ on Home Networking is at www.cable-modem.net/gc/networking.html. Also see this Web site's Web page on it at: www.itvdictionary.com/itv_home_networking.html. A Home Networking glossary is at: http://www.xilinx.com/esp/home_networking/glossary/hnglossary-a.htm.
HomePNA - (Home Phoneline Networking Alliance) - A consortium of businesses and organizations oriented towards promoting, developing and establishing standards, specifications and the general concept of networking home computing devices including "intelligent" toasters and refrigerators. They have a particular interest in using Ethernet-based technologies. See Home Networking. www.homepna.com
Hot-swapping - Being able to, or the act of changing a card or other form of hardware in a device (such as a computer) without it having to stop functioning (which it would do if you had to turn it off.)
Hub - The device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from workstations or other devices. It can be passive, where there is no amplification of the signals, or active where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an extension of the cable that connects to a workstation.
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 an example. It has a DVD player and high-end stereo and goes for $900.
ICAP - (Interactive Communicating Application Protocol) - Wink developed this protocol for Set-top boxes and TVs that aren't able to run a full HTML browser.
Intelligent Set-top Boxes - These track where the user goes, and/or what shows he/she watches, and/or their spending habits concerning T-com (television commerce) and presents shows, advertisements etc that the computer thinks the viewer would prefer.
Internet-enabled Satellite Boxes - The receiver (set-top box) Direct Broadcast Satellite customers have that allows them to get Satellite Internet service. Echostar is an example.
IP Media Appliance - A multi-media Web device that's capable of receiving, storing and playing back in real time, digital video and audio. The received signals, which might be encrypted, can be manipulated in a variety of ways - slow motion, 8 times zoom, freeze frame, pan, forward and reverse. Many IP Media Appliances have Internet Browsers.
IRD - (Integrated Receiver Decoder) - A Set-top box/receiver with a built in de-scrambler for decoding Pay-TV and other services.
Java - In 1990 a few geniuses at SUN MICROSYSTEMS went to work in developing a programming language that could control different consumer appliances as the major computer languages of the day were not suitable for that. They were successful. Their first Java program they developed was called HotJava. The first applications of Java were in handheld PCs and earlier TV Set-top Boxes.
Java is a cross platform language that processes on the client side (client browser.) In many ways it's a more efficient programming language. In fact it can run in anything that has a processor such as microwave ovens, cars and old slow computers. In addition it only needs to be written once for any computer. Thus Macintosh can use the same Java software as a PC. Java is an integral part of the ITV revolution.
Good JAVA FAQs are at www.davidreilly.com/java/java_network_programming & www.swtech.com/java.
JavaTV - (Java TV Application Programming Interface {API}) - Consumers, through a set-top Box or digital television that supports the Java TV API, will receive interactive television content such as Enhanced television, Video on Demand (VOD), Electronic Programming Guides (EPGs) and interactive multi-camera-angle sporting events (where you can choose the camera angle you view an event from.) www.sun.com/consumer-embedded/cover/javatv.html
Jini - Sun Microsystems' home networking software solution. Set-top boxes and other consumer appliances and computers can be networked together with Jini. www.sun.com/jini
Local Storage (in terms of ITV) - Most often refers to storing content at the subscriber's location (home or office) such as in their PVR (DVR). In many ways, the opposite of Local Storage is Network Storage.
Media Center - (May be known as Digital Media Center, Media Appliance, Entertainment Gateway, Multimedia Gateway, Home Media Center, PC-centric Entertainment Center, Digital Hub, Home Gateway, Home Gateway Media Centers, Home Media Server, Home Networking Gateway, Digital Home Media Center. Can be part of Integrated TVs) - A type of set-top box environment that can offer video, text, audio, graphics, streaming media, VOD, music downloads and games, content sharing, and videoconferencing via network (which may be the Internet) connectivity. Offered also are one or more interactive user interfaces and more typically is in the Cable TV category. Some or more of the above services that do not come with the customers original set-top box, may be added to their TV system with the addition of another set-top box called a "Sidecar." The Moxi™ platform is an example. With a PC-centric Entertainment Center, the center is replaced and/or controlled by your PC. (An example is Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center.)
Modulator (a.k.a. RF Generator) - A device that combines audio and video signals by coding them into a TV channel (radio frequency).
Net-top Boxes - More oriented towards Internet use but still can have ITV functions. Examples are AOLTV, Microsoft's UltimateTV, and Microsoft's MSNTV.
Net Device - (a.k.a. Internet Device, Internet Appliance) - A piece of hardware used for interacting with and/or accessing the Internet. A set-top can be a Net device.
Network Adapter - Typically a combination of hardware and software that enables a system to interact with others on a network such as the Internet. Big with video game players as it enables them to compete with others playing that game worldwide. These can be built-in to the Game Console or be a peripheral to it.
OCAP - The OCAP specification is largely based on the European Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) middleware specification created by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) organization (DVB-MHP).
O.P.A. Unit - (Outside-Premise-Addressability Unit) - A unit much like an addressable converter, but located outside the customer's dwelling.
OpenCable - Managed by CableLabs. Their aim is to specify the standards and specifications for the next-generation digital devices for the home. These devices support digital cable services and systems with well-defined specifications to allow interoperability and to promote competition among system suppliers. These new devices enable a new range of interactive services to be provided to cable customers. Nearly 500 government and private-sector groups have worked on the project since its origination in 1997. See OCAP. www.opencable.com
Open Standard(s) - (Open Architecture) - In this scenario, typically the Operating System and/or Middleware's and/or Software specifications are non-proprietary so add-on products can be more easily created and integrated into the system. Often Open Standards product's specifications are made public, as is the case with Linux. It's more likely that if the product has Open Standards, you can buy it in retail outlets, and you can have more freedom on deciding on where to take it to be serviced. Lack of Open Standards can slow down development and adoption of a technology. Sometimes an equivalent to Open Standards (though technically isn't) is thought to be when a system is a De Facto Standard, (meaning a standard that exists because of its widespread use such as Microsoft Windows in PCs) and engineers use it as a basis for technology development. See OpenCable.
PC-centric Entertainment Center - With a PC-centric Entertainment Center, the Media Center is replaced and/or controlled by your PC. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition is a major example of this. (Formerly code-named "Freestyle"). http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2875052,00.html. See the definitions for Windows XP Media Center Edition and Media Center. Click here for this Web site's Web page for PC-centric Entertainment Centers.
Peer-to-peer - (Sometimes known as Box-to-box Networking) - (1)When a brand or business' product(s)can only communicate with users of that specific brand or business's product(s). For instance peer-to-peer video-casting might be able to occur between, and among only one company's (for instance ReplayTV) subscribers and not between and among ReplayTV users and other company's PVR users (such as UltimateTV and TiVo subscribers.) (2) Networks where their hosts interact with each other on an equal basis, particularly in the exchange of data.
Phone-Based Web Boxes - A somewhat antiquated name for Set-top boxes that connect via phone lines (like Web TVs.)
Platform Independent - (May be known as Cross Platform, Platform Agnostic) - Meaning it doesn't matter which platform and perhaps middleware, the client uses. The French iTV tool provider IDP is an example - http://www.idp.fr.
Point-of-Development - (POD) - Security/access device roughly the size of a credit card that's inserted into Set-top boxes. A cable interface specified by the OpenCable Project. Also known as a POD module or POD card. In Europe these are known as PCMCIA cards. www.scmmicro.com/dvb/index.html
PORT - Physical connection areas on your computer (or set top box), usually on the back, for plugging in the lines from external devices such as printers, monitors etc. Certain ports are "specialized" like the port for the mouse (which is a serial port.) The two common computer ports are parallel and serial. A parallel port transfers data one byte at a time. Printers most often use parallel ports. Printers call their chosen port either LPT1 or LPT2. Set-top boxes can have input and output ports.
Portable Media Device - A player roughly the size of a paperback book that can store and playback digital video content from a PC via a USB 2.0 port or perhaps through wireless 802.11b networking technology. The device would have a hard drive and a passive matrix display, perhaps 4 inches in size. It works as an extension of a PC. Intel is making chips for it. Cost could be in the $400 range. Depending on the situation, it could be hooked up to your TV.
Receiver - (May be known as Set-top box, TV Tuner, TV Receiver, Tuner) - (1) This is the unit that typically is inside the house or business, which takes in signals from the antenna, satellite dish, or cable and turns the signal into something displayable on the TV. More associated with Satellite TV usage. (2) May be used interchangeably with "Tuner." This is the electronics in devices such as HDTVs that receives and decodes the broadcasted signal (data) so the viewer can see and/or interact with it. . The FCC has mandated HDTV tuners be integrated (built into) into HDTVs progressively starting in 2004 (depending on the size of the TV.) The major benefit to this is that people can the receive free high quality HDTV signals over the air with an inexpensive household antenna and not need to subscribe to satellite or cable TV to get HDTV reception.
Remote - The TV's or set-top box' mechanism that makes it respond to a remote control.
Remote Control - A keypad held in the hand that controls a device. Most use infrared light signals.
Resident Application - An application, programs or programs that are built into the memory of the set-top box. These are updated, often automatically, by the service provider via the data stream (signal) that the set-top receives from the service provider.
Resident Program Guide - The program guide, very probably an EPG or IPG, that the ITV system offers the viewer. It could be based in the set-top box or at the server.
Return Path -- Route the user of an STB (set-top box) can use to interact with the broadcaster. Literally it is the route the user uses to send data back to the broadcaster. It might be via a modem that's connected to a telephone line, satellite connection or some other network.
RISC - (Pronounced "risk") - (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) - A type of microprocessor that recognizes only a limited number of instructions. It's the opposite of the standard PC which is CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer). RISC computers can execute their instructions very fast because the instructions are so simple. Also RISC chips as easier to make (as they require fewer transistors.) There are Set-top boxes and other ITV related hardware that uses RISC.
Set-top-Based Banking - Banking activities via the set-top. This could include using a smart card slot for inserting smart cards, credit cards and other types of bankcards. After a connection is made to the network, financial transactions can be made
Set-top Boxes Integrating PVRs - A value-added set-top box environment that includes the digital video recording functions of the PVR (DVR). See Media Centers & Home Media Server.
Set-top Box Subscriber - The subscriber that signs up for the account that the set-top box is part of and thus theoretically could be responsible for what is viewed through it.
Set-top Browsers - (a.k.a. Web TV, Net-TV) - Being able to view and interact with the Internet via your Set-top box. See Net-TV.
Set-top Gaming - (a.k.a. Gaming) - Interactive games, in particular video games, are expected to be immensely popular in the broadband age.
Sidecar - This type of set-top box provides an additional transport stream of data from the content provider, to compliment the original stream that's being received by the subscriber via their original set-top box. With Charter Communications' important ITV rollout, the BMC-8000 (Broadband Media Center) is a sidecar box that works in tandem with the Motorola DCT-2000. A fully integrated unit would not require a Sidecar.
Standalone - A device, product or system that's not incorporated into another more comprehensive device, product or system. A PVR/DVR you put by your TV is a Standalone versus a PVR/DVR built-into a Home Media Server. As another example, offering VOD programming that you pay for individually could be considered Standalone VOD versus Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) which offers an unlimited choice of programming to those that pay a monthly (or otherwise regular) set price.
Storage - The word "storage" is often used to refer to memory that exists on disks and tapes. "Memory" is more often a
term used to indicate data storage areas that are in the form of computer chips. "Storage" areas retain the data put in them
after the computer is turned off whereas "memory" areas usually lose their stored data when the computer is turned off.
Local Storage in ITV most often refers to storing content at the subscriber's location (such as their home or business) as
their PVR/DVR does. Network Storage is when the content provider stores the content (or most of it) at their location,
typically on their servers. In VOD, Network Storage may be referred to as Network-based Video on Demand.
Subs - Subscribers.
Super Box - (a.k.a. All-in-one set top box, Integrated set top box; maybe be known as Advanced set top box) - A fully integrated set-top box. Features could include everything from high-speed Internet access to digital video recording to games and e-mail capacity. The opposite of this is when are two or more set top boxes (one being a "sidecar") are used in tandem by the subscriber's TV.
Tuner - (in terms of ITV) - (May be known as Receiver) - The tuner is for accessing QAM, OFDM and QPSK networks. As well as being able to receive data in digital form, most tuners can also receiver analog signals. Set-top and built-in tuners are often thought to be divided into 3 categories:
1) Broadcast In-Band (IB) - For this the tuner separates a channel from all the channels received and converts it into a single signal that the receiver makes viewable.
2) OUT Of Band (OOB) - Used often by cable TV set-tops. These can offer more interactive services.
3) Return Path Tuner - This type of tuner, or mechanism of a tuner, allows more readily the return of interactive data to a signal's source.
Tuner Kits - (Maybe known as TV Tuner Kits) - Hardware and/or software that can be added to gaming consoles and/or other hardware and set-top boxes, to make it able to receive and/or view TV signals. These may be added later by the customer or added at the factory prior to the item's sale. See Tuner.
Video-game Player (a.k.a. Video Game Console, Video-game Console, Videogame Player, Home Gaming Console) - The unit that video games are played through. This unit is typically connected to a TV or monitor for experiencing video games. These can have a bare bones operating system or a more powerful OS as well as numerous other functions including that of typical PCs and set top boxes, including a Digital Video Recorder. Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and Nintendo's GameCube are the leaders. Through these are Video-game players, assuming it's enabled for it, players can browse the Web, record television shows, send e-mail messages and more. Microsoft's Xbox requires a broadband connection and is for competing against others on that huge network.
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