Set-Top Box (Windows CE 5.0)
Set-top boxes(STBs) have the following functionality: They allow the reception over the air, over cable or from satellite of regular and digital programming such as DVB, ATSC or Open Cable.
IP-Set-Top Box
IP set-top boxes allow the reception of content via broadcast, satellite or cable, or on-demand over IP networks. IP-STB scenarios include Video On Demand (VOD), full broadcast TV, plus VOD services using an IP broadband connection such as DSL, cable, or fiber to the home.
IP set-top boxes can provide other functionality as well, including electronic program guides (EPGs), digital rights management (DRM) for playing back encrypted content, and a variety of interactive and multimedia services.
VOD IP-Set-Top-Box
From the user's perspective, an IP-Set-Top Box behaves almost like a traditional Video on Demand (VOD) set-top box. What distinguishes the device is that the content is pushed to a local hard-drive on the device, using a broadband connection, and then can be played back on-demand. The advantage of this device is that content can be "trickled" rather than streamed, requiring less bandwidth. This process can even happen in the background while other activity, such as broadcast viewing, is taking place.
STB Hybrid Devices
The functionality of the STB in it's various forms can be combined with that of a NMD or that of a local media player to make these devices the center of the home entertainment experience.
An IP set-top box can also support other features such as Web browsing, e-mail and viewing e-mail attachments, media playback using advanced multimedia codecs, home networking, personal computer connectivity, internet gateway functionality, instant messaging (IM), and real-time voice over IP (VoIP).
See Also
Contains information on media devices that can be built using the features found in the Windows CE 5.0 Networked Media Device Feature Pack.
Windows Embedded Partner Program
This site lists 3rd party partners that provide STB related support.
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