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An Internet appliance is a consumer product which accesses services on the Internet, such as the World Wide Web or Internet telephony, but which is not a general-purpose computer and does not have a hard drive in general. The idea behind Internet appliances is that they can be made cheaper than general-purpose computers and by being dedicated to a single function they can be simpler to use. They constitute a specialized form of information appliance. The first such appliances to be marketed successfully gave constant information on the weather or on the state of the stock market, by means of changes in colors or by using analog gauges.
Often abbreviated STB, Set Top Box an electronic device that is connected to a communication channel, such as a phone, ISDN or cable television line, and produces output on a conventional television screen. One of the most appealing features of the STB is in-home Internet access. The Set Top Box platform offers a convenient, affordable solution for web browsing and email. In short an interactive Set Top Box provides an interactive environment with other features as easy Internet access, Streaming Video, Electronic Programming Guides, Personalized Infotainment. Some of the STB market trends include:
The STB market is very dynamic and will change dramatically over the
next few years. We are already seeing a convergence of technology with
equipment connected to the television, such as adding hard drives for
television program storage and instant replay. New products like the MSN
TV 2 Internet and Media Player lets you access the Web or digital media
on a PC right from your TV and the comfort of your living room, bedroom,
or kitchen.
BBC
Reception Advice: Advice on receiving digital television on ITV Digital
set-top box and integrated digital TV sets. |
