Skip to main content

WHAT IS SET TOP BOX (STB)?

A Set Top Box (STB) (also referred to as a set-top unit) is a device used to receive, decode and display a digital signal on a television screen. The signal may be a television signal, internet data or cable (cable TV or telecom line).

In the past, STBs were mainly used for cable TV and satellite receivers. The STB can transmit far more TV channels than the capacity of the television set. The STB makes it possible to show the image of the channel requested by the viewer from the multi-channel data. The channel to be displayed is usually transmitted from the antenna input to the television. In addition, pay systems or specialty channels can be served using STB.

Many STB systems today enable two-way communication. This allows the user to add some special channels to the system via the internet.

STB history began in the early 1980s. The first need arose when an extra analog cable channel was to be added to a television set. These models, which appeared as cable converter boxes, came with a wired or wireless remote control and transmitted the cable broadcast to the TV receiver by converting it to a low VHF frequency broadcast. Although new TV receivers have eliminated the need for external STBs, the use of STBs is still widespread. However, the STB plays an important role in applications such as pay channels, specialty channels, video on demand and shopping channels.

Set-top boxes can be classified into different categories, ranging from simple systems that simply convert the channel image to complex systems that enable video conferencing, home networking, IP telephony, video on demand, satellite broadband TV applications.

A SET-TOP BOX CAN BE BROADLY CLASSIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

  • Cable Converter Box: Devices that broadcast any channel broadcast from the cable TV network as an analog radio signal on the VHF channel. These devices allow TVs without cable TV support to be plugged into the cable TV network. Some of these devices also function to decode carrier-controlled or restricted access signals.
  • TV Signal Source: These devices have inputs for ethernet, satellite dish, DSL connection coaxial cable, broadband over power line and standard VHF or UHF antenna inputs.
  • Professional Set-Top Box: These are cabinet-type integrated receiver/decoder devices made especially for harsh conditions. They are generally used in the professional broadcasting industry and are capable of generating uncompressed serial digital interface signals.
  • Hybrid: These systems, which became widespread in the late 2000s, combine pay channels with public broadcasting. These devices combine traditional cable TV, satellite, terrestrial broadcasting and personalized systems using video input in a single device. Thus, the user can use and manage many different systems through a single device.
  • IP TV: These set top boxes are small computers that enable bi-directional communication using internet protocol and decoding images broadcasted in digital media.