Page 198 - CITS - Electronic Mechanic - TT - 2024

ELECTRONICS MECHANIC - CITS

Types of Set Top Box:

Shortened to STB, a set top box is similar in size and shape to a video cassette recorder (VCR). It tunes into,
receives and decodes HDTV signals.
HDTV signals can come from over-the-air broadcasts, digital satellites, or digital cables. But be careful when
shopping for a STB as there are several types available on the market.
Listed below are the common kinds of STBs:
HDTV tuners: This device tunes in, receives and decodes free over-the-air HDTV and DTV signals with an
antenna.
DirectTV receivers: It tunes in, receives, and decodes digital satellite signals with a satellite dish.
All-in-one receivers: For this type of STB, it tunes in, receives and decodes both over-the-air and digital satellite
HDTV and DTV signals. It requires both an antenna and a satellite dish.

Cable HDTV receivers: It tunes, receives, and decodes digital cable signals.
Features To Look Out For
To ensure you are getting the best set top box unit for your home entertainment needs, here are the features you
should look out for.

Features Of A Set-Top Box:
India is rapidly moving towards digitization. In the home entertainment sector, the switch-over to digital TV from
the traditional analogue cable TV is one of the most remarkable measures undertaken. The digital set-top box
has now become indispensable. Set-top boxes now come with features that have extended well beyond basic TV
viewing. You can use your set-top box to play games, set up alarms, or even record live TV. A simple comparison
of the digital set-top box price might not be the best strategy anymore.
We recommend the following six features that are a ‘must have’ for your set-top box.
Electronic Program Guide
The EPG (electronic program guide) provides the viewers with updated menus displaying schedules for ongoing
and upcoming programs on various TV channels. The EPG feature of the digital set-top box makes lives easier
by telling us when our favourite shows will be aired and when the repeats will be telecast. The EPG is certainly
one of the greatest gifts of modern digital TV.
Favourites
The digital set-top box also allows users to set up their preferred channels as favourites – making them quicker
and easier to access when desired. This feature comes quite handy especially when there are tons of channels
and remembering their numbers can be a little tricky. This functionality works similar to the ‘bookmarks’ feature in
internet browsers.
Timer
The timer – a basic yet useful feature – allows viewers to switch between channels at pre-set times. You can also
use this for generic/ parental control to switch the set-top box off at a stipulated time. The timer also comes in
handy to record live TV on more than one channel when the user is away.

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CITS : E & H - Electronics Mechanic - Lesson 108 - 117