It is not wrong to say that Set Top Boxes have increased the entertainment options for the users. These boxes actually work by receiving audio-video signals, decoding these signals and displaying these on a screen. These signals are received either through the cable TV or satellite. Present day set top boxes (STBs) even make use of the internet for receiving the signals. The modern era STBs have undergone a sea change ever since these were incepted in 1980s.
In the beginning, the STBs were primarily used for cable and satellite TV and these could typically provide more channels than the TV’s own numbering system. There was a decoder which was used for premium channels or for pay-per-view revenue model. Basically, it was one-way communication from the STB to the TV, so the user could only view these channels upon selection. However, the modern day set top box units are quite complex. This is not just a one-way communication. Rather, this has been adapted to include 2 way communication as well. Besides watching the channels, you can also make use of these devices for video conferencing, IP telephony, providing video on demand service and satellite broadband services.
The modern day channel tv box is a necessary media streaming device which can take care of all your entertainment requirements. You can watch TV channels of any type. You can also be given the option of watching movie channels or can request for playing a video on demand exclusively for you. So much so you can even record any media program and rewind it for certain period of time for viewing. This is a good feature which allows you to view those programs again which you have missed. To this extent, it also works as a micro-computer.
As smart TVs are increasingly being bought by the people since it allows viewing of applications and channels, the STBs are also being upgraded technologically to be compatible with Android TVs. With this upgradation, you are able to see all movies presented on OTT platform.
Therefore, smart TV box technology has come of age and has kept pace with evolving technology of audio-video systems.