Hi All,
There has been some discussion and interest in the Set-Top-Box, STB; what exactly is it?
The STB is a combination of two major components; it contains a receiver/tuner, and in this regard it is essentially a radio which operates in the TV frequency spectrum.
There has been some discussion and interest in the Set-Top-Box, STB; what exactly is it?
The STB is a combination of two major components; it contains a receiver/tuner, and in this regard it is essentially a radio which operates in the TV frequency spectrum.
Scientific Atlanta/Cisco is the primary provider for these STB's
The second major component is a communications card which allows the STB to communicate with the COMCAST local office, in particular what is called "The Head End"; this is where the COMCAST TV signal block of channels is multiplexed and transmitted to the subscribers.
The head end also houses large server farms, these are simply computer storage facilities, not unlike the hard drive of your computer, if you have one, but much greater in capacity.
These server farms contain Content; primarily movies which COMCAST offers as Pay-Per-View product and also Video-On-Demand (VOD)
VOD allows the subscriber to order content with your remote control at any time of the day or night; thus if you desire to view a certain movie at a certain time, you may do so. There are hundreds of movies available at any given time.
This STB is the device which COMCAST will offer to us at a cost of $3.40 per month, so we will all hear more about it in future.
Dave Israel
The second major component is a communications card which allows the STB to communicate with the COMCAST local office, in particular what is called "The Head End"; this is where the COMCAST TV signal block of channels is multiplexed and transmitted to the subscribers.
The head end also houses large server farms, these are simply computer storage facilities, not unlike the hard drive of your computer, if you have one, but much greater in capacity.
These server farms contain Content; primarily movies which COMCAST offers as Pay-Per-View product and also Video-On-Demand (VOD)
VOD allows the subscriber to order content with your remote control at any time of the day or night; thus if you desire to view a certain movie at a certain time, you may do so. There are hundreds of movies available at any given time.
This STB is the device which COMCAST will offer to us at a cost of $3.40 per month, so we will all hear more about it in future.
Dave Israel
4 comments:
STB only works on one TV, right? You must rent others if you want it on more TVs.
This is all very interesting. I'm looking forward to reading what happens at the meeting. I miss Oxygen.
p
Hi A Nony Mouse
Aug 12, 2008 10:31:00 AM
Yes, you are correct; and I am well aware that some Unit Owners have as many as 4 TV's.
This is but one of many issues that will be discussed at the Meet-and Greet with Christine.
This item, like many others is clearly negotiable and a discount may be obtainable, we shall see.
If possible, attend the meeting and raise the issue.
Dave Israel
Hi Dave,
I'd love to come. Maybe some of these important cable meetings could be held in the evening. I realize there is probably not much call for that.
Chris
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