Set-top Boxes

The set-top box industry involves any product, process, manufacturing, sales, or marketing having to do with set-top boxes. A set-top box is an electronic information apparatus that connects to a communication device channel that acts as a signal to project output on a typical TV screen or other display screen. Signal sources may include but are not limited to: a telephone line, coaxial cable, Ethernet cable, DSL connection, satellite dish, broadband power line, or a UHF OR VHF antenna.

Set-top boxes range in types from those that receive and unscramble TV signal to those that can act as desktop computers. Set-top boxes are able to provide for video-on-demand, video conferencing, IP telephony, high-speed internet television services, and/or home networking.

The purchase of set-top boxes comes through content providers (such as cable or satellite companies), rather than directly from set-top box manufacturers. Often set-top boxes are included in the cost of an initial cable or satellite subscription. Set-top boxes that are used for the specific purpose of more modern facets, like DVRs, are typically sold or leased to the consumer by the content company separate from a consumer’s base subscription.

Revenue generated by the sales of set-top boxes is dependent upon the new innovations in related technology. Currently there are many different devices that offer the user and average consumer the ability to control and customize the content they view and listen to; because of this, consumer are demanding more control with their set-top boxes and televisions as well. With the advent of the DVR system, sales have recently increased.