OEM of Consumer Digital Equipment? Digital Media Middleware Solutions.
www.rovicorp.com
MiriATE 24/7 set top box testing fully automated reports & results
www.Mirifice.com
Get $100 Cash Back, Free HDTV Free DVR Equipment - No Contract!
www.TimeWarnerCableSpecial.com
Find Low Prices On Cable Set Top Boxes. Compare Products, Prices & Stores.
shopping.yahoo.com
Why Buy Ugly Boxes Like Everyone? Cool Color Corrugated Ship Boxes!
www.usbox.com
Provider of information regarding cable descramblers.
www.01aardvark-cable-descramblers.com
Online provider of cable descramblers and TV converter boxes.
www.1st-cable-descramblers.com
Distributor of descramblers, converters and RFT activators for cable television subscribers.
www.411-cable-descramblers.com
Manufacturer of electrical system measurement and control solutions.
www.a-a-c.com
Online distributor of television descramblers.
www.a-plus-cable-tv-descramblers.com
Subsidiary of William Aaron Electronics Inc. Online distributor of cable decoders, descramblers and replacement parts for cable TV equipment.
www.aar-cable-box-decoders.com
Contract manufacturing firm. Specializes in engineering services, printed circuit boards, custom-built assemblies, encoders, plastics and aluminum.
www.ajscontrols.com
Manufacturer and distributor of precision optical rotational position sensors for industrial applications.
beiied.com
Developer of interactive multimedia software. Products are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.bizworks.com
Provider of cable television boxes and descramblers.
www.cable-converters.com
Provider of information on cable descramblers for consumers.
www.cable-descrambler-plan.com
Online distributor of cable television converters and cable descramblers.
www.cable-descramblers-usa.com
Online distributor for Optera Imports. Wholesale cable descramblers and accessories for dealers.
cabledescrambler.com
Designer of encoders, transducers, sensors and tachometers for mill automation.
www.carlencontrols.com
Developer and manufacturer of customized potentiometers, optical switches, variable resistors, mechanical encoders and photoelectric products.
www.clarostat.com
Manufacturer of digital indicators, motion controllers and encoders. Products are sold to the robotics, computer, medical and machine tool automation industries.
www.dancon.com
Manufacturer of absolute, incremental, magnetic, rotary, optical and shaft encoders.
www.deemencoders.com
Manufacturer of vertical interval test TV generators, closed captioning equipment for the deaf and specialized studio equipment. Products are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.eegent.com
Producer of home interactive television platforms for OEMs, service providers and content providers.
www.enreach.com
Research and development firm specializing in personal computing products, set-top computer entertainment systems, security software products and wireless Internet systems.
www.gopc.com
Seller of centralized switching and processing equipment enabling cable operators to provide Internet TV, email and interactive television using a cable set-top box.
www.ictv.com
Developer of broadband Internet devices, services and tailored integrated programs for the Internet service provider (ISP) market.
meternet.com
Online distributor of cable television converters and cable descramblers.
www.mrmomsmarketing.com
Manufacturer of Internet connectivity appliances and developer of SurfReady(tm) Internet browsing software for Internet appliances. The company makes set-top boxes that enable consumers to obtain Internet connectivity through a television set. ...
www.neontech.com
An initiative, managed by the Advanced Platforms and Services group at Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs), that has produced a set of interface specifications that define the next generation of digital cable television set-top boxes...
www.opencable.com
Manufacturer of optical encoders used to determine the speed of various parts within computer printers, disk drives and analytical instruments. Products are sold to the electronics industry.
www.opticalencoder.com
Specialist in the repair of high-tech electromechanical devices. Free evaluations and free tech support
www.servorepair.com
Promoter and developer of open display and display interface standards for the video electronics market, ensuring interoperability.
www.vesa.org
Provider of Internet access via cable television and Internet e-mail services. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.webtv.net
Provider of Internet access, e-mail, T-1 access, domain name registering, design and hosting services. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.wirural.net
Provider of cable television boxes and descramblers.
worldbasesuppliers.com
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OEM of Consumer Digital Equipment? Digital Media Middleware Solutions.
www.rovicorp.com
MiriATE 24/7 set top box testing fully automated reports & results
www.Mirifice.com
Get $100 Cash Back, Free HDTV Free DVR Equipment - No Contract!
www.TimeWarnerCableSpecial.com
Are you confused about cable set-top boxes? You hear about regular cable, digital cable, and then digital cable/DVR boxes. You’re new to the cable industry. However, your boss wants you to understand it, to be sure you're making the most of cable set-top boxes.
Sure, you can take some courses, but you can find plenty of information on cable set-top boxes on the Internet. For example, you can go to the website of manufacturers of cable set-top boxes and learn about their products and how best to use them. To make the most of cable set-top boxes, you want to do the following:
1. Get information on digital cable set top boxes.
2. Find out about digital cable set top boxes that integrate DVR technology in them.
3. Understand the CableCARD alternative to digital cable set-top boxes.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Read about digital cable set top boxes
If your customer has a high definition television set, you should learn about digital cable and suggest it to them. Digital cable provides the best quality when it comes to video and audio and is popular in settings where people view sports events. To receive this technology, you must have a digital cable set top box.
I recommend: Crutchfield provides more in-depth discussions about the digital cable set-top box. Its community section allows people to post questions; other users can then post their answers or solutions. You will also want to read about digital cable set-top boxes from Red Letter Day. This website discusses the need for a digital cable set-top box to view high definition programming.
Learn about digital cable set top boxes that offer DVR technology
A digital cable set top box that has DVR (digital video recorder) technology will allow customers to record television programs for later review and discussion. The program storage is on a hard drive and in digital format, such as MPEG-1 or MPEG-2. Like the VCR, you can fast forward, rewind, or playback. However, the main advantage with DVR is that customers can instantly skip to the section they want to view, without having to rewind and wait. This is especially useful in the entertainment industry.
I recommend: Ecoustics discusses digital cable set top boxes that provide DVR technology. For example, you can read about what one cable box manufacturer, Panasonic, has integrated in its set box. Cable-Help also provides solid information on digital cable set-top boxes.
Discover how the CableCARD will replace cable TV boxes
CableCARD does not support pay-per-view. Yet this new technology has other features that cable carriers like. For one thing, it cuts costs for the cable carrier. Secondly, it prevents thieves from stealing cable TV. The CableCARD looks like a credit card and goes into a slot on your HDTV. The CableCARD works like a cable set-top box in that it stores customers' information and allows customers to unlock and see scrambled digital-cable signals.
I recommend: ARS Technica explains how the CableCARD will replace cable set top boxes. It discusses how this technology came about, and the cable set-top box manufacturers that make this card. You will also want to read what CableLabs has to say about the CableCARD.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Pay attention to legislation that government passes in regards to cable set-top boxes. Since the cable industry has to abide by government regulations, you'll want to research government websites, such as the FCC, to be sure you're using the proper equipment.
Digital cable set top boxes are hot items as U.S. markets transition to digital broadcast. Analog television signals will become a technology of the past following the Federal Communications Commission mandate that full power TV stations must broadcast digital-only signals.
Cable set top boxes were common in the mid-1970s, but became less ubiquitous as television manufacturers integrated cable-ready tuning systems into sets. However, cable TV boxes are making a strong comeback as manufacturers of digital cable set-top boxes open new markets overseas and prepare U.S. consumers for the digital TV transition. Read on to learn how to:
1. Add the latest digital cable set-top boxes to your lineup;
2. Offer consumers options beyond the traditional cable set top box;
3. Develop new solutions for business customers.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Increase revenue during the digital TV transition with digital set top boxes
Keep equipment revenue strong with the latest digital cable set top boxes, satellite receivers and DVR systems. Major cable companies and U.S. satellite TV providers can take advantage of direct relationships with cable TV box manufacturers and their satellite receiver equivalents. Statistics show annual revenues for cable set top boxes hitting a whopping $4.2 billion, with future earnings expected to continue that trend.
I recommend: Contact digital cable set top box manufacturer Motorola, and add their Dual-Tuner DVR High-Definition Set-Top Boxes to your cable TV box inventory. Hughes Network Systems provides phenomenal HD satellite receiver/DVR combos that offer customers tremendous versatility.
Embrace new cable set-top box technologies to grow your customer base
Plug into the personal media market for customer satisfaction. Customers want control of their own digital content, using technology to seamlessly receive, buffer, record and migrate video and audio between devices. The digital TV conversion offers content providers the chance to move beyond traditional thinking and expand customer bases like never before.
I recommend: Partner with SageTV, a cutting-edge hardware and software provider that offers the media integration solutions your customers want. Move beyond the basic digital cable set top box with Sling Media. The Slingbox Pro HD provides full integration between digital set top boxes, DVR and even the customer's own media-enabled smartphone.
Explore or expand business services for your digital cable set-top box customers
Meet the growing needs of your business customers. More and more businesses depend on video to keep leaders and team members informed. Digital set top boxes benefit today's business customers with key video services like up-to-the-minute financial information and severe weather tracking. Think outside the box and achieve superior market share.
I recommend: Bundle business telecommunication services to attract more customers. Contact Adtran, an industry leader in networking infrastructure to design integrated video, voice and data solutions. Harmonic Inc. offers new digital head end architecture that will deliver advanced solutions for businesses including traffic grooming and video conferencing.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Plan new service integration strategies through your customers' cable TV boxes that include major consumer hardware and software providers such as Apple and Microsoft.
Do you need to know where you can get the latest information on cable set-top boxes news and trends? You’ve scoured the cable companies’ websites for product information. However, you need to get more in-depth information on cable set-top boxes.
You can look through cable magazines, but you need to get information fast, not wait till the magazine sees print. You also want current information. This is why you need to use the Internet. Here are three ways to get the latest on cable set-top boxes news and trends:
1. Rely on news websites and blogs for learning information on cable set-top boxes.
2. Learn about cable set-top boxes through cable associations.
3. Read about digital cable set top boxes from reports or white papers.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Discover information on cable set-top boxes through news websites and blogs
You can get the latest trends on cable set-top boxes from news websites and blogs. With these outlets, you can read about what cable companies are doing to entice customers to use their cable TV boxes. Discover how cable companies are competing against telecommunications or satellite companies in order to increase their market share. These websites will also inform you about the new technologies that are in cable set top boxes.
I recommend: Light Reading focuses on the trends that are taking place in the cable industry, such as the latest information on digital cable set top boxes, located in their Cable Digital News section. You can also read what technology manufacturers of cable set-top boxes are integrating into their products. You’ll also want to refer to CNET often for the latest in the cable TV industry; CNET will cover topics such as HD cable descramblers.
Find information on cable set-top boxes through cable associations
Cable associations are great ways to get information not only on the cable industry, but on cable set-top box manufacturers. Cable associations can provide a list of companies in the industry, along with links to their websites. Find out what products and services these companies are inventing and what kind of an impact they're having in the marketplace. Another reason to look at cable associations' websites is to learn about upcoming events and seminars.
I recommend: Cable Center is a valuable resource for information on cable box manufacturers. This website provides the latest events, educational programs, and training. National Cable & Telecommunications Association covers a wide range of issues involving the cable industry. For example, the association discusses regulations, digital phone and cable telephony, and broadband Internet access. This association also discusses cable set-top boxes.
Get reports or white papers on digital cable set-top boxes
Don't overlook technology research websites for information on cable TV boxes. These websites provide reports or white papers that will delve into the cable industry including providing statistics and graphs. Unlike news websites or blogs, you will likely have to pay for these reports.
I recommend: In-Stat provides comprehensive reports on cable set top boxes. This website provides numbers to back up the articles. You will have to pay for these reports. Park Associates is another reliable resource for reports on cable set-top boxes. You’ll get a good snapshot of the digital cable set top box industry.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Subscribe to a cable newsletter to get the latest on digital cable set top boxes. Newsletters will feature articles on the leaders in the cable industry.
Guide to Cable Set top Boxes Key Terms
Consider cable set top boxes key terms to understand how this technology works
By Kristan Hart
Cable set top boxes open up a new world of cable to the subscriber. Cable set top boxes are boxes that connect to your television, and they tune in the appropriate cable channels you subscribe to. It's basically the cable company's way of regulating which channels are viewable on that particular television. Cable set top boxes provide subscribers the opportunity for premium, high quality, high definition programming that's not always available without the cable set top box. Consider these cable set top boxes key terms to learn more.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Digital cable
Digital cable is a premium cable option that requires subscribers to have a cable set top box, also known as a cable box. Digital cable allows the subscriber to enjoy premium channels.
I recommend: Time Warner Cable digital cable includes HDTV programming for its subscribers. You can see the other features available with digital cable on the company's website.
Cable HDTV
Cable HDTV is high definition programming that comes through your cable set top box. With cable HDTV, subscribers have access to all of the local networks already broadcasting in HD, like NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS and Fox. However, cable DHTV also offers cable channels in high definition, like The Weather Channel, ESPN, TLC, Discovery Channel and more.
I recommend: Crutchfield New Media explains how cable HDTV works and the equipment you need to receive cable HDTV.
Dual tuner DVR
A dual tuner DVR, also known as a dual tuner digital video recorder, allows you to watch one program and record another. You can also record two programs at once, or even pause live television. A dual tuner DVR is a common feature among cable set top boxes.
I recommend: Motorola explains the features of a dual tuner digital video recorder (DVR).
Cable box parental controls
All cable programs are rated based on content, and parents can appropriately filter out programs of a certain rating that they feel are inappropriate for children. Cable set top boxes allow parents to set these filters.
I recommend: Charter Communications explains its cable box parental controls feature available on its cable set top boxes.
Digital cable tuner
A digital cable tuner is required for the digital cable subscriber to receive digital cable. A digital cable tuner is automatically built into the subscriber's cable set top box to 'tune in' the digital channels that subscriber pays for.
I recommend: Advanced Micro Devices explains how a digital cable tuner works.
IPTV over cable, Internet Protocol Television
IPTV over cable is becoming a more common feature offered by cable companies. It's a way for the Internet to plug into the subscriber's cable set top box to provide additional features for the subscriber. Essentially, TV is delivered via the Internet rather than a straight cable signal.
I recommend: Harmonic explains IPTV over cable on its website.
