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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: Harmonic explains IPTV over cable on its website.