Talk:Set-top box

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You only need a Converter/Descrambler box to decode scrambled or encrypted channels. A simple line splitter will work in the case of non-encrypted signals, assuming the signal is high enough quality after the split, otherwise you will need an amplified splitter. If you wish to watch or record multiple scrambled channels you will need a converter/descrambler for each channel. A converter box by definition takes the stream of multiple signals off the cable and remodulates them to channel 3 or 4 for for viewing on the set. Michael William Meissner (talk) 14:51, 8 February 2008 (UTC)

Actually, some of these converters rely on block conversion to move the entire cable midband/superband to UHF - while channel 3 (with 2 or even 4 as alternate in areas where 3 is a local broadcaster) is most common, there's nothing saying that "by definition" the destination must be this one specific channel. It was just an easy target for the designers of these boxes as it's a relatively low frequency. --66.102.80.212 (talk) 14:28, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

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[edit] Answer to 2 Video recorder question

With analogue TV I've been able to pre-programme 2 video recorders to record two different channels as well a watch third programme all simultaneously.

A set top box even still using video recorders won't be able to do this any more as you need a screen per set box per channel--- any ideas?

[edit] IPTV + POE

What does Power over ethernet has to do with the definition of IPTV? It looks like the definition of IPTV given is flawed. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.92.121.10 (talk) 14:14, 22 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Merging Cable Converter Box with Set-Top Box

A Cable Converter Box may or may not be a Set-Top Box, particularly with New Television Sets coming out that may or may not have embedded converter/descrambler, the idea of a Cable Converter or a Descrambler are still viable while the nomenclature "Set-Top Box" speaks more to the location of a box and is fundementally in error. It is a slang word not the Scientific Name of the actual box or function itself. The Converter or Descrambler may or may not reside on the "Set-Top". However I have no objection to moving the discussion of Set-Top Box to the Converter/Descrambler which is a function that a "Set-top box" performs. A VCR, DVR, or DVD player can depending on the features as a Cable Converter Box. Should we then Add VCR, DVR, or DVD players to the "Set-Top Box" article. We then should just change the name of a VCR, DVR, and DVD players to "Set-Top Box" as well.

Michael William Meissner (talk) 05:14, 18 January 2008 (UTC)

Yes, I opt also for that. The articles should be merged. SAE1962 (talk) 07:40, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

The various articles on ATSC -> NTSC converters would be more likely candidates to be merged (with each other), {{North American DTV}} links multiple articles on topics related to these boxes at the moment. --66.102.80.212 (talk) 11:10, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

[edit] SCART used for decoding Pay-TV?

Following sentence is written in the text:

"The SCART feature is used for decoding Pay TV in Europe"

This should by the CI function is being used to insert CAM´s for pay TV decoding, no? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.154.219.97 (talk) 14:55, 24 January 2008 (UTC)

SCART provides analogue video input and output connections, nothing more. It may be of use as a point to connect an analogue descrambler, but would be of no use in handling scrambled digital content. The common interface is part of the DVB spec and is therefore handling digital video. The two approaches are therefore mutually exclusive. --66.102.80.212 (talk) 11:09, 20 May 2008 (UTC)