The set-top box as "multi-media terminal"

The current platform for digital television services in Germany, the "d-box", based on the DVB/MPEG-2 standards provides the technical basis for the handling of services. With the integrated modem, SCART, and SCSI-2 interfaces, the d-box offers two service classes: video/audio services, and data services. This paper discusses important technical consumer and commercial aspects of providing services over satellite and cable involving both a TV and a PC connected to a "multimedia" terminal.