Evolution of the digital set top box

The cost of receivers for digital broadcast services is still high but expected to reduce as new generations of receivers evolve. This paper describes the architecture of the receiver and the devices being used for the implementation of the required functions. It describes some of the issues that new silicon devices are addressing by combining functions in the receiver through integration and providing more efficient solutions. The software architecture is described and how new more flexible techniques are being used to support the downloading of applications and upgrading of receiver software. New features that are expected in the future include more colours in the on-screen display, separate outputs for TV and VCR, higher speed return channels, the use of the DVB common interface and the move to digital interconnection of home equipment using IEEE1394.