|
An Internet IPTV set top box (STB) is an
electronic device that adapts a broadband Internet communications signals
into a format that can be displayed on a television. The basic functions
of an Internet IPTV set top box include connecting to the Internet via a
broadband connection, separating, decoding and processing media and
interfacing the media and controls with the user.
The Internet IPTV STB attaches to a network
connection such as a wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. It automatically
detects is a data connection is available and requests an IP address. It
then registers with the NeuLion system. If the network connection is
enabled for automatic IP address assignment (DHCP) and allows the STB to
connect the Internet, the user will be immediately able to begin selecting
and watching liver and stored (VOD) television programs.
Figure 9 shows the NeuLion STB that allows a
user to connect to standard televisions. This STB interfaces between a
standard broadband Internet connection and a television or AV equipment
that connects to a television. The STB is pre-programmed before being
shipped to the customer and it is ready to use out of the box. |
STB Interfaces
The STB has several types of network,
audio visual and accessory interfaces. The network connection types
include wired Ethernet (RJ-45) and wireless (802.11 Wi-Fi). The audio
visual (AV) include video and audio outputs. Accessory connections
include USB ports.
Network Interface
A network connection is the point between
end user equipment and a broadband communication network. A network
interface is the physical and electrical boundary between two separate
communication systems. The NeuLion STB has the capability of accepting
either a wired or wireless Wi-Fi connection.
Audio Visual (AV)
Audio visual connections are used to
present sound and/or visual information. The STB AV connections
include composite video, S-video and stereo audio outputs.
Composite Video
Composite video is a single electrical
signal that contains luminance, color and synchronization information.
The STB provide video in NTSC and PAL formats. |
|
S-Video
S-video is a set of electrical signals that
represent luminance and color information. Because S-video separates out
the luminance and color information, S-video signals tend to have higher
quality than composite video signals.
Stereo Audio
Stereo is the generation and reproduction of a
2-channel sound source (left and right). The STB provide stereo signals in
two analog signal formats.
Figure 10 shows the
network and audio visual connection options available on the Neulion IPTV
set top box. The network connection options include a wired Ethernet
(RJ-45) or built in 802.11 Wi-Fi connection (antenna). The video
connection types include composite connection and S-video connection. The
audio terminals allow for stereo audio output. Two USB connections are
included for future accessory capabilities. |
Infrared Receiver (IR)
An infrared receiver is a device that can
sense and decode information or data that is sent on an infrared
carrier signal. The STB has an infrared receiver that enables a user
to operate a remote control or a wireless keyboard.
Status Display
A status display is an indicator of the
condition of an operation or status of a device. The STB status
indicators include power, LAN data connection and wireless connection.
Set Top Box Software
Set top box software coordinates the
operation, communication and media processing that occurs within a set
top box. The STB contains several types of software programs (software
modules) such as application programs, user interface, media
processing, operating system and software drivers that interface to
the hardware. These include browser, media player, remote control
system, graphic user interface (GUI), on screen display (OCD), video
and audio decoder, resource manager, and an operating system.
While the software is embedded in the set
top box, the STB software can be updated remotely. This enables the
STB to add additional features or to correct deficiencies in its
operation. This is often performed in the background without the user
knowing the software is being updated.
Embedded Browser
An embedded browser is a media navigation
and communication program that is used to find and connect to media.
The browser is used to allow the STB to connect to and transfer media
sources such as television media streams or VOD files.
Media Player
A media player is a software application
and/or device that can convert media such as video, audio or images
into a form that can be experienced by humans. Media players may
contain support for service different media formats, compression
(codec) formats as well as being |
|
able to communicate using multiple network
streaming protocols. The media player is used to select and adapt media to
video (e.g. television) and audio devices.
Graphic User Interface (GUI)
A graphic user interface is the presentation
of graphics on a monitor or display that allows a system to convert the
output or requested input of a software application to a format the can be
understood by a user. The STB provides a menu system that allows the user
to select content sources such as live or scheduled television programs
along with menus that allow the user to setup the device (if necessary)
and to check their account status.
Some of the key user interface features include
a status Icon (smiley face) that is placed by selections that have been
partially or completely viewed and the ability for users to add bookmarks
so they can return to specific spots in programs to view them at a later
time.
Because there are some commands and controls
that require text commands, the STB contains a virtual keyboard. The
virtual keyboard displays a keyboard graphic that allows the user with the
ability to select keyboard (e.g. alphanumeric) information using a mouse
cursor that is operated via the remote control. Since the Internet STB has
many program sources from other countries, the user can also select their
preferred language.
The main menu page allows viewers to select
from live or stored television programs along with account and network
configuration menus.
TV Programs
TV programs can be live television or
scheduled television broadcasts. The user is presented with an initial set
of options that include which country the programs are available from.
After the user has selected the country, television network or specific
program choices are offered to the user.
On Demand Programs
On demand programming is the providing or
making available media that users can interactively request and receive.
On demand programs may be free of charge or may be pay per view. For the
pay per view programs, the user is presented with the usage terms and
costs before selecting the program. The ability to select or purchase pay
per view programs may be restricted in the account setup menu. |
Account Information
Online accounts allow the user to see the
status and charges of their accounts in real time (or near real time).
The NeuLion system allows users to setup control their own accounts
without the need to involve customer service representatives (customer
self care). In addition to the account billing information, users can
also setup their account to control (restrict) access to services such
as premium channels
Network Setup
Network setup is the process of
configuring network connections such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections.
While the STB is already setup to automatically configure, some
network connections may be required such as security passwords. The
network setup options include network configuration (basics), advanced
configuration (technical settings) and test network connection (used
to determine connection status).
Remote Control System
A remote control system allows a user to
control services from a remote control or wireless keyboard. The STB
comes with a remote control that has standard television remote keys
plus a few additional button functions. These additional keys related
to advanced navigation functions such as going back to the "home"
reference screen because a viewer can get easily lost in the large
number of channels and sub-channels available.
On Screen Display (OSD)
On screen display is the insertion of
graphics or images onto the display portion of a screen. The graphics
insertion typically occurs at the graphics card or set top box
assembly that creates the signals for the display assembly (such as a
computer monitor or a television set).
Display Accelerator
A display accelerator is a combination of
software and hardware that is used to enable the rapid rendering of
graphics images on a display.
|
|
Resource Manager
Resource management is the process of
identifying and coordinating the available resources in a product, service
or system. An example of resource management is the coordination of
available memory in a communication device (such as a television set top
box). The resource manager will assign and remove resources from
applications that use the limited memory and system resources in the
device.
Operating System
The NeuLion STB uses an embedded Linux
operating system. The operating system coordinates the overall operation
of a device in its tasks and assists programs in performing their
functions that is not generally accessible by the user. The embedded
operating system software is responsible for coordinating and allocating
system resources. This includes transferring data to and from memory,
processor and peripheral devices. Software applications use the embedded
operating system to gain access to these resources as required.
Figure 11 shows the NeuLion STB software
structure that coordinates the overall operation of the STB. This diagram
shows the STB software contains several key modules including application
programs, user interfaces, media processing and hardware interfaces. The
upper layer software modules process media for specific uses such as media
selection (browser), media display (media player) and user commands
(remote control). User interface software modulates perform
menu creation and navigation. |
The resource manager coordinates the
assignment and removal of resources (such as memory) to software
programs. The Linux operating system coordinates the overall operation
of the system. Software drives interface between the operating system
and device hardware. The digital signal process is used to decode and
decode and process video.
|
Chris
Wagner has been a driving force in the technology industry for over 20
years. As Executive Vice President and Co Founder of NeuLion, Mr.
Wagner's position in marketplace strategy targets the revolution
currently underway as the television and internet video industries
converge.