Opening the Set-Top Market
Name
set-top.pdf
Size
72.06 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
d13ee6910e4a37e88cebe5668775d223
Author(s)
Bailey, Joseph P.
Date Issued
1995
Abstract
As the cable television networks transition from a broadcast-only network, to a high-bandwidth
two-way network, the importance and functionality of the set-top box increases. However,
developments in the set-top box industry have been restrained by the control the cable companies
have over their equipment. Currently, a set-top box includes closed, proprietary technology
which prohibits its use on other cable systems' networks.
This paper explores the possibility of abandoning closed, proprietary set-top box standards in
favor of open standards. This "opening" of the set-top box is not a trivial matter since it
challenges cable companies' concerns about security, quality, etc. The paper includes a policy
analysis of the impact the Cable Act of 1984 and 1992 and the implications it had on the set-top
box. To help quantify the benefits of open systems for cable television, economic analysis on set-top
box costs is included. Finally, the role of the set-top in the emerging National Information
Infrastructure (NII) is explored.
Subjects
internet, set-top market
Persistent DSpace Link
