The new Explorer 4000DVB digital set-top box was released
Tuesday by Scientific-Atlanta.
The device is designed to play
voice, data and video in a unit designed for Europe and other
markets using the PAL video standard.
Scientific-Atlanta stated that the latest model supports worldwide
standards such as DVB-C, PAL, DAVIC/DVB-RC, DOCSIS, and
EuroDOCSIS, while providing the network operator with a choice of
middleware and conditional access options.
The unit will be capable of delivering digital broadcast video and
real-time, two-way interactive applications – such as Web
browsing, e-mail, e-commerce, and video-on-demand – to the
television, according to the company.
It will function as a home
gateway with its integrated cable modem and provide broadband
Net access speeds to a home computer, Voice-over-IP, and home
networking capabilities. The unit uses the PowerTV operating
system, an open source platform for software development and
applications. The company stated that the 4000DVB will support a
variety of middleware choices from vendors, and emerging
standards as well.
Internal specifications of the 4000DVB include a RISC-based processor and hardware
assisted circuitry for enhanced applications, networking, and graphics and video
processing. System hardware will also include 20 to 84 MB of memory; dual 64/256 QAM
tuners; integrated DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS modem; optional DAVIC/DVB-RC cable modem;
PAL output with SCART connectors including USB, Ethernet, and dual Smart Card
interfaces; and choice of PowerKEY conditional access (CA) system to use other CA
systems to protect programming.