Re: Set-top box and IP/TV

a.vallejo · ‎12-22-2003

Does anybody have a recommendation about set-top boxes that work fine with Cisco IP/TV?

Thanks

dnich3556 · ‎12-22-2003

I've heard and read reviews that say the VBrick MPEG encoder systems work well with IPTV. They're mutlicast systems and can be mounted on a cart. Check out this information - http://www.vbrick.com/pressrelease/iptv.html.

Danny

a.vallejo · ‎12-22-2003

Thanks for the information. Any other suggestion for a low cost solution?. Actually, the decoders (2000 and 5000) from Vbrick are quite expensive for a "massive" solution.

They have also other options like the low cost and compact size - DSL 4000. Does anybody know if that decoder works with Cisco IP/TV Broadcast server.

Thanks

andy.g.mrozek · ‎03-23-2004

Let me clarify what you are trying to accomplish, do you want to be able to say ,take vhs movies and turn them into mpeg's. I use a device called dazzle to encode external sources into mpeg format.

Mike Reilly · ‎03-23-2004

I believe that what is wanted is a "box" of some sort that has an ethernet connection and either coax or component connection to the TV that will "tune in" to the multicast session generated by IP/TV and display the content on the television.

dnich3556 · ‎03-23-2004

Take a look at the Vbrick systems. They are MPEG encoders that can be setup as a set top units and can stream multicast. The multicast can be picked up by your IPTV viewers.

a.vallejo · ‎03-23-2004

I have already checked Vbrick products, the problem is the price (besides they do more than I need (encoders/decoders)), I have also checked tivella products, and the result is the same. Actually what I am looking for is the cheapest possible solution for a set-top box that's because I have many TV set around the campus and I would like to use the data network to broadcast different cable channels.

Any additional suggestions?

Regards

Alvaro

dnich3556 · ‎03-23-2004

What's you budget? I infer "work with IPTV" means it must support multicast. There are lots of systems that encode and support multicast. Check out Visible Light (http://www.visiblelight.com/) and Digital Rapids (http://stream-video.com/streamz.htm). They have some lower cost platforms that may fit your needs.

Danny

Mike Reilly · ‎03-25-2004

I've also found this company (http://www.aminocom.com) that makes set top boxes capable of RTSP VoD. I haven't researched compatibility with Cisco IP/TV though.

hsiri · ‎04-01-2004

You can use Tivella STB with Cisco IP/TV, since this STB support RTP o TS.