Advanced Digital Broadcast (www.adbglobal.com), a leading vendor of digital TV set-top-boxes, has announced the world's first Internet Protocol (IP) set-top-box integrated with DVB Terrestrial reception capabilities based on open standard technology.

By integrating these technologies, ADB's set-top-box is offering TV viewers a single platform for the delivery of public and premium interactive content with value added iTV services. This turns a conventional TV into a leading edge entertainment station capable of handling digital TV broadcast as well as Internet based services such as video on demand (VOD), on-line games, e-mail, or e-commerce.

ADB's IP and DVB-T MPEG2 set-top-box integrates robust drivers, Internet protocols and an open standard middleware engine that provides the necessary compatibility with IP and terrestrial operators. Standard Internet protocols for Multicast and Unicast are supported at constant and variable bit rate profiles. The middleware engine, which includes an Internet browser for TV, employs the DVB-MHP implementation from Osmosys (www.osmosys.tv).

Internet connection is provided via an Ethernet port to an external network modem such as ADSL or DOCSIS. Joy-pads or joy-sticks for on-line games are supported through an USB port. Additionally, a DVB terrestrial reception channel is included in the set-top-box, having the Ethernet port acting as the return channel for TV broadcast interactivity.

"Open standard IP box with DVB broadcast offers a unique combination of sophisticated technologies and integration know-how into a single product," says Rick Smith, ADB's VP Sales for EMEA. "It enables TV viewers to have access to almost any possible entertainment service at an affordable price."

Anthony Smith-Chaigneau, VP Business Development and Marketing for Osmosys commented: "Once again we are proud to be involved in preparing market-leading products that can exploit the open standards middleware from our portfolio."