Environment of STB applications for complex customer service

Presented in this paper is a complex approach to creating applications for set-top boxes. A group of Motorola system engineers suggests providing a whole environment of applications satisfying TV users' needs on a modern technology level. Combining the developed applications into a single suite enables to observe throughout the suite general principles like user compliance, personalization, socialization, integration with other devices, and provide unification of functionality and UI for all applications and all sources of data. Main components of this suite are observed: content management, home environment management, local area info access, and personal specific needs. Benefits of all parties participating (the end users, service providers and MSOs) are considered.