Companion Boxes: (Set-top-Box)

What is a companion box? A “Companion box” is an Internet TV set-top-box designed to integrate as a “companion” with Cable TV or Satellite services. Companion Boxes do useful things like; stream Netflix, iTunes, Amazon VOD, some Apps and often offer high definition facility. The reason these boxes are referred to as “Companion” is because in themselves they cannot operate by themselves as a replacement to your Cable or Satellite services.

Companion Box examples; Apple TV, Google TV, Boxee, Sezmi

Alternative Components:

An “Alternative Component” is a home entertainment component that requires no “co-host” or “companion” equipment to deliver services.  It requires no Cable/Satellite service to function (though it does require High Speed Internet), and has no monthly viewing fees. In order to qualify as an actual “Alternative” the component must meet multiple requirements:

First, the component must offer the user “live television” viewing in HD, with built-in DVR. It must include the features the user wants; Internet Television, Internet Radio, Blu-ray/DVD and social networking integration.  It should stream in 1080p, and provide a generous storage capacity. It should provide Wi-Fi capabilities and single input operation. And it should allow the user to enjoy the “Cable Experience” without the Cable bill.

Alternative Components:WhiteHatt Internet Television