On December 1, 2018, 4K/8K satellite broadcasting started in Japan. 4K/8K broadcasting offers higher-definition and more vivid images than conventional hi-vision broadcasting. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications expects that 4K/8K broadcasting will be widely accepted and that many viewers will enjoy 4K/8K programs on commercially available TV sets by 2020 when the Olympic/Paralympic Games will be held in Tokyo. In fact, 4K/8K broadcasting is likely to be deployed on a full scale. Against this backdrop, Sumitomo Electric has developed the Cable Plus? STB-2,^*1 a set-top box for cable TV operators that supports 4K satellite broadcasting and voice commands.

A set-top box is a terminal that converts the cable TV broadcasting signals into a form that can be displayed on TV. The Cable Plus? STB-2 supports 4K satellite broadcasting. Equipped with a triple tuner, the set-top box can record two programs at the same time^*2 while allowing the user to watch another program. Android TV? allows the user to download various applications from the Internet and to enjoy movies, music and games and obtain information for daily life on TV. Google Assistant? is also supported to enable operation by voice command to a remote controller included in the package or a Google Home? speaker. The content search by speech input enables the user to search the broadcast programs, VODs and contents on the web at the same time.

The Cable Plus? STB-2 will be offered to cable TV operators across Japan through KDDI Corporation from April 2019 in stages.

*1 The Cable Plus? STB-2 does not support 8K broadcasting.
*2 Some operating conditions must be met for simultaneous recording. An external hard disk (separately available) must be connected to the Cable Plus? STB-2. TV programs can be recorded on a DLNA-supported recorder on the same home network.