A set-top box, also known as a cable box, decoder or TV console, is an electronic device which connects directly to a television set. It allows users to access digital television, and may perform a number of other functions. Set-top boxes receive electric signals or digital data, convert this information to a usable format, and send the converted signal to a television set for reproduction.
The Apple TV device is a well-known example of a set-top box. In addition to allowing users to access the media libraries of television broadcasters, Apple TV also supports apps which can be used to access Swiss TV plans like those offered by Zattoo and Teleboy.
If a television set is equipped with a built-in DVB-C receiver, then many cable television services will work on that television even without a separate set-top box. Most modern TV sets have a DVB-C receiver. However, set-top boxes are still required to access some of the cable TV functions (like video-on-demand and TV time shifting) which may be offered by cable TV providers.
More on this topic:
Interactive, unbiased TV plan comparison
