Wave Issue 9037 4/07/99 Article 4-01

***NetGem Unveils NetBox 3.5 Set-Top Box
(March 18)

According to Newsbytes, NetGem has introduced a multi-environment
Set-Top Box, NetBox 3.5. The NetBox 3.5 features all the usual
Web browsing functions, but adds Real Audio, Macromedia Flash,
and Personal Java to the mix.

The NetBox 3.5 supports picture-in-picture and a Web page overlay
for regular TV pictures called HTML (hypertext markup language)
video overlay.

It also supports vertical blanking interval (VBI) data streams.
This allows the box to siphon off data streams that include
teletext, datacast, and the many other data formats that TV
stations pump out to enhance their signals and service for
subscribers.

The STB is billed as supporting Linux, but this specification is
still very much at the development stages. There is also a smart
card reader that is claimed to be multi-functional.

According to NetGem, the STB is fully reconfigurable over the
air. This means that an STB bought in one country could, if the
TV/Internet company wanted, be completely updated for use in
another country simply by plugging in the TV and downloading the
update data across the airwaves.

Added to the other features is an integral microphone for
recording voice e-mail, and support for a communications module
in three options -- 56 kilobits-per-second (Kbps) analog, ISDN
(integrated services digital network), and 10BaseT Ethernet for
cable modem applications.

Plans call for the NetBox 3.5 to ship this summer to cable,
Internet, and TV/satellite companies around the world. Pricing
depends on the local service provider's use of features and local
market conditions.

www.netgem.com