Digital television (DTV) is a new method of transmitting television signals. All the information that makes up a TV program is “encoded” into binary sequences, just like in the computer world, providing a better, more consistent technical quality. This method allows more programs to be broadcast, with less bandwidth consumed per program.

Interactive television requires the existence of a duplex channel or in other words, two-way movement of information. The channel for user feedback is through a modem connection; the modem is already integrated into some STBs. Interactive television allows users to read and send e-mail and text messages via TV screen, make “online” purchases, take part in interactive broadcasts and voting and even conduct bank transactions.