Research And Implementation Of Digital Tv Set-top Box Epg And Dvr Functionality

Set-top box EPG (Electronic Program Guide) function provide the users with comprehensive real-time program information and customized services. DVR (Digital Video Recorder) function allows users to record their favorite digital programs into the hard disc built-in set-top box so that the users can collect or watch them. These two features are the current research focus about digital TV set-top boxes.Research on digital TV set-top box with EPG and DVR functions in this work is based on practical importance. While Linux is stable, powerful open-source operating system, patent fees could be avoided in the process of producing. On the other hand, the EPG and DVR functions provide users with a lot of humanized services. These two features effectively enhance the competitiveness of products.This paper based on STMicroelectronics developed SD/HD digital TV decoder chip STi7109 and the related software/hardware development tools provided by the company, using cross-development approach, utilizing C programming language, implemented the upper EPG and DVR set-top box applications.In this paper the performance analysis of EPG and the design of module structure were carried out. The data formats of the EPG information was studied and got the conclusion that the method sending characters by it's related number in machine is preferable. A function which allows users to tag TV programs they are interested in was achieved so the users can view the EPG information more effectively. Also EPG interface has been designed and realized. The organization of tip information was as well as discussed.In addition, the performance parameters of DVR and the structure of the module were studied as well. In this work, a EXT2 file system was created on the SATA hard disc to record video. Conflicts between recording tasks were solved in this paper to keep record function stable. Conventional recording and time-shifting recording were implemented. Also Picture in Picture, Picture out Picture, Double Pictures features were achieved which allows users to be able to see if there are more interesting program when they are watching a program. In this paper, the development status, trends of digital television technology and set-top box industry were described first, then the significant practical meaning and economic value of researching digital TV set-top box that has EPG and DVR functions based on Linux was pointed out. In Chapter II, a clear and concise description of the relevant principles was made. In the third chapter, the method of building the development platform and cutting Linux core were discussed. Chapter IV and V are details about the method and process of realizing EPG and DVR functions respectively. Finally, a summary and outlook about this work was made.