While the InterStream system can support streaming to a PC, market indications are that people do not want to watch movies or other television content on their PC. Cross-industry leaders have responded to this widely accepted research with significant research and development investment over the last 2 years. The result is an upcoming explosion of hybrid devices used to connect a consumer’s home entertainment system to the Internet. “Net-Top Boxes” are being introduced in several forms - these include TVs, DVD players, and IP set-tops. In order for content to be streamed to these devices, they must be enabled with an ISTP and TCP-Mustang client implementation.

These devices have several features in common:

• They connect to the home entertainment system (Television and audio systems)
• They connect to the Internet, either via direct, wired connection of via WiFi to a residential gateway.
• They support a five-button remote control interface that allows consumers to search and find the content they are looking for.
• Support popular Conditional Access (CA) technologies.
• Support popular digital audio and video compression technologies.
• Support InterStream Transit Protocol (ISTP) and TCP-Mustang, used by InterStream's Metering & Escrow Provider, nuMetra, for end-point performance metering and Guaranteed Service Delivery
• InterStream expects prices to drop in price by a factor of 4 within 2 years.

A number of major media companies are concerned about streaming distribution over the Internet and will require additional security and personalization features in net-tops they intend to support with early release-window or high value content.  InterStream is working with major consumer electronics industry vendors to enable net-tops to include:

• Smart Card interface for security, authentication, loyalty, payment, etc.
• Hard Disk
• Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
• DVD and/or DVD Burner
• Cable and/or satellite tuner
• High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
• Standard PC and Browser functionality

 InterStream is developing a reference software implementation for these devices.
More information can be found at the net-top.net website.