Emulator

When developing content for enhanced TV set-top boxes, it may not be possible to test the content by transmitting it to a set-top box, especially if the content developer is not local to the desired cable system or broadcaster. As an alternative, the middleware developer may provide a PC application that is intended to simulate the functionality of the middleware and related set-top box. The success of this approach depends upon the ability of the emulator author to precisely duplicate the way the actual set-top box deals with content.