Set top boxes allow users to access multimedia services and cable television through a user-friendly interface. They integrate video and audio decoding with an application execution environment. While multimedia computers are more versatile and expensive, set top boxes have limited functionality and lower cost, targeting entertainment applications. Digital video networks use set top boxes to deliver high-bandwidth video and low-bandwidth interactivity between the user and service provider over various connection types like cable, satellite, and internet. Set top box hardware and software architectures integrate components like an MPEG decoder and microprocessor to control devices and enable downloading and running of applications.