The applications of broadband Internet is evolving by the minute. Before, only computers are equipped to tap into the World Wide Web. But that was before. Now, there are a lot of ways one can access the Internet - and a lot of devices to do it with too.

We've all seen gaming devices like PS2 and Xbox connect to the Internet on their own. And among these devices, the BroadNow TV tuner came alive. The BroadNow TV tuner is a product of MontaVista Software and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd, the makers of the Panasonic line of products. MontaVista embedded the Linux software in the device for it to successfully access broadband Internet access.

As a result, viewers get to enjoy live video streams coming from popular sources over the web. The device uses fiber-to-the-home and ADSL technologies to do the job. It is also equipped with advanced features such as remote control capability and video recording functions, which can be done through email or through WAP-capable mobile phones.

The BroadNow TV tuner is a one-stop-shop for consumers. While the device's main priority is to bring digital video streams to UK Broadband subscribers, it could also process analog signals coming from regular television stations. This device can be connected alternatively to a hub, a broadband router, or a traditional broadcast antenna. The device generally works like its popular counterpart Ti-Vo. But BroadNow TV tuner certainly is a good alternative to it.

Inside BroadNow is a National Semiconductor Geode SC 1201 single-chip processor. The chip employs x86 architecture, a superior TV video processor that supports CRT, and TFT outputs. The box also contains video input and output ports, super input/output block, and core logic. It is powered by Linux for its platform and uses Netfront for browsing the web.