STB

STB is an acronym used in several different domains, and its meaning depends on the context. The most common usage is in consumer electronics and telecommunications, where STB stands for set-top box, a device that connects to a television to receive and decode digital television signals or streaming content, enabling access to cable, satellite, or IP-based services. Modern STBs may support high-definition video, over-the-top apps, digital video recording, HDMI and network connectivity, and smart-card interfaces for conditional access.

In finance, STB is occasionally used as an abbreviation for short-term bond, a debt security with a maturity of less than one year. Short-term bonds are typically issued by corporations or governments to raise liquidity for brief periods and are characterized by relatively low duration risk compared with longer-term instruments. They are often held by investors seeking preservation of capital and predictable, short-term income, though they can still carry interest rate and credit risks.

Beyond these, STB can appear as an acronym in other fields, including organizational names, technical standards, or project-specific terminology. Because meanings can vary widely by industry and region, identifying the intended definition usually requires accompanying context such as a full term, industry, or document in which STB appears.