1.   Cable access boxes allow cable companies to provide telephone service.

2.   Later, the boxes will allow interactive services like chat, e-mail and online shopping to be superimposed over television pictures.

3.   Similar services already exist, including the popular TiVo, whose boxes allow television viewers to watch what they want whenever they want.

4.   The box will allow a user to view a TV show on part of the screen while linking to relevant Internet sites on another section of the screen.

5.   The set-top box allows downloading of movies or other programs that can be watched later, rewound and paused.

6.   The Gradient dialogue box allows you to choose from several combinations of hues.