A StarHub set-top box used to be the only one sitting snugly next to the TV set. Recently, SingTel's mioTV set-top box has joined the list of devices fighting for the right to be in your living room.

While StarHub has more than 100 channels of content compared to SingTel's 33, where does the future lie in terms of technology?

For example, can a set-top box let users surf and watch TV at the same time? Can it record and rewind live TV easily?

In one corner is a cable network constantly upgraded over the 12 years since StarHub laid its cables to homes.

In another is a challenger with new technology.

SingTel's Internet Protocol TV, or IPTV, promises more interactivity, delivering programmes in a way that is similar to how broadband data is downloaded.

StarHub has its HubStation box, which is an all-in-one gizmo to surf the Net, watch TV and record programmes.

SingTel's mioTV box has something that the Hubstation does not - high definition TV (HDTV).

Here's a look at how the two telcos stand.

Round 1: Convenience

StarHub HubStation

An all-in-one box, the HubStation is a pay-TV receiver and recorder, as well as a cable modem.

A network port at the back of the box lets you hook up either your PC or a Wi-Fi router to go online at 1Mbps (with the current HubStation offer).

This keeps things neat because there is no need for more power cables or a separate box.

The HubStation is actually the same SmartTV box used for StarHub's TV recording service, except it has broadband turned on.

SingTel mioTV

To tune in to mioTV, you're given a 2Wire asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) modem, which has Ethernet ports to hook up the TV set-top box and a separate PC or Wi-Fi router.

Having two boxes means more cables, which makes it less neat than StarHub's all-in-one offering.

Bottom line: One up for StarHub, until SingTel releases an all-in-one mio box, as promised.

Round 2: Remote control

StarHub HubStation

The big, fat remote controller, which has the standard forward and rewind buttons to 'time-shift' live TV programmes, also flips open to reveal a full keyboard for typing messages.

Not sure if most people need this feature, but it's nice to have.

SingTel mioTV

Easy to use and smaller than StarHub's, the controller has the features you expect, like forward and rewind buttons, which are a joy to use.

Also handy is a picture-in-picture preview of what's showing on other channels. Excellent for channel zapping.

Bottom line: A tie.

Round 3: Recording

StarHub HubStation

A built-in hard disk means you can record up to 60 hours of programmes.

Besides one-touch instant recording, this feature integrates nicely with the electronic programme guide (EPG), so you can schedule recordings in advance with just a few button presses.

You can screen through up to about 10 programmes at a glance and skip through channels quickly. The colour-coded button interface makes this extremely easy to use.

SingTel mioTV

SingTel's box promises to record 20 more hours of prorammes than StarHub's, but its integration with the EPG leaves a bit to be desired.

Programme names are cramped into small boxes because up to six channels are listed on-screen. The interface could have been clearer as you scroll through the menu before pressing 'record'.

Bottom line: StarHub, for a better interface

Round 4: Video on demand

StarHub HubStation

Limited by cable technolgy, StarHub can only offer 'near on-demand' programmes. In other words, you still wait for scheduled timings to watch, say, Basic Instinct.

SingTel mioTV

True video-on-demand is available for an IPTV service like SingTel's. Though the content is still lacking (Spiderman is the biggest title now), the technology is compelling. Just press pay and the movie starts.

Bottom line: SingTel, for true video-on-demand.

Round 5: HDTV

StarHub HubStation

Strictly a standard definition TV (SDTV) receiver, this box won't let you tune in to HDTV.

To watch StarHub's two HDTV channels - National Geographic and Discovery - you need a separate HDTV receiver.

SingTel mioTV

With HDTV built in, this box can show images four times as sharp as usual. Home theatre fans would be happy to know it has HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) connectors to hook up to their HDTV sets for crisp images.

Bottom line: SingTel, for having a future-proof box.

Conclusion: A close fight and a tie for now, as both have technology useful to users.