Android set top boxes (STBs) are devices that connect TVs via HDMI to the Internet to receive OTT and Streaming TV services. Android STBs allow TVs to connect to the internet via HDMI, enabling access to a variety of OTT platforms and services. These devices usually come equipped with the Android operating system which allows access to popular app stores like Google Play for a broad range of content. With features like fast boot and wake-up times, dual-band Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, and support for 4K resolution and HDR, these adapters deliver high-quality viewing experiences without delays or interruptions. Some Android STBs include built-in Chromecast functionality, multi-user profiles, and parental controls enhance the user experience, making them versatile for family use. Android adapters also offer voice control, smart home integration, and regular firmware updates, ensuring they stay current with evolving technology. 

Android Set Top Box – STB Manufacturer List

Amazon – Amazon’s Fire TV devices offer Android-based solutions that enable 4K streaming and Alexa voice control integration.

Beelink – Beelink manufactures Android TV boxes with powerful processing capabilities and 4K streaming support.

CommScope – A global leader in IP video and broadband technology that has provided millions of customers with communications and entertainment solutions.

Ematic – Ematic offers affordable Android TV boxes with 4K support and access to popular apps through Google Play.

Formuler – Formuler specializes in Android-based IPTV and OTT boxes, offering devices with advanced features for live streaming and 4K playback.

H96 – H96 provides a variety of Android TV boxes with support for 4K streaming and multiple codec formats.

Himedia – Himedia offers Android TV boxes with advanced hardware for 4K streaming, 3D support, and home entertainment setups.

HK1 – HK1 manufactures Android TV boxes with support for 4K streaming and advanced audio features.

Huawei – A global telecommunications company that offers STB solutions for cable, satellite, and IPTV services.

Humax – A Korean company that manufactures digital STBs, including HD satellite STBs, personal video recorder (PVR) STBs, and cable HD PVRs.

Mecool – Mecool offers a range of Android TV boxes that support 4K resolution, DRM, and Google-certified apps.

Minix – Minix offers powerful Android TV boxes with advanced performance for streaming media and running Android applications.

NVIDIA – NVIDIA offers the Shield TV, a high-performance Android TV box that supports 4K HDR and advanced gaming features.

Pendoo – Pendoo offers Android TV boxes with a variety of features, including 4K streaming and extensive app support.

Roku – A company that pioneered streaming services on TV sets and offers customized services to engage with customers.

Tata Play – Offers the Tata Play Binge Plus (Android Box), which allows subscribers to watch live TV and OTT content on one device.

Technicolor – A global leader in media and entertainment technology that developed the STB code-named ‘Pearl S,’ running on Android 9 software.

Turewell – Turewell produces affordable Android TV boxes that support 4K streaming and Google Play access for OTT services.

Vankyo – Vankyo produces Android TV boxes with support for 4K UHD streaming and voice control features.

Xangshi – Xangshi Technology manufactures Android set-top boxes and digital media accessories for the OTT and Streaming TV industry.

Xiaomi – Xiaomi provides affordable Android TV boxes, like the Mi Box, which supports 4K streaming and a wide range of apps.

Zidoo – Zidoo provides high-performance Android TV boxes designed for 4K streaming and advanced home theater setups.

Android Set Top Box – STB Key Features and Capabilities

Android Versions

Choose an adapter with the latest Android version to ensure better app compatibility, security updates, and overall performance. Newer Android versions provide access to more advanced features, better integration with apps, and enhanced user experiences.

App Store Access

Ensure that the adapter has access to popular app stores such as Google Play, allowing users to download a wide variety of OTT and streaming services. This feature is essential as it provides flexibility in content consumption, with access to countless apps for entertainment, productivity, and more.

Boot and Wake-up Time

Select devices with quick boot-up times or the ability to wake from sleep mode instantly, ensuring a seamless transition between standby and active use. This feature is important as it minimizes delays, allowing users to enjoy content faster without unnecessary waiting times.

Connectivity Options

Ensure that the adapter offers reliable and fast internet connections, either through dual-band Wi-Fi or Ethernet port options. Strong connectivity is essential for streaming high-quality content without buffering, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience.

DRM (Digital Rights Management)

Look for support for Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems like Widevine or PlayReady to securely access premium content. DRM ensures that content providers can protect their intellectual property, giving users access to high-quality, legitimate content.

Firmware Updates and Support

Choose devices that regularly receive firmware updates to improve security, add new features, and maintain optimal performance. Firmware updates are crucial to protect the device from vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with evolving technology standards.

Google Chromecast Functionality

Consider adapters with built-in Chromecast, enabling users to mirror content from smartphones, tablets, or other devices to their TV screens. This functionality enhances user convenience by allowing content casting without additional hardware, making it easy to share media from mobile devices.

HDMI Compatibility

Ensure the adapter supports HDMI output for seamless connection to most modern TVs. HDMI is the standard for transmitting high-definition video and audio, making it a key feature for ensuring top-quality playback on TVs.

Media Codec Support

Ensure the device supports a wide range of audio and video codecs, such as Dolby Audio, HEVC, and others, to ensure high-quality playback. Codec support is essential for delivering optimized performance across different media formats, resulting in better sound and picture quality.

Media Resolution

Prioritize adapters that support 4K resolution and HDR for enhanced picture quality, providing sharper images and better contrast. High media resolution and HDR support are crucial for users who want to fully enjoy modern content in the highest quality possible.

Multi-User Profiles

Consider models that allow multiple user profiles, enabling personalized content recommendations and preferences for each user. This feature is important in households with multiple users, allowing everyone to have a tailored viewing experience.

Parental Controls

Look for devices with built-in parental controls to manage and restrict access to specific content for children. Parental controls are essential for families, providing a safe viewing environment and ensuring that children only access age-appropriate content.

Processing Capabilities

Opt for powerful processors and at least 2GB of RAM for smooth streaming and fast navigation through apps. Processing power directly impacts the speed and responsiveness of the device, ensuring a fluid user experience without lag or slow loading times.

Smart Home Device Integration

Choose adapters that support integration with smart home ecosystems, such as Google Assistant or Alexa, enabling voice control and smart device management. This feature allows users to control their smart homes from their TV, adding convenience and expanding the device’s functionality.

Storage Capacity

Select an adapter with sufficient internal storage, typically a minimum of 8GB, for app installations and updates. Adequate storage is important to ensure smooth operation and the ability to download apps and store necessary data without running out of space.

UI Customization

Look for adapters that allow customization of the user interface (UI) to provide a more personalized experience. This feature is important for tailoring the look and feel of the device to individual preferences, improving usability and satisfaction.

USB and Peripheral Support

Look for devices that include USB ports or Bluetooth support to connect external storage devices, game controllers, or keyboards. This feature expands the functionality of the adapter, allowing users to play games, access external media, or use the device for productivity tasks.

Voice and Remote Controls

Consider models with voice control features and an ergonomic remote for easy navigation and command. Voice control enhances user convenience by allowing hands-free operation, while a well-designed remote simplifies navigation through apps and settings.

Android Set Top Box – STB Glossary

Advanced Video Coding (AVC) – A video compression standard widely used for the compression of video files and streaming.

Bitrate – The number of bits processed per unit of time, often used to describe the quality of video or audio streams.

Content Delivery Network (CDN) – A system of distributed servers that deliver web content, including video, to a user based on their geographic location.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) – Technologies used to protect copyrighted content, ensuring only authorized users can access or distribute it.

Encapsulation – The process of wrapping data into a protocol that can be transmitted over a network, often used for streaming video formats.

High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) – A video compression standard designed to provide higher video quality with lower bitrates than its predecessor, AVC.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) – The protocol used to transfer data over the web, essential for OTT streaming.

Key Performance Indicator (KPI) – A measurable value that indicates how effectively a company or service is achieving its objectives, often used to track OTT service success.

Multi-Channel Video Programming Distributor (MVPD) – A service provider delivering multiple television channels to subscribers, traditionally via cable or satellite, but increasingly via OTT.

Over-The-Top (OTT) – The delivery of media content over the internet without the need for a traditional cable or satellite subscription.

Quality of Experience (QoE) – A measure of user satisfaction with a service, particularly important for OTT streaming services.

Quality of Service (QoS) – The performance level of a service, typically in terms of availability, latency, and bitrate, important for ensuring consistent streaming experiences.

Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) – A protocol used for streaming audio, video, and data over the internet in real time.

Software Development Kit (SDK) – A set of tools that allow developers to create applications for specific platforms or services, often used in OTT platform development.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) – A fundamental protocol for transmitting data over a network, ensuring reliable delivery of video content in OTT services.

User Interface (UI) – The space where interactions between humans and machines occur, important for OTT platforms to ensure an intuitive experience.

User Experience (UX) – The overall experience a person has when interacting with a system or service, including ease of use and satisfaction, critical for OTT service success.