What is an OTT TV Box? Your Essential Guide to this Streamlined Streaming Device

Rishabh Jain Nov 14th, 2023

The OTT TV Box market has reached millions of homes, making streaming a huge opportunity for content creators, aggregators or broadcasters to utilize the number of OTT apps. Currently, OTT boxes/sticks and smart TVs are the two most common gadget types for streaming, however, inside each of these gadget classifications there are some brands fighting for share in the overall industry. A key component, obviously, is that a large number of these gadgets aren’t committed to OTT streaming, but instead integrate that element as an additional capability.

Currently, streaming boxes/sticks and Bright TVs are the two most common gadget types for streaming, however, inside each of these gadget assortments there are a few brands fighting for a piece of the pie. There are currently five primary types of gadgets to appear on top of a TV screen: streaming boxes/sticks, game controls, Web-empowered DVRs/set-top boxes, and Web-empowered blue-beam players.

What is an OTT TV box?

An OTT TV box is device which is designed for your television to stream content via the internet. This device connects your TV and various online platforms like Netflix, YouTube or Hulu. An OTT TV box lets you watch movies, sports shows, and even play games directly on your TV. It provides on-demand entertainment. In other words, you choose what to watch and when to watch it, without relying on traditional cable or satellite services. You can simply connect the box to your TV and Wi-Fi network and enjoy a wide range of digital content right from your sofa. The ability to access media-on-demand through apps is changing the industry in a way we haven’t seen since the invention of the TV. Content-focused companies like Netflix, Hulu, Disney, NFL, NBC, amazon prime video, all have invested millions of dollars in creating OTT services to deliver their videos directly to consumers. 

How to Use an OTT TV Box

Different types of OTT TV Box are available on the market. All are unique, but they work on the same principal. OTT TV box deliver content via the internet. What you need to do is to connect them through TV. On the other hand, most OTT boxes require you to connect them to your TV before you can download and install your favourite apps. 

First, you need to download your favourite streaming applications to stream your favourite video content to your heart’s content. Install and download your favourite OTT apps on Android and Apple TV OTT boxes with these step-by-step instructions.

How to Connect an OTT TV Box to Your TV

Simply follow few steps to connect an OTT TV Box to your TV, you may also need necessary equipment. Before proceeding any step further to download applications, you will initially need to interface your OTT box to your TV.  You must have an HDMI and power link to do this. Most Android OTT boxes come with HDMI and a power link, so you won’t need to get any additional hardware yourself. However, if your model does not come with both of these, you will have to get them. 

Android TV are equipped with Google Assistant. Just say “Ok Google” or press the mic button on your remote to quickly find the latest blockbuster, check the score of the big game or dim the lights – all without leaving what you’re watching.

What is an Android TV box?

Google has developed Android TV, a smart TV operating system based on Android for televisions, digital media players, set-top boxes, and soundbars. It is the successor to Google TV, whose user experience focuses on content discovery and voice search, content aggregation from various media apps and services, and connection with other recent Google technologies such as the Assistant, Cast, and Knowledge Graph.

What Can An Android TV Box Do?

Through Android TV box, you can stream any type of content such as movies or TV shows to any screen, even smart capabilities. Actually, smart TV sticks, Android TV boxes, and stick TV work in the same way. By plugging the TV back in you can watch multiple shows from the big screen to the small tablet screen. However, android TV app boxes are slightly less common in the UK than elsewhere.

What is Apple TV Box

Apple TV box is manufactured by Apple Inc. It is a digital media player and microconsole. It is a small network device hardware that sends received media data such as video and audio to a television set or external display.

Conclusion

OTT TV is the best way to deliver your video content to the largest possible audience. In fact, 82% of consumers in the US already have a video streaming subscription – the average is actually 4 subscriptions per person – while 67% of consumers still pay for cable. If you want to reach more people, increase engagement on your video content and grow your subscriber base – OTT TV is the answer. We’ve scratched the surface of what OTT TV is and how it’s changing the way we consume media, but the bottom line here is for small content creators: now is the time to get in on all the action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ans: An OTT TV Box, or Over-The-Top TV Box, is a device that enables streaming of content directly to a television. It works by connecting to the internet, allowing users to access a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, and apps, without the need for traditional cable or satellite subscriptions. The box typically runs on popular operating systems and comes with pre-installed apps for various streaming services.

Ans: Using an OTT TV Box offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides access to a vast library of on-demand content, allowing users to watch their favorite shows and movies at their convenience. Additionally, OTT TV Boxes often support apps and games, turning your TV into a multifunctional entertainment hub. Moreover, they are cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive cable subscriptions.

AnsYes, OTT TV Boxes are designed to be compatible with most modern televisions. They typically connect to the TV through an HDMI port. As long as your TV has an available HDMI input, you can easily set up and use an OTT TV Box. It’s a simple and versatile solution that doesn’t require a specific type or brand of television.

Ans: For optimal streaming performance, it’s recommended to have a stable internet connection with a speed of at least 10 Mbps. However, higher internet speeds, such as 25 Mbps or more, are preferable for streaming high-definition content or for households with multiple devices simultaneously streaming. A faster internet connection ensures smoother playback and reduces buffering issues.

Ans: While the OTT TV Box itself does not incur subscription fees, some of the streaming services and apps it provides access to may require separate subscriptions. Popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video typically have their own subscription fees. Users can choose the services they want based on their preferences, and the overall cost will depend on the combination of subscriptions they select.

Rishabh Jain - Director, Product Development, Enveu
Rishabh Jain is one of the co-founders and heads the Product Development at Enveu. A tech evangelist and deep tech advocate, he has been working in the Technology space, being part of many Big Data and IoT initiatives for over 10 years.

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