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Is it the end of the line for TV set-top boxes?

February 1, 2026 · Gautier
3 mins
Geek Stuffs

It’s crazy how much our living rooms are changing. It used to be that if you wanted TV, you had to have that big, clunky box from your provider overheating under the cabinet. Today, with fiber and modern screens, you really have to wonder if the TV box hasn’t become a dinosaur. Basically, we’re moving toward a much simpler setup: just a screen and the internet.

Smart TVs and apps are doing the heavy lifting

The main thing killing off these boxes is the connected TV. Nowadays, when you buy a TV, everything is already built-in. Whether it’s a Samsung, LG, or an Android TV, you just install your provider’s app (like OQEE or Orange TV) and you’re good to go. You get your channels, catch-up TV, and movies without plugging in a single extra HDMI cable.

Actually, the experts at Son-Vidéo hit the nail on the head: manufacturers like Samsung and LG now include services like Samsung TV Plus or LG Channels. These are hundreds of free channels (the famous FAST channels) you can watch without any subscription. Suddenly, paying for a decoder every month makes less and less sense.

Why is it better without the box?

Looking at recent trends, it’s clear the classic decoder has a lot of flaws we just used to put up with:

  • Image quality: Often, the apps built into the TV handle HDR or native 4K better than some aging provider boxes.
  • Cable mess: Fewer boxes means fewer wires hanging around and just one remote to control everything. It’s much cleaner.
  • Power consumption: A TV box left on 24/7 sucks up power. Using your TV’s app is greener and you’ll see it on your bill at the end of the year.

“Pure Fiber” internet deals with no strings attached

Providers have caught on. We’re seeing more and more “internet-only” deals popping up. Whether it’s B&YOU Pure Fiber or similar “no-TV” plans, they just give you high-speed Wi-Fi for a low price.

If you really want TV, you can just add an option or use a little stick like a Chromecast. As the Son-Vidéo article points out, the physical decoder is becoming an “option” rather than a requirement. It’s a real shift: you pay for the service, not to rent a black piece of plastic.

Basically, we’re keeping it simple

The future of TV is a simplified setup. We want solid Wi-Fi everywhere and a screen that handles everything on its own. The big dusty decoder is done. People want minimalism: a good internet plan, a great screen, and that’s it.

Plus, it’s better for the planet. Fewer boxes manufactured means fewer components and less electronic waste. We just keep the modem in a corner and enjoy everything else wirelessly.

So, would you be ready to ditch your decoder to save space and money? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Source inspired by the analysis from: Son-Vidéo.com Blog

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