--- title: "What Is a Set-Top Box (STB)? Definition and Types" description: "A set-top box is a device that connects to a TV and delivers channels or streaming apps. See the types, from operator boxes to streaming sticks." url: "https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/set-top-box" markdown_url: "https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/set-top-box.md" category: "Devices" updated: "2026-10-05" --- # What is a set-top box? A set-top box (STB) is a device that connects to a television and supplies it with video from a source the television cannot receive by itself, such as a cable, satellite or IPTV service, or streaming apps over the internet. ## Types of set-top box - Cable and satellite boxes: decode the operator's broadcast signal - IPTV boxes: receive channels over the operator's managed broadband network - Hybrid boxes: combine broadcast channels with streaming apps - Streaming boxes and sticks: internet-only devices such as Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV boxes - Generic Android boxes: inexpensive devices running Android, common in IPTV ## Operator boxes vs retail streaming devices An operator box is supplied by a pay-TV or telecom company, runs that company's interface and is managed remotely by it. Apps reach it only by agreement with the operator. A retail streaming device is bought by the viewer and has an open app store, so any approved service can be installed. Many operators now base their boxes on Android TV, which lets them offer both their own channels and the store's streaming apps. ## What it means for a streaming service - Retail devices: publish an app in each store, as for a smart TV - Android-based operator boxes: your Android TV app may be eligible, subject to the operator - Other operator boxes: a commercial and technical integration, case by case - Generic boxes: variable hardware and often no certified DRM, so protected content may not play in HD ## Are set-top boxes disappearing? Dedicated broadcast boxes are declining as televisions gain built-in apps. Streaming sticks and operator boxes based on Android TV remain common, because they update faster than televisions and bring apps to older sets. ## Set-top box on RentAnOTT RentAnOTT offers an app for Android TV and Fire TV together at $149/month and an Apple TV app at $149/month, which cover the main retail streaming boxes and sticks. [See app pricing](https://www.rentanott.com/pricing). ## Related terms - [IPTV](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/iptv) — IPTV (internet protocol television) is the delivery of television channels and on-demand video using internet protocol. In its original sense it runs over a telecom operator's own managed network to a set-top box, rather than over the open internet. - [Android TV](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/android-tv) — Android TV is Google's version of Android for televisions, streaming sticks and set-top boxes. It runs on sets from many manufacturers and on operator boxes, and apps for it are distributed through Google Play. - [Fire TV](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/fire-tv) — Fire TV is Amazon's streaming platform. It runs on Fire TV Stick devices, set-top boxes and Fire TV televisions, and its apps are distributed through the Amazon Appstore. - [Apple TV](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/apple-tv) — Apple TV is Apple's streaming set-top box, which runs the tvOS operating system. Streaming services reach it by publishing a tvOS app on the App Store. The name is also used for Apple's own TV app and subscription service, which are separate things. - [CTV](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/ctv) — CTV (connected TV) is a television that can stream video over the internet, either because it is a smart TV or because a streaming stick, set-top box or games console is attached to it. - [Smart TV app](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/smart-tv-app) — A smart TV app is an application built to run on a television's operating system or on a streaming device attached to it, and installed from that platform's app store. For a streaming service it is the way viewers watch on the big screen. - [IPTV middleware](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/iptv-middleware) — IPTV middleware is the software layer that sits between an operator's video systems and its subscribers' devices. It manages accounts, channel packages, the program guide, on-demand content, billing integration and set-top boxes. - [Widevine](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/widevine) — Widevine is Google's DRM system. It protects streamed video on Android phones and tablets, Android TV and Google TV, Chrome and other browsers, and most smart TVs and streaming devices outside Apple's ecosystem. ## Further reading - [IP boxes and IPTV explained](https://www.rentanott.com/blogs/ip-box-iptv) - [Pay-per-view for IPTV and OTT](https://www.rentanott.com/blogs/iptv-pay-per-view) - [OTT app builder](https://www.rentanott.com/tools/ott-app-builder) ## Frequently asked questions ### What does STB stand for? STB stands for set-top box. ### Is a streaming stick a set-top box? Functionally, yes. It does the same job in a smaller form and plugs straight into an HDMI port. ### Do I need a set-top box to launch a streaming service? No. A service is delivered through apps on devices viewers already own. Supplying your own box is an operator's model. All 163 terms: [Streaming and OTT glossary](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary). ## Book a demo Tell RentAnOTT what you are launching. The team walks through the platform and maps the path to go-live around your catalog, markets and revenue model. Book a demo: https://www.rentanott.com/contact ## More from RentAnOTT - [Home](https://www.rentanott.com/index.md) — What RentAnOTT is, what every plan includes, and how launch works - [Features](https://www.rentanott.com/features.md) — Every core feature and optional add-on - [Pricing](https://www.rentanott.com/pricing.md) — Platform tiers, apps, add-ons, usage rates and example bills in INR and USD - [Free tools](https://www.rentanott.com/tools.md) — OTT app builder and calculators for streaming revenue, bandwidth, bitrate and pricing - [Insights](https://www.rentanott.com/blogs.md) — All streaming business articles - [Glossary](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary.md) — Definitions of streaming and OTT terms - [Book a demo](https://www.rentanott.com/contact.md) — Talk to RentAnOTT about your launch Full site in one file: https://www.rentanott.com/llms-full.txt