Podcast #1245: Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems

On this week's show we take a walk down memory lane and look at how the Set Top Boxes we all take for granted evolved from niche Netflix-focused or iTunes-centric devices to broad ecosystems. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Hisense TVs Force Owners to Watch Intrusive Ads
• TCL now can't call some of its TVs 'QLED'
• TCL launches two new 163-inch 4K microLED TVs in China, starting at $36,000
• Short-form video dominates Gen Z digital consumption

Other:

• 9 Brilliant Hi-Fi "Failures" | Awesome Disasters!

Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems

Here's a chronological timeline of major set-top streaming boxes: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google (Chromecast, Android TV/Google TV devices). These devices evolved from basic media extenders to full smart platforms with app stores, 4K/HDR support, voice remotes, and integration with services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and more.

2007–2008: Early Pioneers

• 2007 (January announcement, March release): Apple TV (1st generation) — Apple's first set-top box, initially focused on syncing content from iTunes (40GB/160GB HDD models), supporting up to 720p. It was more of a media extender than a pure streamer at launch.
• <2007 The original Vudu Box (BX100) was released in the fall of 2007, serving as an early internet video-on-demand set-top box for purchasing and renting movies. It was known for its 250 GB hard drive and unique scroll-wheel remote. Vudu discontinued this hardware in 2010 to focus on apps for smart TVs and other devices.>
• 2008 (May): Roku (1st generation, originally "Roku Netflix Player" or DVP N1000) — The first dedicated streaming box, launched in partnership with Netflix for its "Watch Instantly" service. It marked the start of affordable, channel-based streaming.

2010–2012: Maturing Platforms

• 2010 (September): Apple TV (2nd generation) — Major shift to a smaller, puck-like design running a variant of iOS, focused on streaming from iTunes and rentals (no HDD, app-like interface).
• 2012 (March): Apple TV (3rd generation) — Updated model with 1080p support; a minor refresh (Rev A) came in 2013.

2013–2014: Dongle Era and Amazon Enters

• 2013 (July): Google Chromecast (1st generation) — Revolutionary low-cost HDMI dongle ($35) for casting from phones/tablets/browsers; simple, no full interface or remote.
• 2014 (April): Amazon Fire TV (1st generation) — Amazon's entry as a set-top box with voice remote, Alexa integration potential, and app ecosystem (initially focused on Prime Video).

2015–2016: Upgrades and 4K

• 2015 (September): Google Chromecast (2nd generation) — Improved design and performance; also launched Chromecast Audio (audio-only variant, later discontinued).
• 2015 (October): Apple TV (4th generation, later called Apple TV HD) — Big leap to tvOS with App Store, Siri Remote, games, and third-party apps.
• 2016 (November): Google Chromecast Ultra — First 4K/HDR-capable Chromecast.

2017–2018: 4K Becomes Standard

• 2017 (September): Apple TV 4K (1st generation) — Added 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
• 2017 (October): Amazon Fire TV (3rd generation set-top box) — 4K model with Alexa Voice Remote.
• 2018 (June): Amazon Fire TV Cube (1st generation) — Hands-free Alexa speaker-integrated set-top box.
• 2018 (October): Google Chromecast (3rd generation) — Updated HD model.

2019–2020: Android TV/Google TV Shift

• 2019–2020: Various Amazon Fire TV Stick iterations (4K models in 2018/2019/2020) dominate budget streaming.
• 2020 (September): Chromecast with Google TV (4K) — Major change: full Google TV interface (based on Android TV), voice remote, app store; moved away from pure casting dongle.

2021–2022: Refinements

• 2021 (May): Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) — A15 Bionic chip, improved remote (no clickpad issues), more storage options.
• 2022 (September): Chromecast with Google TV (HD) — Budget 1080p version of the 2020 model.
• 2022 (November): Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) — HDMI 2.1, Thread support, faster performance.

2023–2024/2025: Current Era and Google Rebrand

• 2023–2024: Ongoing Amazon Fire TV updates (e.g., Fire TV Cube 3rd gen in 2022/2023, new Sticks).
• 2024: Roku Ultra (2024 model) — Latest high-end Roku with improved processing.
• 2024: Google TV Streamer (4K) — Replaced the Chromecast name; full set-top box form factor with Google TV, Ethernet, more storage, and smart home hub features (ending the classic Chromecast dongle line after 11 years and 100M+ units sold).

This timeline shows the progression from niche (Netflix-focused or iTunes-centric) to broad ecosystems competing on apps, performance, voice control, and integration. Roku emphasized neutral channel access, Apple focused on the premium ecosystem, Amazon on Prime/Alexa, and Google on casting then full smart TV interface. By 2025–2026, most support 4K/HDR, Dolby Atmos, and thousands of apps.