China to Phase Out Set-Top Boxes by Integrating Functions Directly into TV Sets

China's broadcasting and industry ministries are formulating technical standards for integrated television sets that embed set-top box capabilities directly as built-in software. Announced by National Radio and Television Administration Deputy Director He Biao, the initiative seeks to eliminate external hardware clutter by allowing a single television set and one universal remote control to handle both live broadcasts and on-demand content. The policy forms part of a multi-year regulatory push to eradicate layered subscription fees and simplify television operation, particularly for elderly viewers and public institutions.

For years, Chinese consumers have voiced frustration over complex television setups requiring multiple devices, confusing remotes, and opaque layered subscription fees. Integrating decoder functionality directly into TV firmware eliminates peripheral hardware redundancies and standardizes single-remote operation. Beyond improving user convenience and elder accessibility, the policy will reshape supply chain relationships between domestic television manufacturers, telecom operators, and cable network providers.

China plans to replace external television set-top boxes by embedding their capabilities directly into TV sets via built-in software, according to the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA). Speaking at a State Council Information Office briefing, NRTA Deputy Director and spokesperson He Biao stated that the broadcasting regulator is collaborating with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to formulate technical standards for integrated television sets. Under this framework, a single TV set equipped with a universal remote control will allow viewers to access both live channels and on-demand programming with one-click power and channel selection, according to reports by Xinhua and Daily Economic News. The reform is part of an ongoing regulatory initiative targeting the confusing array of remotes, nested subscriptions, and layered fees that have alienated TV viewers, especially senior citizens. Last year, the NRTA coordinated with China Broadnet and the three major telecom operators—China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom—to deploy over 10 million plug-in miniature set-top boxes as an intermediate measure. Because a significant portion of older TV sets currently in Chinese households cannot support integrated software upgrades, authorities plan an initial deployment of tens of millions of integrated units, He noted. A broader nationwide rollout is expected to progress over the 15th Five-Year Plan period as consumers gradually replace older screens. Alongside hardware simplification, the NRTA is preparing to issue two updated departmental regulations governing cable television and IPTV operating services. Regulators have also directed public service enhancements toward nursing homes, disability service centers, and rural communities to widen access to streamlined audiovisual services.