2 Solutions for Cable-Top Boxes

Kyle Weckerly

Updated:11/14/24

Published:07/25/18

As more and more devices are integrating and folding into others,there’s one stubborn resister- the cable-top box. Here's two ways to solve that issue.

2 Solutions for Cable-Top Boxes

As technology advances, some devices stubbornly resist change—like the cable-top box. Despite the proliferation of smart-home devices, cable-top boxes remain largely unchanged. Here are two potential solutions to modernize or replace them.

Remember the First Cell Phone?

The cable-top box is akin to early cell phones: functional but clunky. Just as cell phones evolved into sleek smartphones, cable boxes need a similar transformation. They could become integral smart home hubs, controlling everything from entertainment to home automation.

Darwin’s Not Happy

Cable companies still profit from these devices, renting them to customers and resisting innovation. However, to stay relevant, they must evolve. The future of cable-top boxes lies in either adaptation or extinction.

Solution 1: Adapt

Cable-top boxes could integrate more smart home features. Jason Brush suggests making them voice-activated and more intuitive, turning them into central hubs for smart homes. This would increase their functionality and align them with modern technology trends.

Solution 2: Or Die

Alternatively, cable-top boxes could be phased out, replaced by apps on smart TVs. This would streamline the user experience, reducing clutter and simplifying controls. Although this would impact cable companies’ revenue, it aligns with consumer preferences for simplicity and integration.

The Future of Cable

Cable companies must innovate to stay competitive against streaming services. Offering bundles and cutting deals can help retain customers. The evolution of the cable-top box, whether through adaptation or replacement, is crucial for the future of cable.