The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology are developing technical standards to integrate set-top box functionality directly into smart TVs via software. This initiative aims to simplify the user experience by enabling access to live and on-demand content through a single device and a universal remote control.
The technical solution involves a software application installed on the TV combined with a compact USB-based adapter. According to Ouyang Feng, director of the Cable Research Institute at the NRTA, this setup allows most smart TVs purchased within the last five years to support 4K ultra-high-definition services without requiring new hardware or complex wiring.
The NRTA has set a target to achieve a deployment scale of tens of millions of units by 2026. The new standards prioritize a unified interface, requiring a dedicated button on the remote to return to live broadcasts instantly. The system supports AVS+, AVS2, MPEG, and AAC formats, with remote controls utilizing Bluetooth or NearLink technology.
Security remains a core focus, with content transmitted exclusively via dedicated cable or IPTV networks, isolated from the public internet. While the government is pushing for widespread adoption, officials noted that traditional set-top boxes will continue to coexist with the new integrated systems for a significant period due to variations in home network infrastructure.
