The set-top box market is undergoing a profound transformation with the advent of new options for accessing pay-TV and premium-TV channels. Until a few years ago, most customers could receive these channels only from a local cable company or a satellite company. Now, many options exist for using video devices attached to TVs and video products (smart TVs) to access the same channels without a set-top box. Furthermore, these new methods for accessing traditional TV also offer an expanded choice of new channels streaming over the Internet, and with many carrying award-winning programs.

This report explains these changes and examines how set-top box makers and cable operators are adjusting by establishing new business relationships and adding features to the set-top box that may help retain customers.