Les box TV, c'est fini : ce qui va arriver à votre Livebox, Freebox et Bbox (et vos abonnements)

Summary

The video examines the decline of the traditional TV decoder—and why French operators may still be investing in new hardware.

The changing role of TV boxes

France remains unusually attached to TV boxes: the narrator cites a figure of 83.7% of French TV households using an operator’s box. Free’s early “triple-play” offer helped make the box central by bundling internet, phone, and television, alongside features such as numerous channels, movie rentals, and live-TV rewind.

Once major technology launches, devices such as the Freebox Revolution, Livebox Play, Bbox Miami, and Freebox Delta added features including Blu-ray, distinctive remotes, Android TV, streaming apps, and speakers. As viewing shifted toward streaming, TV service increasingly became available without a dedicated decoder.

Apps and smart TVs replace dedicated boxes

Apple TV and Molotov helped demonstrate how apps could deliver TV viewing. From the early 2020s, operators expanded their own apps to connected TVs and streaming devices. Samsung TVs began supporting the main French operators’ TV apps in 2023, allowing many viewers to watch without a separate decoder. Free, Orange, and SFR followed with app-based options.

Why operators are changing course

Decoders cost money to develop and maintain, and the narrator describes older equipment as often slow and low-end. Apps also give operators access to viewing data and a direct relationship with customers—valuable for personalized advertising and retaining attention.

However, app users can easily switch to Netflix, while customers using an operator’s hardware remain within its ecosystem.

Orange’s hardware counter-move

Orange’s Home Cinema decoder combines a TV decoder with four speakers designed with Bang & Olufsen. It supports 4K, Dolby Vision, and Android TV, allowing users to install apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Plex. Optional wireless rear speakers provide surround-style sound.

The narrator presents the sound system—not just TV access—as the feature that apps alone cannot provide. The setup fee is described as nearly €150, which may deter some customers.

A possible high-end Free device

The video reports rumors of a “super Freebox” that could be more powerful and aimed at gaming or cloud gaming. It may be positioned as an Android alternative to high-end devices such as Apple TV, Google TV Streamer, and Nvidia Shield TV. This is speculation, not a confirmed product.

A strategy of being everywhere

The narrator points to Canal+ bundling services such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Apple TV as an example of aggregating content. Operators appear to be pursuing several approaches at once: improving hardware, bringing apps to more platforms, and partnering with streaming services.

The video is an industry analysis rather than a step-by-step guide or formal product review. It closes by asking how viewers watch television and whether they still use a decoder, an operator’s app, or only a smart TV.

Main speaker/source: Numerama presenter Nicolas Lellouche.