Android SBCs in Set-Top Boxes: Powering the Next Generation of Smart Entertainment Devices
Introduction
The modern living room is evolving into a connected multimedia hub.
Televisions are no longer passive screens — they have become gateways to streaming platforms, gaming, and smart home ecosystems. At the heart of this transformation lies a category of devices known as set-top boxes (STBs), and more specifically, Android-based SBCs (Single Board Computers) that power them.
Android SBCs have rapidly emerged as one of the most versatile and cost-effective platforms for building set-top boxes. They combine powerful ARM processors, rich multimedia support, and flexible software environments in a compact form factor.
This article examines how Android SBCs have revolutionized STB development, what design factors engineers should consider, and where the technology is heading next.