Even though the device is built on Android and largely open, you won't be able to install some commonly available apps.Orange TV Box is the main device for the TV service for the IPTV platform, but also for television over the Internet (OTT), which works through the network of any operator.It is built on the Android platform and allows additional applications to be installed and also supports content in Ultra HD.Unlike other, similar TV boxes that can be bought in electronics stores, its environment is significantly adapted to the needs of the operator and, from the point of view of the average user, also simplified.The Orange set-top box offers Internet TV via the network of any operator and an IPTV version.With Internet TV, you can also use your own box, or use the service directly with a smart TV, where you just download the application.This is not possible with IPTV.When you receive the Orange TV Box from the operator, you just need to connect it via HDMI to the TV, plug it into the electricity and turn it on.You will immediately be greeted by the operator's logo and familiar Android icons.You can connect the remote control to the box via Bluetooth.Then you choose to connect the box to the Internet via a network cable or Wi-Fi.But the device does not have an integrated Wi-Fi module, we write more about this option below.After successful connection, you will be prompted to sign in with your Google account.You can skip the option.But without it, you won't be able to download other apps from the Google Play Store, and you'll have to make do with what Orange provides by default.The advantage for less technically savvy users is that everything is ready after unpacking and connecting.You do not need to sign up for the TV service from Orange, it works immediately.On the home screen, in addition to the Orange logo, there is also the time and date.In the left part there is a category of search, home, TV, movie library, applications and settings.Search also works in the Slovak language, and voice control is supported by the controller that comes with the box.You can search for a specific title or station.You can find an electronic program guide in the Television section.Perhaps it would be more appropriate if the operator called the category, for example, "TV program".But you can get used to it.In the Filmotek, you will find a mix of content from TV broadcasts, but also from an external video library and a paid section.But you can always find out with the titles whether they were broadcast on regular TV or if it is part of a paid or free movie platform from the operator.Some titles are paid for separately, some are available for free.In Applications, by default you will find the Play Store, Google Play Movies, Google Play Games and three YouTube applications, in addition to the basic Music and Kids applications.It's important to note that despite being a box and Android, the TV app is still on by default and you can't get outside of it on the box.While some advanced users may consider this a shortcoming, it is a key feature of this box.Orange thus caters to those users for whom any setting, clicking or starting is an extra step.Therefore, we do not consider it a mistake.When using the box, you will most often see the basic screen, where there is a section of my videos, as well as content from TV stations, the most recently watched channels with their logo and currently broadcast program, applications and a recommendation for the best movies and popular titles.The basic screen is clear and you get used to it quickly.For some titles, images are also available, for others not - it probably depends on the supplier of this data for Orange.It does not affect the functionality, but such inconsistency does not look good.The device is available with Android version 10. It is an older version - although the update dynamics for televisions is less than, for example, for smartphones or tablets.Today, devices built on Android 11 for TV are already on sale, and the final version of Android 12 for TV was released in May.Since the operator does not sell the box, only rents it, it is not a fundamental problem - it is Orange's concern to keep it fully functional for a longer period of time.The device can handle even Ultra HD quality - 3840 x 2160, HDR or the modern video codec H.265 (HEVC), with which the operator can spread channels more efficiently over the network.Data consumption can thus be tens of percent lower with the Internet version.It currently broadcasts Chuck 4K and Love Nature 4K channels in this codec.Chromecast can also be used.From a mobile device, it can stream videos, music or images to the box via the box.If you choose the aforementioned box from Orange, despite the available Google Play Store, you will not be able to download all applications.Amazon's popular streaming services Netflix and Prime Video are not available.The problem is most likely the lack of certification for these services.But you can download Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV, FilmBox+ Voyo or competing services such as Antik TV, Skylink, SledovanieTV, Magio Go, O2 TV, Horizon TV, Lepšia TV, Kuki TV or 4ka TV.Orange does not block the installation of competing TV platforms.It takes a little more than one minute and ten seconds to turn on the box after unplugging it.So it is definitely not a recorder on the market.There are also significantly faster boxes on the market.But most people will turn on the device from standby mode.It turns on in about three seconds, which is decent.Movement in the menu itself is not particularly fast.However, it is partially due to the clumsy controller.But the platform itself could be faster.Especially when you try a better device with another, competing service and suddenly go back to this one, the difference is noticeable.It takes about 2.5 seconds to switch an HD station, and half a second less for an SD program.These are good values.The speed is also determined by the quality of your Internet connection.We tested the service on an optical connection with a speed of 75/10 Mbit/s.When we had the device connected via Wi-Fi, it took five seconds, sometimes longer, to switch HD stations.Primarily, the operator recommends using it with a connected Internet cable.The operator broadcasts stations via IPTV with a data flow of up to 20 Mbit/s and up to 7 Mbit/s for Internet TV.This applies to both the live broadcast and the TV archive.A big advantage of the service from Orange is the huge number of stations with a TV archive.This is the majority of the programs on offer - the exception is selected documentary, film, foreign or music stations.It is available up to 31 days back.In the case of Slovak broadcasters Markíz and JOJ, the television archive is significantly limited to 7 days.This is due to the request of these companies, who do not want the archive to be available for a longer period.There is an extra charge of 2 euros per month for the TV archive.For some clients - for example, when combining services - the operator also offers it in the price of the service.The service also includes common functions in similar services, such as pausing or starting a movie or show from the beginning without having to watch the title first.The problem with FUP is already somewhereIn previous years, the problem was the so-called FUP - that is, a possible limit when using the service.When you have Internet from Orange, the restriction will not affect you in any way.The FUP limit was mainly applied to DSL connections, where it was often a value of 300 GB and a possible slowdown after a minute of this value.However, the operators have gradually abolished the limit, and the vast majority of providers do not apply it even for other services.An exception may be services such as a fixed LTE connection or other types of wireless connection, where operators still have limits.If you are considering Internet TV (OTT), you should check whether your provider does not apply limits.The set-top-box from Orange still does not allow creating your own list of stations, which users of the service have criticized for a long time on social networks and in discussions.But the operator announces that in a short time it will bring a new feature that should simplify the selection of stations.He did not specify what he meant by that.In practice, you have to settle for the arrangement of channels according to Orange, and you will have to laboriously search for your favorite stations in the lists, or remember them by number.But it also has one advantage.When the operator makes a program change, you don't have to readjust and set up anew.The list of stations changes dynamically.In addition to the set-top box itself, the package includes a remote control, an HDMI cable, a power supply and a cable for connecting the device to the Internet.Two batteries for the controller are also included.There is only one button on the front of the set-top box itself.This is used to turn on the device.There is also an orange LED that lights up when the device is on.On the back of the device you will find a physical button to turn the device off/on, an Ethernet port is used to connect to the network, and there is also an audio and USB input, which can be used to access the Wi-Fi function, since the set-top box does not have an integrated Wi- Fi module.Orange still asks for an extra fee of 14 euros for that.It can only be used in combination with the Internet version, not IPTV.As for the Wi-Fi module, you will receive a cable adapter for connecting it.If you want to put it directly in the box, it is difficult to insert into the device and you have to squeeze it between the HDMI cable and the power cable.It's not the most attractive, and the mentioned "Wi-Fi Dongle TV Box" is green.When you have the device inserted in the box and you watch TV in the evening, it is distracting. The box itself lights up orange from the front, and the Wi-Fi module will also light up green from behind.Orange should have simply offered Wi-Fi as a standard feature, not as an add-on.The company asks for 3 euros per month for the device.That's not enough.For four years, which is the normal lifespan of such a device, you will pay 144 euros.For that, you can buy two cheaper boxes (or one high-end one).The problem is that if you choose the pure IP version of the TV service from Orange, you have no other option than this box.With the OTT version, you can also buy another device, if of course you don't miss the Orange logo on the controller or when you turn it on.You cannot install the most popular platform of today - Netflix - in the box.It is pleasant, however, that Orange does not block competitors, and you can also install another service if you want.It is suitable, for example, when a competitor offers stations or options that the main provider does not have.Orange offers a box that is ready for 4K, supports the installation of many applications, also handles the modern HEVC codec and is built on Android.It is suitable for people who need to have everything secured from the operator and as simple as possible.You unpack the box, connect it to the TV and everything works.Slow and sometimes a little clumsy, but it works.We also appreciate the monthly (and very fast) archive for most stations and HD quality for many programs on offer.On the contrary, the use of a long-outdated and worse-functioning remote control and some software limitations are incomprehensible - for example, the inability to choose your own order of stations or blocking the installation of Netflix.Nowadays, we can consider this as a fundamental shortcoming.The price policy is also unfavorable.Such a device should be given by the operator for free as a basis for undemanding customers.Instead, it offers it as a premium product for 3 euros per month.If you want a Wi-Fi dongle (wireless internet is inexplicably not built-in), you have to pay extra.Smiling and sad at the same time...If you are among the more technologically savvy users, do not consider renting an Orange TV Box.There are many much better and ultimately cheaper solutions on the market.The best Android box you can buy right now is the Nvidia Shield TV (2019), three years after its launch.It is much faster, receives regular updates, has built-in all communication interfaces, an excellent remote control and you can run all applications on it - TV from Orange, Netflix and others.It is currently sold for around 160 euros.The more demanding can also watch on Apple TV, but Orange TV is not available for this platform.However, the operator provides a version for Samsung TV - if you have a newer TV from this production, you can do without a box.If you are looking for a cheaper solution, you can choose one of the huge number of branded and non-branded boxes with Android that you can find in any electrical store.If you go to the category with a price above 60 euros, you have a good chance to buy a better and faster box than the one offered by Orange.Stay informed, we will send all important news to your e-mail.