Liberty Global has introduced its new set-top box, promising a more environmentally friendly device with reduced energy consumption and less plastic. Designed in-house by engineers at Liberty Global and manufactured by Commscope, the compact, 4K Mini TV Box launches first at the cable operator's subsidiary UPC Poland and will roll out later in other markets.
Despite its small size, the media box gives customers access to the full spectrum of content, the company said, including live TV, replay TV, on demand content and in-built OTT apps. Customers also can stream self-generated content from their phones direct to their TV through the box and use a Bluetooth-connected voice-enabled remote control to access content.
The 4K Mini TV Box is powered by Liberty Global’s next-generation TV platform, Horizon 4. It is the company’s first all-IP device, meaning that all it needs to run is a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection from a cable, fibre or mobile source. It can also run on the power from a TV’s USB input, which means it doesn’t even require access to a power socket.
The set-top box is made from 35 percent recycled plastic and uses no single-use plastic in its casing. Additionally, the 4K Mini TV Box reduces energy consumption by 77 percent compared to previous boxes and has a maximum power usage of under 5W, even when watching 4K content.
In Poland, the new box will be promoted in UPC's latest 'back to school' campaign. It's included with the Max TV package and a 500 Mbps broadband connection for PLN 89.99 per month, with 750 Mbps internet for PLN 99.99 or with a 1 Gbps connection for PLN 119.99. New customers are also offered a choice of free HBO Go or a mobile plan with up to 45 GB data at no extra cost.
