What makes a TV “smart”

A smart TV is a television with a small computer and an internet connection built in, so it can run apps. A non-smart TV, sometimes called a regular or “dumb” TV, only shows what is plugged into it.

An Android TV box is that computer in a separate case. It is also called a TV box, streaming box, media box or media player. Plug it into the television and the screen shows whatever the box runs, so an older TV can do what a new smart TV does.

What you need

  • A TV with an HDMI port. Almost every flat-screen TV has one. Older sets that only have the red, white and yellow sockets can use the AV output on the back of the OTV box.
  • An internet connection. Wi-Fi, or an Ethernet cable from your router.
  • A power outlet near the TV.
  • An Android TV box. OTV Prime 11000 comes with its remote, an HDMI cable, an Ethernet cable and a power adapter in the box.

Step by step

  1. Plug the HDMI cable into the box and into a free HDMI port on the TV.
  2. Connect the power adapter to the box.
  3. With the TV's own remote, switch the input (often labelled Source or Input) to that HDMI port. The box's home screen appears.
  4. Connect to the internet: join your Wi-Fi, or plug in the Ethernet cable.
  5. Add the apps you use from Google Play or the Apps Market.

What your TV can do afterwards

  • Run Android apps from Google Play.
  • Play video in up to 4K HDR at 60 frames a second, on a television that supports it.
  • Connect Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
  • Show your phone's screen on the TV with screen sharing.
  • Keep everything on one home screen, driven by one remote.

Common questions

Do I need a 4K TV?

No. The box works on HD and Full HD televisions too. 4K requires a compatible 4K TV and content, and HDR requires a compatible HDR TV and content.

Will it work on an old TV without HDMI?

OTV Prime 11000 has an AV output for televisions with composite (RCA) inputs. You will need an AV cable for that, and the picture is standard definition.

Is a TV box different from a streaming stick?

They do the same job. A box has room for more ports: OTV Prime 11000 has Ethernet for a wired connection, two USB ports and an AV output as well as HDMI.

Does the box come with channels?

No. OTV does not provide any TV channels, subscriptions or any other audio-video content, and has no affiliation with any third-party providers.