Broadband ISP TalkTalk Start Testing Netgem Powered TV 4K Box UPDATE

Budget UK ISP TalkTalk, which back in October 2021 signed a contract to harness Netgem‘s pay TV platform (here), has begun to offer a related “TV 4K Box” device for certain customers as part of a “test“. But it’s currently only available to those on their “Future Fibre” (FTTP) broadband plans (Openreach, CityFibre etc.).

The provider is known to have adopted Netgem’s new managed “Content as a Service” platform, which can operate across a wider range of devices. However, so far as we can tell, the new “TV 4K Box” appears to be visually the same as the ones that Netgem’s other UK partner ISPs (e.g. CommunityFibre) are currently shipping to customers.

According to TalkTalk’s TV Test page (credits to one of our readers – Maurice – for spotting this), the new set-top-box supports 30 streaming Apps and On Demand players, 4K (UltraHD), WiFi and various other features (see below). In addition, it can be connected to your TV ariel to access the Freeview channels.

The box itself also ships with a black 1.5 metre HDMI cable, a remote control (2 x AAA batteries included) and a power supply with a 1.5 metre cord.

TV 4K Box Features

30 streaming apps and On Demand players

One easy search covers all platforms

Voice control via Amazon Alexa or Echo

4K Ultra HD viewing capabilities

Wi-Fi enabled – no more cables to your router

70+ live channels

Pause and rewind TV

So far as we can tell, TalkTalk continue to charge the same to add the Netgem based TV kit to a broadband package as their existing set-top-boxes. At present this is discounted to just £2 per month extra (normally £4) on an 18-month minimum contract term, which obviously doesn’t include the cost of any other streaming subscriptions you might have.

UPDATE 13th Dec 2021

We’ve managed to get a few more details, including a full spec sheet for the box.

TalkTalk TV 4K Box Specification

CPU & MEMORY
● Processor: BCM 72604
● DMIPS: 7K dual core
● 3D graphics: OpenGL ES 3.0
● System flash: 4GB eMMC
● RAM: 2GB DDR4

AUDIO / VIDEO
● Resolution: 4K@60 (UHD 3840×2160 p50/60)
● HDR10, HLG, Hardware Color Conversion
● Video decoder: HEVC/H265 (4Kp60-10bit Profiles 4.1 5.0 5.1), VP9 (4Kp60-10bit Profiles 0 and 2), AVC/H264 (1080p60, level 4.2), MPEG-2
● Audio decoder: MPEG-1/2 layer I/II/III, AAC/MPEG-4, HE-AAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby ATMOS passthrough

SECURITY
● HDCP 2.2 over HDMI
● Hardware compatible with all major CAS and DRM (MS PlayReady, Verimatrix …)
● Watermarking (Civolution, Verimatrix)

CONNECTIVITY
● HDMI 2.0 (UHD) with CEC and ARC
● S/PDIF digital audio out (optical)
● USB 2.0 Type A (500mA) support for USB HDD
● Ethernet 10/100 BaseT
● Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2×2 dual band (2.4GHz – 5GHz) with Access Point mode
● DVB frontend T2+T+C
● Infrared receiver for Standard Remote Control
● Bluetooth for Voice Remote control
● Bicolor LED on front panel (Blue/red)

DIMENSIONS
● 128x128x38mm, rounded corners

POWER
● External power supply
– In: 200-240V AC
– Out: DC 12V 1.5A (TBD)
● Power consumption: typical < 10W
● Low power mode: < 0.5W

CERTIFICATIONS
● CE
● RoHS
● EU Code of Conduct

According to TalkTalk, you can record live Freeview channels on the box by plugging in a memory stick (minimum size of 32GB is required from your USB stick) and next year they’ll be making it possible to add subscription services to your TalkTalk bill, so it’s all in one easy to manage place.

The TalkTalk TV 4K Box is said to be “full of inclusive content with hundreds of movies and boxsets not available on other Pay TV platforms“, from an array of partnerships with growing services such as Filmzie, Plex, W4 Free and more. You can also access some streaming offers (e.g. they’re currently offering 3 months of Mubi for only £1, saving you almost £30).