The cable industry has never been known for courting consumers with innovative set-top boxes and other TV gear. In an effort to control costs, cable operators have traditionally stripped down their set-tops to the bare minimum of processing power and functionality. Subscribers sometimes complained, but to limited effect.

Only two retail set-top brands have truly broken through with mainstream consumers so far. According to Parks Associates , Roku is tops in consumer usage, with 37 percent of surveyed households saying the Roku box is their primary media streamer. The Apple TV box came in second in the Parks survey with a positive response rate of 24 percent. No other brand registered anywhere close.

From the article, "Thinking Inside the Box" by Mari Silbey.
 

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