The box has a meet interface albeit a little complex but without a hardrive/SSD to give it a fully functional PVR service, what makes this set-top box different to ‘Smart TVs’.

The NetBox 4K is the first device in the United Kingdom combining full 4K media streaming capabilities over WiFi, with complete Freeview live channels, catch-up players and television recording.Through an Apple iOS or Android app, users will see recommended programmes based on their preferences and previous viewing. One thing Netgem excels in is its setup process, which takes you quietly and efficiently through connecting to a wired or wireless network and entering a PIN code for parental controls. Along with this came what used to be Freeview Play’s ace in the hole: the ability to scroll backwards through the TV guide and watch programmes that had already been shown up to seven days prior.

In a nice touch, the user can also use the mobile app to initiate playback of recordings on the box itself and can also be used as a remote control, with the ability to change channel and set/play and pause recordings on the box. There is also a Super WiFi broadband boosting service that can be taken as part of the Netgem TV bundle or on its own - more on this below. I was wondering if I could setup a wireless access point nearby and use a coax to Ethernet adapter (MoCA adapter) to connect?Freeview Play – streaming catch-up apps and recommendations that come directly from the Freeview Play platform. Budget UK broadband ISP TalkTalk has today officially signed a contract with pay TV solutions provider Netgem, which will see the provider launch a new “ TV 4K” product for their 4. This time around, Netgem has swapped the angular style of the Netbox HD for a more attractive rounded look, with HDMI, ethernet, RF antenna, USB, and S/PDIF (digital audio) ports in the back. More than 100 Freeview channels are available to watch through the box, plus catch-up content through BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5 and UKTV Play. Tastemade – Food, Home and Travel – From quick recipes to original series enjoy cooking and travel stories from around the world.

Whether you are time-poor family parents wanting to follow your favourite series without having to look for content inside multiple Apps, or you are a teenager wanting to watch the latest reality TV show in your bedroom, or simply accessing the recorded News on your tablet, we have reinvented TV with a simple, affordable, and personalised multiscreen TV service.In conclusion, I would recommend this box if you are looking for an intuitive interface, vast content library, intelligent recommendations, top-notch picture and sound quality, and versatile device compatibility. I remain impressed with the Netgem TV service which, I said before, offers an “easy to set-up way of watching catch-up and on-demand content on your big screen TV,” although it would be nice if Netgem could bring Netflix and Now TV to their service which would boost its appeal to those looking for a complete ‘one box’ solution. It's similar to the wi-fi boosting systems we see from broadband providers, with the difference that this is designed to work with routers from multiple ISPs. Apparently, this aids discoverability, as you get a whole bunch of programmes and movies tailored to you when you first open the page.

However, Netgem reiterate that restrictions enforced by Freeview mean that channels on that platform can only be watched on TV and require that TV to be connected via an aerial - an unavoidable limitation for mobile app users. Netgem has packed support for Dolby Atmos into this box, ideal for those who have the latest surround sound systems, and the app also allows you to initiate playback of on-demand content on the box. But without Netflix or NOW TV, and limited recording capabilities, it still has room for improvement. Join thousands of regular readers worldwide and stay up to date with regular reports on the future of television and video.

What works for you is all that matters so upgrade if necessary to a better Freeview aerial or just get Sky or Freesat installed. It works brilliantly over WiFi so I didn't have to run wires from my router and mess up my skirting boards. Netgem TV services are available alongside broadband plans from several ISPs across the UK, and this is a key area of expansion for the company. I’ve seen it grow from a normal satellite TV box to a “timeshifting” one and then, as on-demand TV increased in popularity, we got more choice and flexibility than ever. It has everything you need, but the button-setup is a bit confusing, and the navigation buttons in the middle – which are the buttons you would use the most – are just plain bad, because they are too flat – so you’re not always sure whether you actually pressed them or not.