Think about your living room for a moment. One remote for the TV, one for the set-top box, maybe another for a media player. Wires behind the cabinet, monthly bills for cable, and still you hear your kids saying, “Ami OTT te dekhbo!”
In 2025, when a single Smart TV can bring live TV, YouTube, Netflix, sports, kids’ shows, and even Facebook videos into one screen, a real question appears: do you still need extra devices like a set-top box?
This guide will help you decide with both information and emotion—because TV is not just a screen, it’s where your family shares time, stories, and memories.
What Is a Smart TV in Today’s Bangladeshi Home?
A Smart TV is more than just a display. It is a TV with a built-in operating system, Wi-Fi, and apps. That means:
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You can watch YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, IPL streams, Facebook Watch directly on the TV.
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No separate device for most online content.
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You can connect Wi-Fi, hotspot, Bluetooth speakers, and even your phone easily.
Brands like Pentanik are bringing these features to Bangladeshi families at a price that feels realistic, not “dream level.” If you want to explore models and features, you can check different Smart TV options directly from the brand at
???? Pentanik Smart TV
What Is a Set-Top Box and Why Did We Need It?
A set-top box (STB) is the device that sits between your TV and cable connection. Its main job:
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Decode cable or satellite signals
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Show local channels, sports, and news
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Often comes with a separate monthly bill
In the past, when TVs were not “smart,” a set-top box was necessary for better picture quality and more channels. But now, with faster internet and powerful Smart TVs, many families are asking:
If my TV already gives me all my favorite content, why pay extra for another device?
Smart TV vs Set-Top Box: Side-by-Side Comparison
Below is a simple table that shows how a Smart TV compares with a traditional set-top box setup in daily life:
| Feature / Experience | Smart TV (like Pentanik Smart TV) | Traditional Set-Top Box Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Content Source | Internet apps (YouTube, Netflix, OTT, IPTV, etc.) | Cable/Dish channels only |
| Devices Needed | Just the Smart TV | Normal TV + Set-top box + extra cables |
| Monthly Cost | Internet bill (already used for mobile & home) | Internet (optional) + Cable bill |
| Remote & Control | Single remote, sometimes voice control | TV remote + STB remote |
| Updates & New Features | Regular software/app updates | Very limited, mostly static |
| Extra Entertainment | Games, screen mirroring, casting, music apps | Almost none beyond TV channels |
| Setup & Wires | Clean, minimal wiring | More wires, more ports/space |
| Future-Proofing | Ready for OTT, streaming & online learning | Slowly becoming outdated |
The Emotional Side: Less Clutter, More Connection
Technology is not just about specs. It is about how your home feels.
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With a Smart TV, your parents can watch live Islamic programs on YouTube or news channels from across the world without touching a set-top box remote.
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Your kids can watch cartoons or learning videos in HD without you worrying about extra boxes, cables, or complicated inputs.
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On Eid night, your whole family can sit together, stream a new movie, watch old wedding videos from USB or cloud, and even video call relatives—directly from the TV screen.
When you remove extra devices, your table becomes cleaner, but more importantly, your experience becomes simpler. One remote. One screen. One place for the whole family.
If you want to compare different Smart TV and LED TV pricing before upgrading, you can explore offers and deals at
???? Ponnobd Electronics
But Do You Ever Still Need a Set-Top Box?
Yes, in some specific cases, a set-top box can still make sense:
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If you heavily rely on local cable channels that are not available online.
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If your internet connection is very slow or unstable, making streaming difficult.
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If you live in an area where OTT culture isn’t strong yet and your family mainly watches local drama & serials from cable.
In that case, the smartest move can be:
Buy a good Smart TV and keep your set-top box as an optional backup.
You enjoy both worlds: online streaming + traditional channels.
Why More Bangladeshi Families Are Moving to Smart TVs
The trend is clear: families are slowly shifting from “only cable” to “internet + TV.” That is why demand for affordable LED and Smart TVs is rising.
If you are checking market prices, you can quickly see how competitive they are now:
???? For budget-friendly LED TV options, check: LED TV price in Bangladesh
???? For Smart TV models and pricing from Pentanik, see: Pentanik smart TV price in Bangladesh
When you compare prices, you will often realize:
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The price difference between a non-smart LED TV + set-top box and a Smart TV is not as big as before.
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But the convenience gap is huge.
A Smart TV can replace:
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Set-top box (for many users)
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Media player
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Casting device
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Sometimes even a small computer for basic tasks like browsing or YouTube learning.
So, Do You Really Still Need Extra Devices?
Ask yourself:
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Do you want fewer remotes and fewer wires?
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Do you and your family watch more YouTube, OTT, Facebook videos and cricket streams than traditional cable?
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Are you already paying for home Wi-Fi or mobile data?
If the answer is “yes,” then a modern Smart TV—like those from
???? Pentanik Smart TV
is often enough for 90% of your daily entertainment.
A set-top box then becomes a backup, not a necessity.
Final Thought: Upgrade the Experience, Not Just the Screen
Buying a TV is not only a technical decision, it is an emotional one. You are choosing the screen that will:
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Show your child’s first school function recording,
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Stream your favorite cricket match with friends shouting in the living room,
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Play dramas your mother loves,
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And host movie nights on rainy Dhaka evenings.