In 2026, a significant number of viewers expressed frustration over the cumbersome process of accessing live TV broadcasts. This inconvenience arose from the need to navigate between two separate systems—the television itself and an external set-top box—while also contending with intrusive startup advertisements and the challenge of locating the live broadcast entrance. Public figures such as Luo Yonghao and Zhang Zequn have also voiced their criticisms of this cumbersome process. The root of the problem can be traced back to a 2011 directive from the SARFT (State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television), Document No. 181, which temporarily prohibited internet TVs from opening technical interfaces for live broadcast services. Consequently, viewers were required to use an external set-top box to access live broadcasts.

In pursuit of profit, TV manufacturers, along with IPTV and cable TV operators, have incorporated advertisements and value-added services into their systems, thereby exacerbating the operational complexity for users. Although some measures have been taken in the past to simplify the process, these have largely been superficial fixes to the existing system, offering limited relief.

In response to these challenges, the SARFT has announced its initiative to promote integrated TVs. This new approach involves embedding IPTV and cable TV systems directly into televisions in software form, eliminating the need for separate set-top boxes. For older TV models, plug-in micro set-top boxes will be made available. This innovative solution is expected to streamline the TV viewing experience, enabling users to turn on a single TV and immediately access live broadcasts with just one remote control.