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Something to note about Freeview Play is that channels from that platform can only be accessed if a customer connects their Netgem TV box to an aerial. Freeview Play adds a streaming component, with catch-up apps from some of the leading broadcasters (like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, etc’). For Freeview Play, you also need to connect your compatible box to the internet (See my full Freeview Play guide). Netgem say Super WiFi works with all broadband routers and extends the wi-fi signal around the home via the use of two wi-fi pods. The box’s design has had a makeover from its non-4K counterpart, with a more modern, rounded and premium look and feel. Some will love it, while some will find it needlessly confusing. Instead of a list of apps (or even channels), the Netbox always pushes you towards its own interface, where you get personal recommendations from across ALL the supported apps and channels.
The box offers several smart features, including “universal search” across content providers, and interactive capabilities allowing viewers toTo watch Freeview, you need two main components: A TV Aerial ( see the ones I recommend here), and a Freeview Receiver – see my full Freeview guide here. Best of all, recording television is free. You are not tethered to subscriptions service, where you lose access to your favourite shows once the billing stops. Can you record on a smart TV? This is first and foremost a streaming box, so it needs to connect to your broadband via WiFi. Then, you can use its more than 30 streaming apps and on-demand players. Low-cost broadband and phone provider TalkTalk, has now launched its brand new 4K TV offer, with a streaming and Freeview box that comes from Netgem. After a couple of days I got used to the Netbox 4K’s idiosyncrasies, and using the smartphone app can help because, while it still goes heavy on recommendations, it’s easier to get to the regular TV guide. You can set reminders and cast programmes to your TV straight from the app, which also means you can spend less time using the remote.
Although Alexa-powered voice search and control is supported by Netgem, you will need an Echo speaker to make voice commands – this is useful, but it would be great if the Netbox 4K came with Alexa built in. Final verdict The Netbox 4K is a compact square unit. Measuring around 130mm on each side and standing just 40mm high, it’s actually a little smaller than its HD sibling, and the rounded corners give it a nicer, less angular look. There’s not much to it, otherwise, with just a logo on the top and a slim LED indicator bar at the front, which glows blue when the box is on and red when it’s in standby. As you’d expect, the 4K content is highlighted in the box’s on-demand menu to ensure it’s easy to find.
The Netbox 4K's UI may not be for everyone, but at its core this is a great 4K streamer and recorder
As for supported apps, while the standalone Netgem Netbox does NOT have a Netflix app – TalkTalk’s version of the 4K TV Box DOES have a Netflix app. It bundles a Freeview receiver with a smart TV service, offering access to a range of on-demand and catch-up apps including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5, YouTube, and subscription-based services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video. Overall, the Netbox 4K is a vast improvement on the Netbox HD in terms of design and user interface, and we liked the updated layout of the Netgem app. Netgem, a company based in France, has two operation models in the UK – first, customers can buy its Netgem Netbox 4K as a standalone Freeview box. But in the past year, Netgem has been focusing on signing contracts with broadband providers, then becoming their “TV Offer”. Currently, Netgem has contracts with more than fifteen Fibre operators in the UK, who adopted its NetgemTV platform. TalkTalk 4K TV Box: The Details
However, it did occasionally lag, especially when pausing live TV; on one occasion, the Netbox 4K stopped working for five minutes in total, which was pretty frustrating – this could particularly be an issue if you want to pause a show at a crucial moment. One benefit of this new layout is that you’re exposed to content you may not have originally sought out; for example, in the movie section of the app we found lots of films hosted on BBC iPlayer, which is somewhere you may not have initially thought to look for films.
Once the external drive is ready to go, you should be able to record with the touch of a single button or even set recordings right from the TV’s EPG (electronic program guide). If you don’t have an internet/ethernet connection, don’t worry. These additional channels are optional, and your Freeview box will still be able to receive standard major TV channels, including from the BBC, ITV and UKTV. It's also possible to record to a USB using the box, although this isn't comparable to the recording services that we see from major pay TV companies.
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