IPTV set-top boxes from Rostelecom: detailed review, advice on selection and configuration

Modern IT technologies have firmly entered human life. Already, a large part of the population uses interactive television, which is a combination of the Internet and television. Rostelecom has been pleasing its consumers for many years with high-quality images that they receive by connecting set-top boxes.

IPTV set-top boxes provided by Rostelecom

Rostelecom subscribers today can choose from about a dozen models of modern set-top boxes to receive interactive television services; let's look at the most common of them.

SML-482 HD

This model of TV set-top box is the most technically advanced of everything that Rostelecom offers. It has the most powerful processor, a sufficient amount of RAM, and the device is housed in a very compact case. The set-top box supports innovative technologies such as 3D television, and also has many other features. In operation, the set-top box performs reliably, with virtually no faults or defects detected.

Specifications:

1. Processor – dual-core BCM7230750MHz.
2. RAM – 512 megabytes DDR3.
3. 256 MB Flash NAND storage.
4. Interfaces include IrDA, 2 USB ports, Ethernet, mini-jack, HDMI, CVBS, S/PDIF.
5. The device weighs 140 grams.
6. Supports all popular video codecs, including all MPEG, AVC, AAC, MP3 audio codecs and others.
7. Manufactured by the American company Smartlabs.

SML-282 in Base/Premium version

The differences between versions are small. With an identical appearance, the premium one has an additional USB port and slightly more powerful hardware, and also has support for wireless networks. An excellent inexpensive set-top box with sufficient functionality.

Specifications:

1. Processor – STi7105.
2. RAM 256 megabytes.
3. 128 megabyte Flash storage.
4. Picture resolution 1080p at 60 fps.
5. Interfaces include USB (2 ports for premium), Ethernet, CVBS, YPbPr, HDMI, 2xRCA, S/PDIF, mini-jack.
6. All popular video and audio codecs are supported, the device weighs 470 grams.

MAG-250

Quite an ancient device, but its capabilities are not inferior to more modern analogues. There have been complaints about the power socket being loose, as well as the socket for the TV cable plug, so there are quite a few returns. The set-top box can be easily reflashed with software from Informir.

Specifications

1. Processor – STi7105.
2. RAM – 256 megabytes.
3. Storage – 156 megabytes Flash NAND.
4. Interfaces include S/PDIF, HDMI, two USB ports, A/V, Ethernet.
5. Supports external storage devices, including external HDD, as content sources.
6. Supports all popular video and audio codecs, bitrate up to 40 megabits per second.
7. The device weighs 156 grams.
8. The set-top box is produced by the Ukrainian company Infomir (the leading digital TV operator in the country).

Comparison table of technical characteristics for some models

READ Guide for connecting the Rostelecom set-top box to a TV

IPTV RT in Standard version

The device is a copy of the previous set-top box, but the software and remote control are from Smartlabs. It may not work correctly with some routers; first you need to flash the set-top box to prepare for working with the Rostelecom network. The specifications of the device are the same as the previous model; the set-top box is produced by Promzakaz.

IPTV HD103

From the technical side, this set-top box is similar to the previous model, the chipset is the same, however, there is more RAM installed on board. In terms of quality, the device is in the average category; the main problem that users complain about is the wear and tear of the power socket.

Specifications:

1. Processor – STi 7105, operating at a frequency of 450 megahertz.
2. RAM – 256 megabytes of DDR2 standard.
3. Storage – 512 megabytes Flash Memory.
4. OS – Linux.
5. Supports most popular video and audio codecs.
6. Interfaces include SATA, one USB port, Ethernet, RJ-45 port, optional Wi-Fi, HDMI, S/PDIF.

What's the result?

Despite the fact that a lot has been written, in reality the procedure for connecting and setting up a TV set-top box and other equipment for Rostelecom digital TV is quite simple. No special knowledge or skills are required for this, you just need to follow the instructions. In general, no more difficult than Lego for children.

Problems can only arise if there is insufficient staffing. Then you should call Rostelecom customer service (if you didn’t check everything during purchase). You can also contact customer support if you have difficulty setting up - they will definitely help you over the phone or send a technician to you.

Connection diagrams

How to connect a set-top box from Rostelecom? There are several ways to do this: via an Ethernet cable, wirelessly (Wi-Fi), and also via a PLC adapter.

Cable

For the most part, Rostelecom users connect the set-top box to the TV using a regular Ethernet cable. The company technician extends it from the router to the set-top box (at the TV). The advantage of this method is its simplicity, but the disadvantage is the need to somehow hide the cable so that it does not lie on the floor in the room. Connecting via cable is more reliable and does not suffer from interference.

WiFi

This method involves the use of additional Motorolla 2400 devices with a frequency range of 5 gigahertz. The advantage of using this device is the ability to transmit signals over long distances for a wireless interface. The downside is the price tag, the cost is about 5 thousand rubles per set, and the setup is somewhat tricky for the average user.

You can use devices that are more affordable, these are D-Link (China) and TP-Link (also China), they are one and a half thousand cheaper. In addition, you can use an even simpler option if the router has its own Wi-Fi module, and the set-top box was purchased with it.

PowerLine or PLC adapters

As we know, PowerLine is a technology for transmitting signals over electrical wires. One adapter costs from 2,500 rubles, the reliability is high, comparable to a cable connection. The only disadvantage that is relevant for some regions and cities is sensitivity to power surges. If the power supply in your home or community is unstable, the adapter may burn out, pulling other devices with it if they are connected by cable.

Possible problems and troubleshooting

Even a new set-top box from Rostelecom can sometimes malfunction. Most problems are non-critical and can be easily fixed. In some cases, you will have to call technical support.

But in most cases, our guide will help you.

How to reboot

To do this, press the POWER button on the remote control. When pressed, the button must be held for 10 seconds. Don't forget to point the remote control at the console itself. Some people out of habit point it at the TV, which causes the signal to become unstable.

When turned on, it shows a cartoon

When you first connect the device to the TV, sometimes a table is displayed on the screen, and then a cartoon. Don't be afraid of this. This is a signal that the device is connected to the wrong port. Plug the cable into the LAN port that is configured for TV equipment.

READ How to disable television or pay channel Rostelecom

"No IP address" error

This error indicates that there is no signal. The router may have been configured incorrectly. Sometimes the signal disappears due to the fault of the provider. This can be clarified by calling the support service.

If the device worked fine before, the settings are fine. Try reconnecting all the plugs to make sure the contact is secure. If the Internet works and the signal from the provider is received properly, the cable is damaged. Sometimes he rubs against furniture legs. You need to check the wires for integrity or replace them with new ones.

"Server not found" error

Typically, this malfunction appears due to a breakdown of network equipment. As a rule, it is not possible to eliminate it on your own. You'll have to call technical support.

Login and password do not match

During the initial setup, this error appears if you have entered the activation data carelessly.
Double-check them in your contract. They usually consist of numbers only. They do not contain special characters or letters. If the problem arose as a result of changing equipment, you need to call your provider. The fact is that each device is tied to specific authorization data. And apparently, the binding process is simply not completed yet. You need to find out how long it will take for your login and password to work.

Error "Wired interface unavailable"

This problem occurs when the Internet connection is poor. Make sure you can access it from your computer or phone. If the network is really unstable, try rebooting the router. Sometimes rebooting the console itself or reconnecting the wires helps.

Rostelecom set-top box does not respond to the remote control

This issue occurs because a control conflict has occurred. Sometimes the TV control code is the same as the equipment control code. In this case, you need to configure the remote control on the set-top box using another suitable code. The process is described in detail in the step-by-step guide on TelecomDom.

Interactive TV without using a set-top box

This option is also possible; Rostelecom has developed a service for this called “Fun”. When subscribing, the client can view all TV content on a computer, laptop, or smartphone/tablet. In this case, of course, no prefix is ​​required.

Moreover, the Zabava service has recently been promoted by the company as a default application (pre-installed) for LG brand TVs. Models from Samsung, as well as from Phillips, will also receive this feature in the near future, and then no set-top box will be needed. The TVs themselves will go online and, through applications, gain access to ]interactive TV Rostelecom[/anchor]. In the meantime, connecting to the service follows the standard scheme, where it is mandatory to use a set-top box (which can be rented), and when there is no need for it (buy a smart TV with the Rostelecom application), then you can refuse to rent.

Popular questions

How to reset settings

To reset the settings on the remote control, you need to hold two buttons simultaneously (OK + POWER) for two seconds. After this, you need to enter the numbers 977, which will reset the settings to factory settings.

If you plan to replace the equipment or transfer it to another person, then you also need to reset it to factory settings. Enter the “Management” menu item and go to the right. Here select the “Deactivation” function.

Don't forget to pre-register for the Wink service. Log in there with your username and password for the Rostelecom set-top box. This will allow you to maintain access to all content and use it on other equipment.

Is it necessary to be connected to the Internet from Rostelecom?

No, television from Rostelecom will work if your Internet speed is good. In this case, the provider does not matter.

How many channels are available to set-top box users?

Rostelecom is constantly working to increase the number of channels available for viewing. Your limit is limited only by the paid package. Most users have access to 100 - 200 channels.

There are exclusive packages that allow you to view content in very high quality or under special conditions. It is always better to find out the latest information on the official website.

At what speed should the Internet work?

The quality of video and sound media content directly depends on the speed of the Internet. Theoretically, you can watch television in low quality even with a low Internet speed. But for comfortable viewing, the network must operate with a throughput of at least 0.9 megabits per second.

How many TVs does one set-top box serve?

The device can serve a maximum of two TVs. To connect a second screen you will have to use a PCA cable, because the HDMI port is already occupied. The content on their screens will be shown synchronously.

To view different channels separately on different devices, you need to connect a paid one.

Is there Smart TV support?

Modern TVs are becoming smarter before our eyes; Smart TV is already becoming an unspoken standard for home television. The software installed on the TV allows you to load many playlists and browse extensive content libraries. But without special firmware for the TV, you won’t be able to simultaneously use interactive TV and view content from the Internet, since the set-top box uses the same connection as the smart TV.

Therefore, you have to switch between the Internet and IPTV, removing one cable and inserting the other. Sometimes the issue is resolved using a router equipped with a Proxy option, which can forward a signal from UDP to HTTP. However, this does not always help.

Motorola VIP1003G set-top box

The oldest version is not relevant for 2021. The manufacturer of the set-top box released it in several modifications, the difference of which lies in the outputs. There are models that do not have an HDMI connector, and the connection is made only via SCART or composite cable.

The vast majority of modern TVs are not equipped with the first of the two proposed connectors; moreover, both of them are not designed to transmit a full FHD signal. It is not possible HD on this interactive set-top box Visually, the model resembles the SML-482 - a rectangular box in a glossy design with all connectors located at the rear.

Important! When choosing a receiver, it is important to understand that under one name there may be different modifications that differ in outputs and even hardware components. Before purchasing, it is recommended to visually familiarize yourself with the device and its characteristics to ensure that it is the right option with the capabilities the user needs.

USB flash drive: does the set-top box show it?

More recently, all content from USB drives was first transferred to cloud storage, where seven gigabytes of space were reserved for each client. And only after that the video was broadcast from the cloud to the TV. However, this required a lot of power, because the downloaded data had to be processed and then sent to the screen. Too much load made the service unpopular. Now you can watch any video directly from a USB drive.

All set-top boxes presented by Rostelecom are capable of directly playing video from external media; the only limitation may be the lack of any codec, then the film may not play or play without sound. The solution to this problem is quite simple - you just need to convert the video file using a different codec. There are a lot of free converter programs on the Internet now.

Brief setup instructions

After the TV set-top box from Rostelecom has been connected, you can begin setting it up. First of all, you need to turn on the TV. After this, information for activating the data will appear on the screen. The user will need to enter his login and password, which was specified by the provider at the time of concluding the contract.

When activation is complete, text prompts will appear on the screen to help you easily configure the system. If the user strictly follows the system instructions, the setup will be successful.

Using a purchased set-top box

When the set-top box is purchased, but is no longer used for its intended purpose, because there is a service for viewing via the Internet on a computer, what can be done from this set-top box, how else can it be used? This question is often asked by users who purchased equipment from Rostelecom. Most of the models, unfortunately, can no longer be used, with the exception of MAG models, as well as RTHD Standart, which are flashed with software. This procedure turns the set-top box into a standard media player. However, there are probably many enthusiasts on the Internet who know how to flash other models, but all these manipulations are carried out at your own peril and risk.

Set-top box SML-5050

From the parameters listed above, we can conclude that the most modern device for connecting Rostelecom interactive TV is the SML-5050 model, but this does not mean that it is the best solution to buy. The main difference between the model is its support for 4K , which is not very relevant for Russia at the moment . In addition, it received the most powerful processor of all Rostelecom equipment.

A serious disadvantage of the model is the lack of Wi-Fi support. To be more precise, the set-top box has support for a Wi-Fi module with a speed of 802.11 ac, but in the Rostelecom modification this feature is reduced in order to reduce the cost of the device.

Important! Another option that Rostelecom does not have, but the set-top box in its original modification does have is support for a remote control without infrared control. That is, initially the model comes with a remote control that does not need to be pointed directly at the set-top box; in the Rostelecom version there is an IR remote control.

Visually, the device looks more modern than its predecessors; it has a matte finish, which eliminates the appearance of fingerprints. The connection connectors are located at the rear.

Firmware update

The process of updating the firmware of a TV set-top box is simple; the device itself checks for the latest version. To speed up the process, you can only reboot the set-top box, and during loading the check will automatically work. If there is a new version, it will be downloaded and installed automatically. By the way, rebooting the set-top box is a universal remedy for solving problems with interactive television. Often, stability is lost precisely because of the need to update the software.

Remote control synchronization and configuration

Usually, if it does not cause any inconvenience to the user to use two remote controls at once, then the setup ends here. But many people want the remote control for the set-top box to also control some functions of the TV itself. To do this, you need to check the synchronization and, if necessary, perform it. The synchronization procedure is carried out manually and automatically.

Manual mode is when the user enters synchronization codes independently through the remote control buttons. This is relevant if you have a fairly old TV model and the automatic mode may not recognize it. All codes are presented on the corresponding page of the provider’s website.

If the TV is a new model, then the automatic mode works great. The user presses [TV] and then [OK] . When the automatic program finishes searching through the codes and one of them matches, the TV will turn off. At this time, the user saves the settings by clicking on [OK] .

TV setup

You can watch Rostelecom television without a set-top box. You can choose any convenient device with a screen and access to the global network. Rostelecom's interactive television is connected through its online multimedia platform. This service is paid, but not too expensive (from 99 rubles per month). And you won’t need to buy or rent any additional equipment.

When you conclude an agreement, the operator will provide you with a special promotional code, which will activate full access to the platform. But you can get acquainted with the service without a promotional code, just enter the address itv.rt.ru in the address bar of any browser (you can also use it on SMART TV).

Is it possible to watch digital television without a set-top box?

Freebie lovers are always and everywhere. You can watch some digital TV channels for free without purchasing or renting a set-top box or service provider. This is possible if:

• your TV has a built-in DVB-T2 receiver;
• if you have high-speed Internet – online viewing of broadcasts and IPTV;
• Smart TV – “smart TV” thanks to the Internet allows you to watch many digital TV channels.

Each case has a number of disadvantages, and the optimal solution would be to purchase or rent a set-top box. Without it, you cannot conclude an agreement with Rostelecom.

IPTV equipment capabilities

The IPTV service has several advantages. One of the main functions of IPTV is Rostelecom direct television, which allows subscribers to watch broadcast TV shows with minimal latency. Another useful and quite popular feature is video on demand (VOD, Video On Demand). This is a network service that provides subscribers with the opportunity to watch the desired videos (movies, video clips, TV shows, news releases, etc.) at any time. The subscriber can start watching the movie from any moment, slow it down, speed it up or pause it. This is possible due to the fact that the video file is downloaded to the device itself, while the subscriber does not need to use additional external media (flash cards, disk, etc.), a high-speed connection is sufficient for this. This function works using unicast transmission, that is, individually for each consumer. In addition, with IPTV, users can watch already completed broadcasts of TV shows. For this, the subscriber does not need special digital video recorders (DVR), since the recording system is installed by the provider.

For high-quality operation of all IPTV functions, high network bandwidth is required. This is necessary for fast transfer of video streams to the user’s device. If the network is overloaded, there may be delays and stutters in the streaming video.

Main connectors and indicators

The front panel of devices, as a rule, does not have connectors; it contains LED indicators. For example, on the STB 1001S set-top box there are indicators:

• nutrition;
• Ethernet networks;
• remote control activity.

Some models of such devices may have a different set of indicators, the presence or absence of which does not affect the operation of the set-top box.

The rear panel of most models of STB set-top boxes from Zyxel is equipped with the following connectors:

• power connector (Power);
• USB port for external storage media;
• LAN port (Ethernet);
• audio/video output S/PDIF and composite.

More modern set-top boxes are equipped with an HDMI input instead of an analog composite connector