The device is a small HDMI dongle with online cinema capabilities, but it can be controlled not only with a regular remote control, but also with voice commands. One of the features of the media set-top box, compared to those available on the market, is the presence of three built-in voice assistants, which the company calls the “Salute” family: Sber (male), Athena (female) and Joy (female). Each of them has their own voice, character and manner of communication. For example, the first two communicate with you using “you,” and Joy speaks to you, which suggests using this assistant with children. To change the assistant, you just need to simply say “Call Joy” (or Sber, Athena).
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Main functions of the media set-top box
The main functions of the device are playing video from the Okko online cinema, as well as broadcasting TV channels. For the trial period, the user has access to 185 digital TV channels from the Smotreshka service, and if the subscription is not renewed, 20 TV channels in digital quality will be available for free - these are those that are included in the DVB-T2 range.
In addition to video content, the media set-top box offers the use of the Sber Sound music collection, containing 40 million compositions. This is a streaming audio service that selects music according to the user’s preferences, for example, for a party or other life moments. You can add your favorite songs to your personal collection and listen to it from different devices. Access to the collection is provided on a subscription basis.
Sberbox has its own application store, where programs on various topics are collected, such as “Health and Fitness”, “For Children”, “Food and Drinks”. But the range here is not yet wide. There is also a separate section with games.
You can start watching a movie from an online cinema or open a TV show using free-form voice commands. I’ll tell you what else virtual assistants can do below, but for now let’s briefly talk about the external data and hardware of SberBox.
Criteria for choosing a Smart TV set-top box
How to choose a Smart TV set-top box for your TV? You should pay attention to the following features:
operating system
Most smart devices run on Android, but many models support Windows OS. Each option has its own advantages:
- Android. The popularity of this operating system is explained by the fact that many different games and applications have been created for it. It is also worth noting its low OS requirements for hardware;
- Windows . This system is characterized by an expanded range of functions due to the presence of an office suite. However, it requires a more advanced processor and more RAM, and therefore costs more.
Note! Modern set-top boxes running on the Android OS usually have pre-installed applications: browsers, online communication tools, social networking applications, text and spreadsheet editors.
Hardware component
It determines how efficiently the device can run games and applications.
Please pay attention to:
- CPU. Modern set-top boxes can support quad-core or eight-core processors. The most popular are Amlogic and Rockchip multi-core processors. A good processor ensures proper device performance;
- RAM. The minimum volume is 1-2 GB. A high amount of RAM is extremely important for a smart set-top box. With a low volume, the efficiency of the device decreases, “braking” will appear when loading and other troubles;
- Built-in memory (hard drive). The minimum volume is usually 8 GB. A high amount of built-in memory is necessary for working with large applications, games, etc. However, even if the amount of built-in memory is small, it can be expanded using special MicroSD cards.
Note!
Quad-core processors can successfully handle most routine tasks (dual-core processors are practically not produced today). In order to watch videos in 1080p (Full HD) or run large games, you need to purchase an eight-core processor. It is also recommended to have a graphics coprocessor in order to reproduce high-quality video images.
Connection method to TV
There are several main interfaces for connecting the set-top box to the TV:
- VGA (Video Graphics Array). This is an old standard, adopted back in 1987. It is not used on modern TV models. This interface is capable of receiving and transmitting analog video signals. However, there is no sound transmission in this option. When connecting a set-top box, make sure that the TV is equipped with an appropriate VGA connector. But to connect sound you need a separate cable;
- DVI (Digital Visual Interface). This is a digital interface that appeared in 1999. It is used in televisions, LCD monitors and PC video cards. Provides high-quality image transmission without sound. Today, the DVI interface has almost completely replaced the VGA interface. Modern TV models usually have a universal DVI-I connector for connecting analog and digital signals;
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). First appeared in 2003. It is a high-resolution multimedia interface. All modern TVs are equipped with an HDMI connector. The signal is transmitted in digital format, which allows you to maintain the original quality. Using this connection, successful transmission of both video and audio signals is ensured.
Basic interfaces for connecting the set-top box to the TV
Note! The HDMI port allows you to achieve the best broadcast quality, but it may not be installed on all TVs. In its absence, the connection can occur via the VGA or AV interface, and this requires the appropriate sockets.
Device form
Smart TV set-top boxes can come in two main forms: a flash drive and a box/box. They are similar in their parameters, but you need to pay attention to various nuances:
- Flash consoles. These are small devices that look like flash drives. They are equipped with USB ports and Wi-Fi adapters, and the number of additional connectors is small. Advantages: compact size and low cost. Such devices are compatible exclusively with new TV models;
- Boxes. They have dimensions similar to those of a router. They can connect to a TV via HDMI, VGA, and have additional USB connectors. Compared to flash drives, boxes have better hardware characteristics. Thanks to passive cooling systems (radiators), they are less susceptible to overheating. Some boxes may be equipped with a keyboard.
Flash console Box
Format support
When purchasing a device for smart TV, you should make sure whether it can support various file formats: WMV, MP4, MKV, WMA, DivX, AAC, Dolby Digital, JPEG, JPG, RAW, etc.
This possibility depends on the level of hardware of the platform.
Internet connection
This can be done in two main ways:
- Wi-Fi adapter. Recommended if you have Wi-Fi access. It is advisable to place the router close to the signal source, since the wireless adapter usually has limited power;
- Via RJ45 internet cable. This is a wired connection and usually includes an Ethernet port. If this port is missing, the connection is made using a LAN-USB adapter.
Power supply method
To power most of the set-top boxes, a regular 220 V power supply is used. But some devices are powered via the USB port on the TV.
The latter option is preferable, since it does not require an additional outlet for a significant number of consumers.
Availability of antenna
In order for a set-top box with a Wi-Fi adapter to better catch the signal, it is better to install an external antenna.
Equipment
Which Smart TV set-top box to choose for your TV? Increased attention should be paid to the features of its configuration. Smart TV set-top boxes can be equipped with additional equipment that increases their ease of use:
- keyboard for comfortable work with a variety of applications and documents;
- remote control (RC) to perform the necessary settings of the set-top box;
- webcam with microphone for organizing video calls in Skype.
Note! The webcam may be built-in, but its resolution is limited. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase it separately, which will ensure high-quality eye contact.
Design and delivery
The media console comes in a small oblong box with a green false cover. Inside there is the device itself, a control panel with batteries, an adapter and power cable with a microUSB plug, and a set of two pads for turning the smartphone into a gamepad.
The SberBox case is made of matte black plastic and has the shape of a classic dongle device that connects to the HDMI port of a TV. In addition to the power connector, on the bottom edge of the device there is a barely noticeable device reset button, which is also a power indicator. There are no USB ports or memory card slots here.
Hardware filling
Inside, Sberbox is built on a quad-core Amlogic S905Y2 single-chip system with a Mali G31 graphics chip. There is only 2 GB of RAM, and the internal storage has a capacity of 16 GB.
The system supports HD, Full HD, 4K Ultra HD video playback and Dolby Digital Plus audio. The device also has Bluetooth 5.0, which is designed to connect the set-top box with a smartphone.
Features of setup and operation
To prepare SberBox for work, you will need to install the SBER Salute application on your smartphone and obtain a unique Sberbank-ID on the Sberbank website (SBER). You can register it even without having an account with this bank. After activating your account, the set-top box will be linked to the application on your smartphone.
The next step in setting up the device is to connect the remote control to the device. To do this, you need to bring it to the console and press two buttons at the same time - “Back” and “Voice command”.
Now you can control the media console not only from the remote control, but also through a smartphone as a kind of multifunctional touch panel and gamepad for games. To activate the gamepad, you need to go to the “Remote” section in the SBER Salute mobile application and open the “Gamepad” option there. For the convenience of the game, you can even attach special disk keys, included in the kit, to the smartphone screen.
In addition, connection to various services, such as Okko, is carried out through the mobile application. Otherwise, to control the set-top box, it is better to use a remote control with a button to call the virtual assistant for voice commands.
The most common connection problems
Users often encounter the following problems:
- Rippling image. In some cases, squares can be observed. Solution - make sure that the cable is in good condition, that the antenna is correctly connected and positioned, because the reason lies in a bad signal.
- Colorless picture (black and white). Check that the cables are connected correctly. You may have mixed up the connectors. Have you checked the connection and everything is ok? Go to the tuner settings and in the “Image” tab, select “Auto-tune”.
What else can a virtual assistant do?
As I noted above, the main feature of this media set-top box is the use of virtual assistants of the Salyut family. You can communicate with any of the characters by voice and carry on a conversation on various topics. So, for example, you can ask assistant Athena “Why are you called that?”, “What is the ocean?”, “What films did Leonardo DiCaprio star in?” Or simply ask the virtual assistant: “Start News”, “What’s the weather today?”, “Turn off the TV in 20 minutes”, “Set the alarm for 8 am”.
In addition to voice search and commands to launch a particular application, SberBox will be able to recognize goods in the frame of a film and offer to buy them through an online store. But so far he has only worked in 14 films, including “Venom”, “The Understudy”, “I’m Losing Weight”, “Knives Out”, “Coach”. All of them are collected in a separate section “Videoshopping”.
This works in a very specific way: a special neuromodel will analyze all objects on the screen and suggest a similar thing, or at least similar to the one specified by the user. Product search is carried out using catalogs of online stores (Ozon and Lamoda) indicating current prices. You can immediately purchase the item you need by paying for it with a card registered on your set-top box from any bank, or using your smartphone by scanning the QR code on the TV screen.
Another function that is already associated with fast payments in the SBER service is ordering food at home. In particular, while watching a movie, you can give the voice command “I want popcorn” and then order delivery of the selected variety of popcorn.
All three assistants also work in the mobile application on the smartphone. By selecting any of them, you can request information about the balance on the card, pay for mobile communications, or transfer money to a specific account. But in this case, additional confirmation of transactions will be required.
The cost of SberBox is 3,490 rubles, and if you make a purchase through pre-order, then 2,990 rubles.
Review after 10 days of use
I liked SberBox’s fairly fast operation in the menu and high image quality with 4K support. In addition to subscription services for the Okko online cinema and the Sber Sound music collection, the set-top box allows you to watch 20 digital channels even without a subscription. The main highlight of the device is the use of built-in virtual assistants, who can not only quickly find and launch the desired movie or game, but also tell you the news or help with purchases. Simple controls make it easier to work with the device, but there are practically no fine-tuning settings in the device itself, and you can connect various services only from a smartphone.
pros
- Easy connection and setup.
- Quick work in the menu.
- High-quality picture in 4K.
Minuses
- Few built-in applications.
- Only one online cinema (the cheapest subscription to the Okko online cinema is 199 rubles per month).
You may not like it
- There is no way to connect external drives.
The best Smart TV set-top boxes for TVs
Which Smart TV set-top box to choose for your TV? Let's look at the most popular models in various price segments.
Budget segment
| Model | Characteristics |
| X96 Android Smart TV Box The moderate price and good filling ensure a fairly high demand for this TV set-top box. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
The cost is about 2000 rubles. | |
| Z28 TV Box This set-top box successfully combines high-performance hardware, good software and reasonable cost. Specifications:
Advantages:
The disadvantage is the low speed of flash memory. The cost is about 2000 rubles. | |
| Nexbox A5 S905X This set-top box is distinguished by its miniature size with a fairly high level of performance. Specifications:
The cost is about 2000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
|
Middle price segment
| Model | Characteristics |
| Beelink R68 This is a compact box with high performance and a wide range of functions that can be connected to both a TV and a PC monitor. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
The cost is about 4000 rubles. | |
| Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced Edition This Chinese-made media player is distinguished by wide functionality, providing comfortable viewing of various TV programs and films. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
The cost is about 4000 rubles. | |
| MECOOL M8S PRO This is a modern TV set-top box based on the Android 7.1 operating system, which is characterized by a stylish plastic body, high performance and ease of use. Specifications:
Cost - 4500-5000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
|
Premium models
| Model | Characteristics |
| iconBIT XDS94K This is a new generation set-top box that can support both a wired connection to the network and a wireless connection via the built-in Wi-Fi module. Specifications:
The cost is about 8,000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
| |
| Apple TV Gen 4 This fourth-generation model from Apple has many advantages: natural integration into the Apple media space, a built-in Bluetooth controller, and a highly efficient wireless Wi-Fi connection. Specifications:
The cost is about 10,000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
| |
| Dune HD Solo 4K This is one of the most expensive modern TV set-top boxes, characterized by a large number of different functions and capabilities. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
Cost - about 15,000 rubles. |
