MTS interactive television: is connecting worth the money?

A convenient option for digital television is interactive TV from the MTS provider. Thanks to this offer, users can not only watch their favorite TV channels in high HD quality, but also control the broadcast - pause, record their favorite moments, rewind, etc. In addition to the package of TV channels, other useful options are provided that allow you to watch videos or listen to music from external devices, keep abreast of weather forecasts, news releases, exchange rates, etc. Let's take a closer look at what it is and what characteristics it has.

What is interactive television

Interactive television, or IPTV for short, which stands for Internet Protocol Television, refers to modern types of television technologies. At the moment, almost all cellular companies, including MTS, use network technologies. They are needed for the following:

• Internet connections;
• use of IP telephony;
• IP television applications.

The service party, represented by the supplier, must provide:

• IP network that supports multicast broadcasting;
• a node that receives digital signals and controls the entire IPTV structure.

To connect to interactive TV, the user needs only one thing - an IPTV network set-top box. At the same time, this network gives the viewer the opportunity to use the following options:

• watching various programs, including live;
• work with channels, which includes the functions of recording, rewinding, saving;
• Additional services.

The user receives the full amount of processed information.

Before you connect television, you need to find out which of its types - interactive or digital - is better and how they differ from each other.

Tariff plans

Tariffs in MTS interactive TV (https://mtsdtv.ru/tarify/) differ in the package of TV channels included in them. The list of channels includes federal, entertainment, educational, sports, music, as well as channels with movies and TV series sorted into categories.

Almost all service packages combine MTS interactive TV and home Internet. There are other options for connecting to the provider's services.

The “WE MTS+ IP” tariff includes 181 digital channels, which includes equipment rental. Payment per month is 850 rubles.

The “All MTS Super” tariff consists of 185 TV channels and will cost the user 725 rubles/month.

The “FIT Internet + IPTV” tariff plan offers customers viewing 181 channels for 900 rubles per month.

MTS TV tariffs

As an additional service package, subscribers are offered to connect to a package of 11 erotic channels with an age limit of 18+ for 299 rubles/month. For the same price you can watch the channel “Match! Premier" with live broadcasts of football matches.

MTS interactive television cannot be used in all regions. To check the possibility of connecting to interactive TV, you need to go to the official website of the provider and enter your residential address in the line (page - https://mtsdtv.ru/#citySelection).

Cities MTS TV

Recently there was news that MTS launched interactive television in Kstovo, and residents of the city in the Nizhny Novgorod region gained access to a wide range of IP TV services.

Interesting fact! According to the results of a statistical study, viewers most prefer to watch movies on TV - about 42%, children's content - 20% and entertainment TV shows - 14%.

The composition and cost of all thematic packages of MTS Interactive TV can be found at the link (https://spb.mts.ru/personal/dlya-doma/tarifi/tarifi-domashnego-interneta-i-tv/actual/spb-city/televidenie) :

What is the difference between interactive TV and digital TV?

The transition to digital communications is happening everywhere. However, not everyone knows what the difference is between interactive and digital types of television broadcasting.

The most basic difference is that these types use different methods of signal delivery. If the digital signal enters the device through an individual cable and is independent of the presence of the Internet in the house, then interactive television requires the Internet, since its signal arrives through the provider’s cable.

Both types of network transmission use technology that turns the signal into a specific sequence of characters that arrives at the subscriber's set-top box. Next, these codes are decrypted, and the broadcast image appears on the screen. Good quality of sound and transmitted images is also ensured.

Compared to its digital counterpart, IPTV has an expanded list of functions. In particular, the viewer can pause the video, rewind it, or start recording the broadcast at any time while watching.

In addition, for communication to be of truly high quality, an Internet channel with good signal transmission capacity is required. In other words, the cable should not convert the signal by making adjustments to it; the signal should arrive without any conversion, the same as it was at the point of recording.

At first there were rumors

The fact that another player will soon appear on the Russian direct satellite television broadcasting market has been talked about for a long time, about two years ago.
Already at the beginning of 2013, rumors began to actively circulate among interested parties that MTS was preparing to launch its satellite project. The rumors were immediately believed, since they corresponded to current trends: the Big Three operators were actively developing television projects based on various terrestrial technologies, why don’t they also start satellite broadcasting, thus occupying all broadcasting media? Moreover, MTS representatives regularly declared plans to cover all environments with a single service. Everything was logical. The intended choice of satellite was also logical: ABS-2 at 75° East, since its coverage area was supposed to (at that time this device had not yet been launched into orbit) to cover most of the country’s territory with very decent energy. A year later, at the beginning of 2014, the ABS-2 satellite was successfully launched and everyone expected that MTS would make an official announcement. But the company continued to remain silent, reporting to all requests that they were not ready to either confirm or deny information about the launch of satellite TV. But in the summer of 2014, there was a revival among satellite TV installers: some of them received an offer from MTS to become partners. Some companies have even opened web resources dedicated to MTS satellite television.

At the end of July, it received a license from Roskomnadzor for the right to broadcast from the ABS-2 satellite in the frequency ranges 17.3-18.1 GHz and 11.7-12.5 GHz. This company is part of the structure of AFK Sistema, that is, in fact, this license was obtained for MTS satellite television.

Interactive TV capabilities

Interactive television from MTS allows customers not only to view certain programs, but also to work with recordings. IPTV gives users the opportunity to use the following functions:

• archive of records;
• stopping, repeating, rewinding, as well as recording and storing broadcasts;
• a special “video on demand” function allows the subscriber to select a film from the list or apply for inclusion of a certain picture in the library;
• The list of functions includes the option of working on the Internet directly behind the TV, that is, the viewer can view the news, weather forecast or exchange rates of leading currencies, in addition, there is an interesting addition - the situation on the roads of the home city is displayed;
• The remote control makes it possible to call up your personal account directly on the TV screen, while the functionality of the profile is completely identical to the mobile or browser version;
• since there is synchronization with Yandex.Disk, the user can launch personal files onto the network;
• due to the fact that interactive TV is connected to the Internet, it allows you to access social networks directly from the TV or from other devices that are connected to the same network;
• The options also include pairing with Yandex.Maps or Google Maps, this depends on the device model, thanks to this the viewer can get directions or quickly find a specific place;
• You can access the global network through the built-in browser or use access only to certain resources, for example, online stores or movie platforms;
• there is an electronic TV program, so the user no longer needs to enter the time of the desired programs in the weekly;
• Payment for functions can be made from a bank card without leaving the device;
• you can record the program not only in the archive, but also on external media;
• high-speed Internet that provides decent signal quality;
• a large number of channels that can be connected in packages;
• image quality is at HD, Ultra HD and 4K levels;
• the viewer has the opportunity to subscribe not only to domestic platforms, but also to foreign services with video content, such as HBO or Netflix;
• interactive TV is an alternative to a game console, since IPTV supports most online games, and it is also possible to connect a gamepad;
• content can be viewed on various devices that are connected to the network, such as a TV, smartphone or tablet.

The service package is greatly influenced by the selected operator and tariff plan. This may include karaoke functions, parental controls, movie rentals, access to games and online surveys, email and other options.

What TVs is the service suitable for?

Digital television from MTS is distributed in the format of “Satellite TV” (you will need an antenna and a set of network equipment) and “Digital”, where you cannot do without a special set-top box or decoder that connects directly to the TV if an HDMI interface is not available. As a result, with a 99% probability you won’t have to buy a new TV - everything will work on the old one. The only exception is completely outdated models, which are left without half of the necessary connectors and are unable to process the signal. It’s easier to ask consultants who deal with customer questions on the hotline.

If the TV is completely new, but lacks some of the “smart” functions, like Smart TV, then it doesn’t matter - the set-top box will help open up interactive elements in any case. It will also be possible to use the remote control to switch between menus, look into additional sections, watch movies and order content.

Advantages and disadvantages of interactive TV

The main advantage of IPTV is the transmission of a high-quality signal via the Internet and the ability to work with it as the viewer wishes. Other benefits include:

• complete independence and freedom when watching various programs;
• the signal is transmitted without any failures in a high-quality format, all that is required is access to the global network;
• the information received can be stored and processed;
• You can access the Internet and use various services, including gaming ones.

These functions are not available in other types of networks. However, with all its advantages, interactive television also has a number of disadvantages:

• high cost, a set-top box for using interactive TV costs significantly more than a digital console, you will also need to pay more money for repairs;
• the presence of broadband Internet, signal transmission requires a high-bandwidth cable, not every user can organize a transmission speed above 50 Mbit/s.

These requirements may cause the refusal of IPTV, which is why you should immediately decide which type of television is more suitable for the viewer and will satisfy all his needs.

Equipment required for connection

Interactive TV is available only with a special set-top box from MTS.

In addition, you need fairly stable and fast Internet access. The monthly rental amount for a hybrid set-top box will depend on the provider that provides it. Thus, MTS subscribers who connect to the Internet + TV package pay only 10 rubles or receive the device for use completely free of charge.

Similarly favorable conditions are offered to persons who bought a set-top box with a SIM card and use the mobile network of the MTS operator to receive data. Subscribers who have Internet access from another provider in their apartment pay up to 180 rubles monthly rent for equipment.

Cost and payment procedure

There are also tariffs that include a different list of services, so their prices are also different. Their characteristics are presented in the following table.

The higher the cost, the more opportunities and services. Payment must be made monthly.

The process can be simplified by configuring automatic payment functions from a plastic card in the parameters. Information about this is indicated in your personal account, and you can also find it out from the operator.

In general, to find out exactly the cost of interactive television with a certain set of options provided by the tariff, you should contact the MTS operator.

Reviews

In reviews, connected subscribers characterize MTS Interactive TV as a service that has lower tariff prices than competitors. However, many customers report poor quality of service.

I connected the package, and the operator began to impose the connection of additional services when signing up for a contract. The hotline cannot be reached. The channels are constantly retuning themselves.

During use, there were no unnecessary write-offs, and there were no unauthorized tariffs. It’s convenient to use your personal account, I have no complaints. There are many tariffs to suit every taste and budget.

Equipment and its cost

To operate this type of TV you will need the following equipment:

• the set-top box costs an average of 3,400 rubles, but this depends on the model;
• remote control, its price may be included in the price of the set-top box;
• HDMI cable, price varies, on average from 200 rubles.

These devices can be purchased immediately from the company, or you can use the second method and purchase devices in installments or rent. Depending on the model, the cost also varies, this must be taken into account.

Service cost

The basic tariff from MTS, which includes 154 digital channels (33 in HD and 1 in UHD quality), will cost 290 rubles per month. There is no need to pay for connecting and setting up the set-top box and TV. But for equipment rental there is a rental fee starting from 110 rubles per month.

If desired, the operator allows you to purchase the set-top box separately, for 2,900 rubles (a TV decoder is also available for TVs that are not equipped with an HDMI interface).

MTS allows you to dilute the basic set with thematic TV packages: channels with Hollywood blockbusters and documentaries, culinary shows and scientific experiments, sports broadcasts and technology will cost from 99 rubles per month. “Adult content 18+” is also available at a price of 190 rubles per month.

List of MTS interactive television channels

The standard list includes 190 channels, the most common of which are the following programs:

• Russia 1 and Russia 24;
• Cinema TV,
• Disney,
• Film series,
• NTV,
• Eurocinema,
• Russia today;
• Hunting and others.

In general, channels can be divided into:

• federal;
• news;
• educational;
• children's;
• documentary;
• musical.

You can add to your subscription to any program in your personal account.

What else is important to know about KION

1. By logging in on one device, you can use KION on four more - tablets, PCs, smartphones, smart TVs. To do this, on each of them you need to log into the application using the same phone number.
2. It is possible to watch content on any two of these devices simultaneously. For example, while the husband is passionately rooting for the football team, the wife is studying recipes on the cooking channel.
3. For MTS subscribers, mobile traffic of the application is free and is not deducted from the package connected to the tariff.
4. MTS users are charged directly from their mobile phone balance.

Now let’s take a closer look at how to “turn on” KION and navigate the content.

How to connect MTS interactive television

To connect to interactive broadcasting, you will need a TV with an HDMI cable connector, broadband Internet, a router and a set-top box. The set-top box can also be purchased from a service provider, in particular from MTS.

You can connect in different ways:

• visit the operator's office;
• call the company's help desk at 8 800 250-08-90;
• fill out a special application on the provider’s website.
• In all cases you will need:
• provide personal data - contacts, address, full name;
• choose the appropriate tariff;
• if necessary, select additional services;
• indicate equipment models;
• enter into an agreement with the provider.

The user can, in addition to the basic tariff, subscribe to thematic channels, such as music, sports, news, etc.

After this process, interactive television will be installed and the viewer will be able to use it.

Characteristics

How to connect

The connection is carried out automatically for all Satellite TV subscribers.

The MTS Video on Demand package does not require payment.

Distinctive properties

• For MTS customers who choose to show, a wide range of options are offered: stop, rewind and additional viewing.
• The list of films is detailed into groups, there is a convenient function of limited access (parental control).
• Possibility of selecting films by genre, year of release, country.
• The function of pausing the movie with the ability to watch it later.
• Translation into any language of your choice.
• The list includes sections indicating the most popular films, films with the highest ratings, according to users, as well as according to information from various specialized resources.
• Highlight function for later viewing.
• To gain access to the MTS “Video on Demand” service, you do not need an Internet connection.

Who can use the connection?

Subscription to can be used by all Satellite TV subscribers.

Fill out an application for connection, our manager will call you back and tell you about all the possibilities of interactive TV and favorable tariffs for TV and Internet!