Rating of the top 10 models of IPTV set-top boxes in 2021, description and pros and cons

The method of broadcasting an IPTV set-top box for TV implies the use of Internet protocols. This should not be confused with an online broadcast of a television channel transmitted over the Internet. The signal does not broadcast from the Runet, but over the encrypted network of the provider providing the corresponding service.

• Why do you need an IPTV set-top box?
• Internet requirements for smart IPTV receivers
• How to choose an IPTV set-top box
• TOP best set-top boxes for IPTV
• How to set up and connect

Why do you need an IPTV set-top box?

The new generation of television display is digital broadcasting. This method is the most popular, unlike satellite and analog TV, and is in first place. This is quite logical since broadcasting has many advantages:

• high image expansion, which has a positive effect on better visibility of small details;
• high-quality image;
• protection from children;
• you can select subtitles or rewind the program, record the program on an external drive;
• Great functionality that differs from conventional broadcasting methods.

You can get all this if you connect to TV using special equipment - IPTV set-top boxes.

A TV set-top box is a special device designed to decrypt information transmitted over the Internet using a protocol provided by the provider. By and large, digital television is a combination of many zeros and ones. This is how information is delivered to any home using a cable or router. But thanks to the IPTV set-top box, the code can be decrypted and converted into a normal picture that will be understandable to any user.

In appearance, the receiver looks like a small DVD player that does not have a compartment for cassettes. To decrypt the code, you will need a DVB-T2 set-top box, defined as the latest generation Digital Video Broadcasting.

Similar equipment is available for decoding information from satellites (DVB-S), as well as cable television (DVB-C). But the devices are used only for their main task and cannot be used to decrypt IPTV television.

As for a specific model of set-top box, you need to pay attention to the cost and workmanship. Not all the time a budget device works as well as a more expensive one. It is likely that it will need to be replaced soon. Professionals advise buying IPTV set-top boxes that are offered directly by providers. This will help save time on searching and installing equipment.

Features of connecting an IP TV receiver to a TV: universal instructions

An IPTV set-top box is only needed for TVs released more than 3 years ago. On devices with the Smart function, you can watch interactive television without any additional devices, simply by installing widgets on the TV.

You can connect to the router via a regular Ethernet input or choose a wireless setting via a Wi-Fi module.

Other connectors can be found on the interactive television set-top box:

• the AV input is used to connect to older type TVs;
• for modern panels, the connection is made via an HDMI connector;
• There is also a USB input, which is most often located on the front panel.

If you need to connect the module to a TV, the first two inputs are used, and the third is for a computer or laptop. If the physical connection of the device is completed, you need to proceed to its configuration.

Setup instructions:

1. Turn on the receiver. A menu will appear on the screen.

2. In the “Advanced settings” section, set the time and date.

3. If you have a wired connection, find the “Network Configuration” section and select the appropriate connection type.

4. In the next tab, find the AUTO or DHCP mode and activate it.

5. Check the Ethernet connection status in the Network Status section.

6. Find the menu called “Servers”, and in the NTP field enter the address: pool.ntp.org.

7. In the “Video Settings” item, set the screen resolution characteristics, select the video output mode, etc.

8. If all points are passed, save the new configuration and restart the device.

Internet requirements for smart IPTV receivers

If we consider the speed of playback of programs on a TV, then in this case the processing power is implied. A good console should have great graphics capabilities.

To get high-quality images and view video files, high Internet bandwidth is required:

1. Interactive TV. In this format, all data is transferred directly to the viewing source in its original form, without archiving or encoding. That is, the user needs high-speed Internet. The most reliable connection is considered to be a LAN cable. The connection via WiFi also has good information transfer speeds. But wireless communication is characterized by a constant decrease in speed, this can lead to the loss of some packet protocols.
2. Digital TV. High-quality viewing at a maximum resolution of 5K (5096p) is provided only by an IPTV receiver that has a powerful processor and is connected using a coaxial cable. The processor is required for the processing speed of the incoming stream; the amount of information received is determined by the resolution received. Any cable has its own data transfer limit, and only HDMI cables have the highest bandwidth.

During low data transfer rates, any TV format may experience various problems. If you use digital TV, the receiver automatically reduces the image clarity to levels when a stable image is reproduced (cable TV) or there is no picture at all due to the loss of certain information (terrestrial or satellite television).

Interactive broadcast does not imply decoding; it transmits the image in a normal format, and with a weak signal from the equipment, a person receives a stable picture of the previous expansion, but with some delays.

Additional features

They affect the quality of use of the device and its price level. You need to figure out what you need and what you can refuse. It may turn out that a high price implies the presence of unnecessary functions, and a low price provides truncated functionality. What you can count on:

• Using a card reader;
• HDMI type connector for enhanced media clarity;
• LAN – input for simplified use of the Internet;
• The presence of an increased number of USB connectors for various purposes;
• Own browser for the Internet of high quality;
• Simultaneous viewing of two different video streams;
• Using a hard drive to record and save various video information;
• Functionality that allows you to listen to sound files and view photos;
• Simultaneous recording of high quality video information based on three different sources;
• Using the capabilities of the DVB-S2 format.

How to choose an IPTV set-top box

The IPTV set-top box has some key characteristics. Moreover, there is no need to consider all the features of the equipment.

The following factors are of primary importance:

1. Permission. The clarity of the picture cannot be greater than the resolution of the TV, that is, the choice of device must be made taking into account the pixel capabilities of the screen.
2. Internet connection option. In any locality you can connect to wired Internet, and it is recommended to choose it because of the reliable quality of communication and the speed of information transfer. Wi-Fi can only be used if there is no wired network.
3. Hardware factors. Regardless of the purpose of installing the IPTV receiver, the processor architecture must have two cores. For daily viewing, instead of a PC, you will need RAM - from 3 gigabytes. And people who download videos from the Internet should consider a memory capacity greater than 4 GB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYVV6-glm4I

Functions and capabilities of interactive set-top boxes

Using an IPTV set-top box, you can:

1. Create a personal TV program using the VoD (video on demand) service as a kind of cinema hall where users manage viewing.
2. Receive movies on demand to the VoD video library on the server. If you need to watch a film in VoD format, it will be available for viewing for an additional small fee.
3. Defer viewing of content using the TVoD service. It is possible to pre-select the required channels/programs and request to view them later.
4. Pause a TV show, rewind or rewind it . Control is carried out through the use of Time Shifted TV technology.
5. Watch videos from computer media, view photos and access any resources via Wi-Fi if a router is connected to the set-top box. The video stream can be sent to the screen of any gadget.

Among the main advantages of such devices are:

• affordable price compared to modern TV models;
• availability of access to various global services and resources;
• the ability to record content to the device’s internal storage;
• the ability to deploy local networks to view content from a computer or phone on a TV screen;
• the ability to install games that are written for the operating system installed on the console;
• reliability and durability.

TOP best set-top boxes for IPTV

Connection nuances

Consists in the correct connection of various wires and cables. But in general, the process is not very different from connecting a regular TV tuner. Connection through the router is carried out using a regular Ethernet connector, but you can use the wireless option using WI-FI.

If difficulties arise, it is possible to use a LAN connector, since this is the easiest way. But any HD iptv set-top box also supports other outputs:

• AV output allows you to connect to older versions of TVs;
• HDMI will help in working with modern TV models;
• A USB connector can be found on the front of the console.

Life-tv

Life-tv
The list of IPTV channels includes rated channels from Russia, Ukraine, Germany and other countries where there are many Russian speakers.

Actually, this service positions itself as IPTV for Russian speakers, regardless of their country of residence.

There is only one package - Premium. It costs $2 and you get over 400 channels. Of these, 50 are in HD quality.

There is a referral program.

Official site

What to rely on when choosing?

It is necessary to decide on the correct type of connection for the IPTV set-top box (SMARt-TV). If we are talking about a modern TV, then it is better to use an HDMI connector. And in the case of older versions, this is a VGA or AV port. Let's consider other parameters:

• The processor must have at least four cores. This guarantees operation without any noticeable problems;
• It is better to use RAM at least 2 GB of memory. But, if possible, purchase versions with a larger volume. And the built-in memory, although not so important, we recommend about 8 GB - it can be significantly expanded using a MicroSD card;
• The operating system is also important. Android-based models usually cost less. And many useful applications have been created for it, gaming, social and office applications.

Glanz.TV

Glanz TV
You may not have even heard of this service. It is quite young, but its origins come from Stalker portals.

After registration, you get access to your Personal Account, where you can choose only one tariff - Premium.

But you can choose for how long you activate the tariff - 24 hours for 20 euro cents, 30 days for 2 Euros or 360 days for 24 €.

In total, more than 400 channels are available - both Russian and international. Including Ukrainian, Belarusian, Moldavian, Kazakh, Armenian, German, etc.

The main channels are presented in both HD versions and different time zones.

Channels

In addition to many HD channels, there are also 4K channels. There are 11 of them in total.

As for the stability of the connection, on the site you can choose one of five servers or use the automatic selection of the nearest one.

Server selection

The channels are constantly being updated, and GlanzPlayer has even been created for Android users. True, you won’t find it on Google Play, and it doesn’t work well yet. You can download it only from the link on the telegram channel @glanzPlayer.

Available for all users, which allows you to connect up to three devices simultaneously from one IP address.

After registration, you can connect two devices via a playlist and one device via the Stalker portal.

The service is young, but has already managed to more than double the cost of its services. Previously, they also asked for $1 for access for a month.

Official site