Lately, you can increasingly hear the words “I don’t watch TV.” Some add that they don't even have one. But on a TV hanging on the wall or standing on a stand, you can watch not only federal channels. Especially if it's SmartTV. If your TV does not have such a function, you can simply buy a small set-top box and watch anything you want via the Internet and stream from your devices. Let's give an example of one such prefix.
Interesting design attracts in all gadgets
The main advantage of viewing any content on a large screen, first of all, is the ability to lean back in your chair while watching. In addition, screen size and high-quality sound play an important role. In short, what can I tell you, it’s really more convenient than watching movies and videos on a smartphone or computer screen.
Harper ABX-332 review
As usual, the first thing you see when buying a product is its packaging. I always paid a lot of attention to her. In the case of Harper's Smart TV box, the packaging is stylish black, and even the logo has changed a little, becoming more aggressive. The box now resembles something from an accessory for gamers. I was happy with the old logo, but the update shows that the product is really new and should attract attention.
At the top is the usual logo, at the bottom is the logo from the Harper ABX-332 box
After you open the box, the surprise does not leave you. No rave reviews, just, firstly, the delivery package looks slightly unusual, and secondly, the size of the console itself is surprising. But let's take things in order.
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It is worth noting that the package includes an HDMI cable, which is not always included in the box with such set-top boxes. Although, I always wondered why suddenly manufacturers think that I have a cable? A summary picture of the delivery package looks like this:
- Harper ABX-332 console itself
- power adapter
- hdmi cable
- Remote Control
- batteries for remote control
- instructions
An HDMI cable is included. It's always nice.
As for the appearance, we can note not only the pleasant texture on the top panel, but also the size, which is only 115x115x22 mm. On my own behalf, I can add that I have always loved symmetry, so I appreciate the correct square shape in the design of the gadget. I also liked the small thickness, as it will allow me to place the console under any TV, even if it has a very low stand.
A nice addition to the front part is the clock. I can’t say that I liked the color of the numbers, but they are unobtrusive and don’t catch your eye unless you look at them specifically.
Screen display style Harper ABX-332
On the left side there are two USB connectors and a slot for a MicroSD card. Via USB, you can connect flash drives, hard drives and SSDs to watch videos from external drives, turning the set-top box into a full-fledged media player. The ability to directly install memory cards will allow you to view videos shot on an action camera, surveillance camera or smartphone.
Side panel Harper ABX-332
On the back wall there is HDMI with support for the HDMI CEC protocol. This allows you to supply power when you turn on the TV and put the set-top box into sleep mode after it turns off. Next to HDMI is Ethernet 100/1000 Mb (RJ 45) for a wired connection, optical output and AV. In addition, the Harper ABX-332 can wirelessly stream content from any smartphone, and there is built-in Bluetooth for connecting wireless headphones and speakers.
Rear panel of Harper ABX-332
Separately, it is worth noting not even the ability to store files in cloud storage, which is always useful, but the presence of a built-in antenna and dual-band Wi-Fi. The Harper ABX-332 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. In apartment buildings, almost everyone has a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Because of this, a lot of interference is created, the connection speed drops, and the picture either deteriorates or falls apart. This is easy to notice when you walk around the apartment and the connection speed varies greatly in different rooms. To avoid this, the set-top box can be connected to a 5 GHz network.
Launch the application and start watching
All models of modern TVs have the application installed by default from the factory. Therefore, there is no need to install anything. All that remains is to open Youtube and select a video to play.
On new Samsung and LG Smart TV models, YouTube is displayed as the main application and is located on the main screen.
Press the Home button on your remote control and find the application you want in the list. Youtube on Samsung Smart TV
Youtube on LG Smart TV
The location of the application icon may vary depending on the brand and model range of the TV. On some television receivers, instead of the bottom panel, a full-screen menu opens, where you then need to find and turn on Youtube.
For example, television equipment on new versions of Android OS opens a full-screen menu, which is divided into categories. You need to find the “Applications” submenu, highlight “Youtube” and press the central confirmation button to enter the service.
Youtube on Android TV
SmartTV on Android
Harper ABX-332 has high computing power. The set-top box is built on a 64-bit eight-core Amlogic S912 processor with ARM Cortex-A53 architecture and a frequency of 2 GHz. This processor is capable of combining high speed, stability and low heat. The ARM Mali-T820MP3 GPU graphics subsystem with a frequency of up to 750 MHz is responsible for image processing. There will be as much as 3 GB of RAM (DDR3), and 32 GB of internal memory. For fast and smooth operation of the set-top box, this set of characteristics is more than enough.
The device menu is Russified, there will be no difficulties in mastering it. And what difficulties can there be when the painfully clear Android 7.1 with all its canonical principles is on board? Many manufacturers install a stripped-down version of Google Play in their set-top boxes. The Harper ABX-332 has a complete app store. There will be no problems installing applications.
Among the applications that are already installed out of the box, it is definitely worth noting the built-in player for playing files from the local network. In addition, there is a powerful Kodi multimedia processor and an IPTV application.
The Harper ABX-332 has 32 GB of memory. More than some smartphones.
The system itself can work with all modern formats and codecs. There is even support for H.265, which is beginning to become more and more integral to our lives. Even 4K videos play back quickly and without stuttering. I tried watching some movies in 4K HDR and everything worked well even at high video bitrates.
To improve the picture, HDR support is provided. Of course, it will also be important what kind of TV you use and whether it supports such a function. If HDR support is not available, the Harper ABX-332 can automatically convert video to SDR.
You can control the set-top box using a mobile application. CetusPlay is already installed on the console, and to work with it you just need to download the client application from Google Play. There is also a more classic way of control.
What to do with Smart TV 2012 and earlier
Since June 26, 2017, users of television devices manufactured in 2012 and older have encountered the problem of the application stopping working. Google has developed a more modern version of the utility, which is much more functional. The old application is no longer fully supported.
Official news: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7379403?hl=ru.
Google offers to continue using the service by connecting an external SMART TV set-top box or purchasing a new TV. These options work, but require financial costs. The method of downloading ForkPlayer has become widely used. Inside the browser, you can not only return to viewing the video platform, but also take advantage of a number of other useful functions.
Remote control Harper ABX-332
The remote control included with the Harper ABX-332 is pleasant with its practical minimalism. It does not have complex structural elements, it is lightweight and quite strong in appearance. Separately, I can say that I really like its buttons. These are not the buttons that have a long travel, increased softness and minimal information content. Everything is different here.
The buttons on the Harper ABX-332 remote control are elastic, with little travel, and most importantly, with a clear click. I always really liked it. In some ways, these buttons resemble a MacBook keyboard. Everything is clear and to the point. They also have a pleasant coating reminiscent of SoftTouch.
The buttons on the included Harper ABX-332 remote control are very pleasant to the touch and work well.
An additional advantage of the remote control is its versatility. It can be configured to control your TV. Thanks to this, you won’t have to create a large number of remote controls - everything will work from one.
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You can also use the keyboard and mouse to control the set-top box. Including a keyboard with a touchpad, which is in the Harper assortment. But there is one interesting device that is even better for this.
First YouTube setup
By turning on YouTube on an LG or other TV, an authorization window will appear in front of the owner. This happens if you are not signed in to Google services. As on other devices, after authorization, synchronization will occur: from the computer and mobile device. Previously watched clips will be saved to History, where you can watch them again.
After installation:
- Open YouTube - click on the top: “Login”.
- Enter authorization information - enter your profile.
- Select a video to watch.
The side menu contains the main sections: music, broadcasts, movies and playlists. The page owner will be able to like, add new collections, and view previous videos.
Standard mistakes with YouTube
When connecting via Wi-Fi or using other methods of watching YouTube on TV, the user may encounter a list of problems:
- The video does not load or it is impossible to log in to your profile;
- network error. I can’t even open the application;
- YouTube version is outdated but not updated;
- playlists do not work;
- Music does not start or there is no audio output.
If the user has an error with video loading or the network, you need to check the status of the current connection. For example, if Wi-Fi is lost or the TV does not see it.
The problem with updates occurs if the TV firmware is outdated or needs to be stopped for a general system update. In some cases, if errors extend to other utilities, the help of a technical specialist is needed. Or a complete data reset, followed by installation and configuration.
Features of consoles
Digital television is supplied based on technical solutions from SmartLabs. This is a leading manufacturer of equipment for interactive TV in our country. The consoles have a good reputation. They are bought in many countries around the world under different brands.
Today there are about a dozen models of the Rostelecom set-top box. The company reserves the right to decide what equipment to use in different regions of the country. Usually clients don't have to choose. But that's not scary. No matter where you live, ITV will work consistently. The only condition for this is good bandwidth and a stable Internet connection.
Modern Rostelecom iptv set-top boxes are high-performance devices with which customers have the opportunity to use all the latest developments in the field of interactive TV.
As a rule, the company supplies equipment from the STB Mini series. Four models are current: SML-5010, SML-5050, SML-5041, SML-5010CT.
Most often, the junior model 5010 is supplied to the market, the capabilities of which are more than enough for all services of a digital TV provider.
There are other SmartLabs devices on the market under the Rostelecom brand. They were produced earlier and are still actively used in many Russian homes. In some regions, these slightly outdated but still functional set-top boxes are being delivered to customers. Some of them: SML-482 HD, SML-282 HD Base, SML-292 HD Premium.
CPU
The central processor for a Smart TV set-top box at this time must have at least 4 cores for the device to work correctly. The bigger, the better. In modern realities, you can find devices with 8 cores.
To make it easier for you to navigate when choosing a processor, pay attention to reputable manufacturers, as they try to create a balance between components. Here are the names of manufacturers of good processors:
- Amlogic;
- Realtek;
- ARM Cortex;
- NVIDIA Tegra.
Here are popular brands that have performance flaws that I would recommend avoiding (my opinion may not be yours):
- Allwinner;
- Rockchip.
Standard TV connection scheme via set-top box
- A cable is installed into the apartment, through which the router gains access to the Internet.
- The router distributes network access via Wi-Fi to mobile devices.
- An Ethernet cable runs to the computer.
- The same cable goes to the TV set-top box from Rostelecom.
- It, in turn, is connected to the TV with an HDMI, RCA or S-Video cable.
The diagram is shown more clearly in the figure below.
You can connect the set-top box in other ways:
- Wi-Fi connection. This method is rarely used. You will have to purchase a media bridge from Motorola. It is not cheap, and finding it today is not so easy. The advantage of this approach is operation in the rare 5 GHz band. Wireless connectivity goes further than usual. You can get by with an additional Wi-Fi adapter. But not all consoles will work with it. And the router must be able to separate the adapter from the LAN ports.
- You can also use the electrical connection method using PLC adapters. But for this you will need to purchase additional equipment and configure all devices to work together. Data is transmitted securely. But voltage surges can harm the system.
operating system
Most Smart TVs run on the Android operating system. Which in this case is more of a plus than a minus. Because this system is very flexible and has many possibilities. There is no particular point in looking for a TV Box on another operating system, but you can if you wish (for example, if you are a fan of Apple products or are very accustomed to Windows). I would recommend taking a closer look at Android TV Boxes, since most of the console models from today’s list can be found on Aliexpress.
