A smart TV set-top box for a TV with Wi-Fi is an additional device designed to expand the functionality of a regular TV. After connecting the media player, a person gets the opportunity to watch movies and listen to music on TV online, chat with friends on Skype, surf the Internet and solve other problems. The main difficulty is choosing a suitable device. Due to the variety of models, it is difficult to choose a Wi-Fi set-top box for a television (TV) with the optimal price-quality ratio. Below we will look at the nuances that you need to pay attention to when buying a Smart Wi-Fi set-top box and talk about the features of such products.
How to choose a set-top box for your TV
A Smart TV set-top box with WiFi for a TV is a small device that connects to a special connector and expands the functionality of the TV. The operating principle of a Smart TV receiver is quite simple and we won’t dwell on it here, but will get straight to the point. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- Manufacturer. The market offers a large selection of products from different companies. The most active factories in the market are Beelink, Mecool, AmiBox, Apple and others. To avoid difficulties with warranty service and operation of a smart set-top box, it is better to choose devices from well-known brands. But it is worth considering that products from companies such as Apple or Nvidia will be more expensive. But there are much fewer problems. So if you don’t want to constantly complain about a non-working tuner, you should pay attention to them. Problems with Apple TV not working are extremely rare.
- RAM. The speed of operation of a set-top box for a TV with Internet access via WiFi depends on the value of this parameter. On sale you can find models with RAM from 256 MB to 4 GB. If the device will only be used to view files and TV via Wi Fi, 1 GB of RAM will be enough. For active use, it is better to choose models with 2 or 4 GB of RAM.
- Operating system. Most often, manufacturers offer two types of OS - Android and tvOS. The first option is considered more preferable, because in this case, a set-top box for connecting a TV to the Internet via WiFi opens up more opportunities, including when downloading applications, watching videos and using TV as a surfing device. Some models come with Windows OS. To use it, a more powerful processor is required. As for functionality, such an “operating system” will not be much different from Android.
- Video quality. A set-top box for watching TV via the Internet on a TV via WiFi can produce different quality go-karts. Today, the most popular media players are Smart TVs with Full HD and 4K. In the first case, the expansion is 1920*1080, and in the second - 3840*2160. When using a Wi-Fi set-top box on a TV with a large display (from 32 inches), it is better to take a model with 4K.
- Number of processor cores. You can also find 2-core devices on sale, but they are being replaced by 4- and 8-core models. Their cost is higher, but a digital set-top box with Internet for a TV copes with the task “excellently”, and Wi-Fi works without failures. If the user plans to watch only TV programs or movies, a smart player with a 2-core processor will suffice.
- Built-in memory. In pursuit of the client, manufacturers turned the media player into a product that allows you to store downloaded files. Today, Smart TV boxes with WiFi provide from 256 MB to 64 GB and above. In most cases, a HDD with 4 or 8 GB is enough for users.
- Control. The Wi-Fi TV set-top box can be controlled using a remote control (regular, bluetooth, multimedia), voice or using remote peripherals (mouse, keyboard). Here, buyers must decide for themselves which option is most preferable for them. Most often, manufacturers equip Smart TV set-top boxes with Wi-Fi with special remote controls.
- Interfaces. An important point when choosing is the available interface for connecting to a TV. Modern Smart TV models can be equipped with USB, WiDi, Miracast, DLNA, eSATA connectors, card reader, Ethernet and others. Here we note that the number of USB connectors may vary (up to 4).
- Video outputs. Connection to the TV is made using a standard AV input or HDMI. To get the best picture, it is better to connect your TV set-top box for Internet television via WiFi via HDMI. Sometimes you come across devices with RCA and VGA, but they are already outdated and almost never used.
- Sound outputs. Sound quality is equally important. This factor depends on the type of audio output. New models can use a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector, digital (optical or coaxial), analog. It is better to give preference to products with digital outputs.
- Available formats. The larger the list of extensions that the Wi-Fi Smart Box works with, the better. Modern digital WiFi set-top boxes for TVs can easily handle playing MP4, MKV, WMV and other formats.
When purchasing a Smart TV media player, you need to consider the appearance. There are two options:
- Stick (Smart TV with Wi Fi in the form of a flash drive). The device has an HDMI connector, through which the product is connected. This is the most budget option. Moreover, such Smart TV players are equipped with multi-core CPUs, video accelerators and 3rd generation RAM.
- Boxing. This TV set-top box for digital television TV with WiFi Internet is a compact device that looks like a router. You can connect other devices, webcam, mouse, keyboard, etc. to the product.
In some Smart TV set-top boxes for TVs with Wi-Fi, you can find additional functions - a display, space for a memory card, built-in home theater, Social TV and more. The way you eat is no less important. There are two options here - connecting to 220 V or supplying voltage from the TV.
For many, the key parameter when choosing an Internet set-top box for a TV with Wi-Fi is the price. This indicator depends on all the criteria discussed above. The most budget devices can be bought for 1200-1500 rubles, and the upper price is almost unlimited. Some products cost 25-30 thousand rubles or more.
What types of consoles are there?
Today, manufacturers produce a wide range of different Smart TV set-top boxes. They differ in size, shape, operating systems and many built-in capabilities. But the main indicator of all the capabilities and characteristics of a Smart TV set-top box is the filling. It is she who determines what opportunities will be available to the owner on the wide TV screen after connection.
In order for the “smart” box to optimally fit the TV, and its capabilities to satisfy the owner’s needs, you need to carefully read the characteristics:
- Connection method: set of connectors;
- Type of operating system.
- Hardware capabilities.
- Readable video formats.
- Options for additional connectors.
- Body shape.
- Internet connection type.
- Type of power supply – separate or built-in unit.
- Equipment.
Basically, Smart TV set-top boxes have a connection interface via HDMI via a cable, but an older TV model may not have such a connector. In this case, you need to buy a set-top box complete with an HDMI-AV cable.
Why is it needed?
Why do we need a prefix, the question is probably more rhetorical these days. But nevertheless, not everyone knows, and it’s even more difficult to deal with its “smart” brother. A smart TV set-top box with Wi-Fi expands the capabilities of your TV. Once connected, the user has the following functions:
- Receive information on weather forecasts, news and other changes in the world.
- Fast access to the Internet via Wi Fi and use of online services.
- Possibility of ordering goods.
- Watching movies, TV series via Wi Fi on TV.
- Work on social networks without restrictions.
- Connecting to a local home network.
- The use of applications and games that can be selected for each consumer.
Connecting a Smart set-top box to a TV via Wi-Fi opens up unlimited access to information and allows you to overcome the usual boundaries of TV.
What is a TV set-top box for digital television
A set-top box is a small device that allows you to capture a digital radio signal with the possibility of its subsequent transmission to a TV. This device is also called a digital tuner, receiver or decoder.
Digital television capabilities
For your information! The official international name of the standard is DVB-T2. A digital set-top box improves picture and sound quality.
After connecting, the user receives free access to all major state and regional channels. Additionally, you can buy access to closed cable channels from digital providers. The main service providers today are MTS, etc.
The digital set-top box is connected to the TV to output the signal, as well as to an antenna to receive the signal. Many set-top boxes are equipped with an amplifier to ensure uninterrupted reception of a high-quality digital signal.
Note! After connecting, you need to configure the device. Many modern devices are equipped with an automatic signal search and adjustment system, simplifying the operation of the tuner.
Device for watching TV in digital format
Most modern tuners have the following functions:
- receiving and decoding DVB-T2 digital radio signal;
- the presence of USB connectors for connecting external devices (the set-top box can be used as a media player);
- reception and decoding of DVB-S2 satellite signal;
- video compression and storage in MPEG-4 format;
- support for high definition video (1080p and higher);
- ability to connect to the Internet using a LAN input;
- presence of a built-in browser;
- multi-threaded video playback;
- the ability to record and store a signal (recording can be done both on removable flash drives and non-removable hard drives);
- creating high-definition surround sound;
- ability to control the tuner via the remote control.
How to use?
A smart TV set-top box for a TV with Wi-Fi is a special hardware with a set of programs and add-ons that turn the TV into a multifunctional center. Management is carried out using special software (widgets). Changing settings and using functions is done using gestures, voice or the remote control.
To use the device you need to go through the following steps:
- Connect the set-top box using the power supply
- Connect the media player to the TV via an available connector.
- Make sure your Wi-Fi router is running.
- Go to Wi-Fi settings and activate the connection.
- Enter the device interface and set the necessary settings and language.
In the case of Android, you need to set up a Google account and update the system (if required). Check that you are logged into the Play Market and browser pages correctly. When an update message appears in programs, you must follow the recommendations. To avoid mistakes in setting up, the manufacturer includes instructions in the box along with the device. You can use it to navigate when connecting your TV to Wi-Fi and using the functions of a smart set-top box.
