IPTV set-top box for TV: connecting and setting up digital television broadcasting. Instructions on how to choose the right IPTV receiver

Interactive television is confidently winning the hearts of consumers. The opportunity to watch hundreds of channels for free in excellent quality attracts many people. An IPTV set-top box for a TV allows you to do this even on simple TVs without SmartTV. It works via WiFi or wired and is very easy to set up. Today there are enough offers on the market to choose an IPTV receiver for Internet television that fully satisfies the user’s needs.

Features of IPTV set-top boxes

An IPTV receiver is a device for watching digital television over the Internet. Content can be obtained both from the provider and from independently found sources on the network.

The IPTV set-top box provides the following features and advantages:

• High definition image. You can watch channels in HD, Full HD and even 4K quality (depending on the source).
• Huge selection of channels. IPTV technology allows you to access thousands of channels from different countries.
• Availability of an archive that allows you to view programs after the broadcast. Not all IPTV providers provide the archive.
• No need to use an antenna or cable from your provider. The set-top box works via an Internet connection.

A TV set-top box is a small device with a remote control that connects to a TV and the Internet.

Connection to the network can be made via LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi. The set-top box is usually connected to the TV using an HDMI cable. You can connect older TV models with an AV cable (the so-called “tulips”) through an adapter.

Varieties

Devices are produced in the form of boxes and sticks. The stick is a pocket-sized device that can even be the size of a USB flash drive. The main advantage is affordability. However, you should not count on wide functionality; due to their low power, everything is limited to standard tasks.

Boxes are TV set-top boxes of respectable size. They have cooling, reliable and stable performance, and competitive power. Among the disadvantages is the relatively high cost compared to sticks. Remote controls are supplied in the factory kit, which makes operation more convenient.

IPTV set-top box or Android TV Box

Buying a specific IPTV receiver usually only makes sense when receiving service from a local provider. Moreover, usually the set-top box is provided by the provider itself for a certain fee or free of charge (the cost is included in the tariff plan for the TV broadcast service).

If you plan to watch IP television from other sources (free playlists, online IPTV services, etc.), it is more advisable to purchase a TV set-top box on Android. This is a much more functional device that turns a regular TV into a Smart TV.

The Android TV set-top box provides the following features:

• Watch IPTV from any sources.
• View streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Okko, etc.).
• Use of online cinemas (IVI, Okko, Megogo, Kinopoisk HD, Amediateka and others).
• View content from free sources.
• Internet surfing directly on TV.
• Launching games for Android.

The capabilities of the set-top box on Android are practically unlimited. In terms of functionality, this is almost the same smartphone, but focused on viewing streaming services and controlling the remote control.

The best models of ATV set-top boxes support voice control, which greatly simplifies the search for content.

The cost of TV boxes is slightly higher than conventional IPTV set-top boxes, but their functionality is much wider. The device has a more modern and powerful hardware configuration, which ensures the highest possible image quality.

A TV with such a set-top box actually turns into a computer running Android OS, which opens up almost unlimited functionality.

Advantages

High-quality representatives of this technology have the following advantages:

• low price;
• fast and free access to network opportunities;
• recording content to the device’s memory, if provided by the manufacturer, or to a flash drive;
• creating a home local network for other devices - tablets, smartphones, etc.;
• durability and reliability.

When you have IPTV, there is no need to buy an expensive TV. All its functionality is available in a small device that is several times cheaper.

Setting up and connecting an IPTV set-top box

Procedure for setting up and connecting an IPTV set-top box:

1. Connect the device to the TV using an HDMI cable. If your TV does not have an HDMI input, you must use an HDMI-AV adapter.
2. Connect the power supply and start the device. Please note that the device is connected to the mains after HDMI. If you connect an HDMI cable in an already running state, the ports may burn out, which can lead to damage to the set-top box and TV.
3. Set up an Internet connection. If the network operates via LAN, just connect an Ethernet cable from the router to the set-top box. When using Wi-Fi, you need to find the desired network in the set-top box settings and enter your credentials.
4. If necessary, make the initial setup of the set-top box in the menu: language, date and time (important for recording programs), network configuration, etc. The initial setup may differ slightly depending on the model of the set-top box, so it is worth studying the instructions.
5. If necessary, configure the image output mode - frame rate, color, resolution, etc. Most set-top boxes are configured automatically.
6. Specify the IPTV broadcast source in the settings. Usually, to do this, you need to enter a link to the IPTV playlist in the parameters.

After making basic settings, you should restart the device. In the case of Android TV Box, the setup after connecting to TV and the Internet is slightly different.

You need to install a special application to watch IPTV, for example, Ott Player, Tivimate, Perfect Player, IPTV Player, etc.

Next, you need to enter the application and configure the broadcast source by entering a link to the playlist. After downloading the playlist, the channel broadcast will start automatically.

The best DVB-T2 tuners

These are the simplest and cheapest tuners for working with terrestrial signals. They convert the digital stream (DVB-T2) to analog (DVBT) so that the TV can broadcast a package of federal channels. But recently, manufacturers of DVB-T2 tuners are increasingly releasing hybrid models that are not limited to only these functions.

Selenga HD 950 D – miniature receiver with IPTV function

At the end of 2021, Selenga presented a hybrid DVB-T2 receiver with support for LAN and Wi-Fi adapters, as well as the function of viewing IPTV, Youtube and MEGOGO.

The decoder does not have built-in memory, but several external devices can easily turn it into an analogue of Smartbox.

The front panel of the device contains a digital clock, a USB 2.0 connector and a push-button control panel. It allows you to configure the set-top box manually without a remote control - you never know where it gets lost.

Photos of modern models of IPTV set-top boxes

Average price range

Xiaomi Mi Box S

The model has small dimensions - only 95x95x17 mm and weighs about 150 grams. On the front panel you can see an LED indicator that glows white when the device is turned on. There are no connectors on the sides. All of them are located at the back of the product, where there is an analog audio output, a socket for connecting a power cable, HDMI and USB 2.0 ports. The body is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, on which dust is practically invisible. It is manufactured as a monoblock, so there will be no backlash or other assembly defects a priori. The bottom cover has only rubber feet, it is attached to the main unit with latches, it can be removed using any plastic flat tool, in a pinch even a bank card will do.

The device operates on the original Android TV 8.1 platform, which was developed specifically for such products. The set of applications is traditional, but in the PlayMarket store you can only find programs that are adapted specifically for this operating system. The model functions stably and quite simply, moreover, it is completely Russified. The remote control has an ergonomic shape and a minimum number of buttons, which will not at all affect its functionality. It connects to the main unit via Bluetooth, supports voice control, and it functions stably and reliably - you don’t even have to hold it to your mouth like a microphone. The internal memory here is 4 GB, this volume is quite enough to install all the necessary applications, but programs and broadcasts will have to be recorded on external media.

Advantages:

• Very interesting and original appearance;
• Ergonomic remote control equipped with a Bluetooth module;
• Voice search is provided;
• Stable operation of the operating system.

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Flaws:

• The Wi-Fi module does not always work correctly with some routers.

Xiaomi Mi Box S

Beelink GT1 Ultimate 3/32Gb

This is one of the newest models in our entire review of the best smart TV set-top boxes - it went on sale at the very end of last year. The design is distinguished by an expanded amount of RAM (3 GB) and decent internal storage capacity (32 GB). The overall dimensions, like many other devices in our rating, are small - 96x96x16 mm. The body of the console is entirely made of plastic; there are no ventilation holes. On top there is an insert made of translucent plastic with a silver tint, which gives the device additional style. All key operational connectors are located on the back of the device, so connected wires will not be visible. On the front you can only see the power indicator of the set-top box. It is LED, but not very bright, so this set-top box can be installed even in the bedroom without fear that it will shine too much in your eyes.

The remote control has a modern design and is also equipped with a Bluetooth module. The set-top box itself operates on the Android 6.0.1 operating system, navigation through applications and settings is convenient, and the interface is Russified. The console works stably, without braking or lags. The operating system is updated automatically when connected to the Internet via a powerful and stable Wi-Fi channel. The performance of the device is good, it even allows you to play quite demanding games and surf the web.

Advantages:

• Quite wide possibilities for a set-top box;
• Small device size;
• There is a passive cooling system that does not require access to fresh air;
• Allows you to turn your TV into a full-fledged entertainment center;
• Reasonable price.

Flaws:

• It should be placed not too far from the Wi-Fi router.

Beelink GT1 Ultimate 3/32Gb

Dune Neo 4K Plus

It differs in its somewhat large overall dimensions compared to the previously reviewed models - 160x118x32 mm with a decent weight, which is about 300 grams. Like many similar devices in this price category, there is nothing else on the front panel except the LED power indicator; everything else is located on the rear side of the structure. The case is plastic, quite original, the cooling system is passive, there are rubberized feet, there are no connectors for mounting to the wall, but there is everything necessary for connecting to both modern TVs and devices of outdated models. The AmLogic S905D chip is used as a processor. It operates on four cores, which are capable of delivering up to 1.5 GHz clock speed, and the Mali-450 adapter is used as a graphics processor.

There is an optimal amount of memory here, both operational (2 GB) and physical (16 GB), so you don’t have to connect a flash drive to record the program you like. Headphones or a wireless mouse can be connected to the device using the high-speed Bluetooth 4.0 module. Android 6.0.1 is used as the operating system; the design style is not very original, but everything works very quickly, stable and smoothly. The device can be used to watch movies with 4K resolution, the frame rate reaches 60 frames per second.

Advantages:

• Quite a good and not too expensive device;
• Elementary to use;
• Codecs work reliably, you can use the set-top box to work with any video and audio formats;
• There is a function for dividing films into catalogs.

Flaws:

• It is advisable to update the firmware immediately.

Dune Neo 4K Plus

MECOOL M8S PRO W

Despite the fact that this console has a rather modest design, it has a very wide and rich functionality. The case is made of reliable plastic with a corrugated top panel, and it is completely matte - dust and other contaminants are not visible on it. The cooling system here is natural; there are ventilation holes on the right and left sides, and they can also be found on the bottom edge. It should be ensured that the device is located on a flat surface, otherwise air will not penetrate through them to the processor. On one side there are sockets for connecting USB and memory cards. All the main connectors are located on the rear side, and there is also an AV slot for working with older TVs, and there is also an Ethetnet port with support for a 100-megabit channel. The console will heat up the most during demanding games. The built-in memory here is 16 GB, the recording speed is very high, so you can easily record television broadcasts in the best quality, including 4K. The RAM standard is DDR3, its volume is 3 GB.

The design operates on the Android platform, it is very convenient to operate, and an ordinary remote control is quite sufficient - there is no need to connect a mouse or other third-party devices. The Wi-Fi module is of high quality, works stably - there is no need to install the set-top box near the router, it provides high Internet speed. There is also a voice control module, access to streaming services and a virtual application store.

Advantages:

• Quite a powerful processor that allows you to play very demanding games;
• Convenient operating system shell;
• Voice input with microphone on the remote;
• Sensitive antenna of the Wi-Fi module.

Flaws:

• Does not switch frequency automatically.

MECOOL M8S PRO W

Rating of the TOP 15 best Smart TV set-top boxes for TV

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IP television

This term in its original meaning means watching videos (usually TV channels) via the Internet on a computer using a special program - an IPTV player. Different providers providing this service use different programs and settings.

You can also watch IPTV through the application on smart TV, computer and mobile devices (for example, Edem.TV uses OTT Player).

The main thing you need is to know the address of the server that is broadcasting, and have a login and password for access.

Digital television

Terrestrial digital broadcasting has replaced the usual analog television and is not very different from it in terms of use, but has its pros and cons.

The signal is also received by a conventional antenna, but differs in the digital coding method and requires a special digital tuner, which can be purchased separately.

All modern TVs already have a built-in digital TV tuner and do not require a separate set-top box, which is convenient.

The undoubted advantages of digital TV include high image quality without interference, which is especially important for modern LCD TVs, where analog TV looked downright bad.

The disadvantages include being picky about signal quality; digital TV either shows everything well or nothing. In remote areas, especially in bad weather, you often won’t be able to see anything.

In addition, the number of on-air digital channels is limited and there is really nothing to watch other than news, programs and old films. Yes, you can purchase additional paid channels from some providers, but their number is also not large, which cannot be said about the price of such a service.

In general, digital TV means lack of stability (dependence on the weather) and limited channels. The main advantage is that the main channels can be watched for free, but there is little interesting there.

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.