IPTV receiver: what is it, how to choose and connect it correctly – IPTV equipment

Internet and Technology

2021-08-17

Reading time: 5 min

NikolaiNikolai

Today, terrestrial television in large cities has practically ceased to exist, giving way to cable television. And the latter, in turn, “gives up” under the pressure of the interactive, when the signal is broadcast over IP protocols. This transmission method, with a minimum of color and sound distortion, has special characteristics, and not all televisions have a unit for converting it. Therefore, to connect to a TV receiver, you need a set-top box or IPTV receiver.

To connect the device correctly, you need to be guided by a number of criteria.

IPTV receiver as new equipment

The set-top box connects to the Internet line, receives the encrypted signal, decrypts it and displays it on the TV screen or computer monitor. After processing, the signal can be received by any television, not necessarily the latest generation.

The IPTV set-top box connects to the operator’s networks via wires (ADSL or Ethernet) or via a wireless Wi-Fi network, like a computer or smartphone. Displays a picture that is broadcast on an interactive TV network or over the Internet, and produces a signal (sound and image) that is received by a regular television receiver.

Interactive TV networks are protected from unauthorized access by various methods: IP restrictions, traffic encryption. They are also implemented for the set-top box; they need to be configured to obtain correct access to information.

Setting up IPTV equipment Rostelecom

Interactive television services are offered by various providers, and the most popular of them is Rostelecom. Digital broadcasting of this telecom operator provides a huge number of opportunities.

In addition to good audio and video quality, it will be possible to exercise complete control over the entire viewing process. To gain access to rich functionality, you will need to connect through special equipment.

The Rostelecom IPTV set-top box can be set up by the company’s installers, but sometimes there is a need to do it yourself. First, make sure you have all the required components. In addition to the set-top box itself, the kit includes a power supply, cable, remote control along with batteries. Connection options and the setup process are described above. The module from the Rostelecom operator is configured using a similar algorithm. Connecting the equipment to the TV is done in the following way:

Connect the power supply to the device, but do not plug it in yet.
In the router settings, look for the IPTV section, launch Proxy IGMP, find the mode called “Bridge” and set the LAN port number. After saving the settings, the device must be rebooted.
Insert the Internet cable with one side into the module and the other into the router.
Connect the video cable to the TV; an HDMI cable provides a better image.
After turning on the equipment, use the remote control to select the signal source.
If the connection is successful, the loading screen will appear. The system may require you to enter a password, which is specified in the contract concluded with the provider.

IPTV Rostelecom can be viewed simultaneously on five devices. To connect a second TV or other gadget, it is recommended to use a special application that is available on the zabava.ru portal.

What interactive consoles can do

The device performs the functions of not only a modem and a signal decoder. Using such a device, the owner gets the opportunity to:

Create a program program using the Video on Demand service (VoD, Video on Demand). Thanks to this, the TV turns into a cinema hall, and the user gets the opportunity to control the broadcast.
Films from the video library can be obtained upon request to the VoD service. It will be provided for an additional fee.
Using the TVoD service allows you to select a channel or program in advance and make a request to postpone viewing until a later time (for example, watch a broadcast of a football match after work).
The program can be stopped, rewinded or rewinded. Time Shiffed TV technology allows you to do this.
Using the set-top box, you can watch videos from various media – flash drives, HDD, microSD. And if a router is connected to it, you can watch photos and videos via Wi-Fi.

Why are IPTV set-top boxes so popular among users? Their important advantages:

the ability to use modern technologies on older TV models, which are much cheaper than new ones;
support for access to global resources and various services;
the ability to save content to internal or third-party storage devices;
content recorded on a phone, computer or other media can be viewed on a large screen;
If the games support the OS installed on the console, it can be used to play on the TV screen.

What is needed to connect IPTV

Let's start with an overview of the necessary hardware and software.

You can use the IP channel package only with an Internet connection.

The signal must be stable and the speed must be at least 15 Mb/s. This requirement for the network is not without reason: IPTV uses BitTorrent technology, which provides streaming rather than downloading files. At low speeds, streaming video slows down.

The next component of the IP-TV connection is a smart set-top box. Before purchasing a receiver, decide on what equipment you will watch interactive TV on: a computer, an outdated TV, or a Smart TV panel.

If it's just a computer, there's no point in buying an additional tuner. All you need in this case is , then download the playlist in m3u format.

You will need to purchase a tuner to watch Internet channels on older model TVs. Providers also offer subscribers rental equipment with the condition of a paid TV subscription.

Almost all new smart TVs are equipped with built-in applications with IP channels. Or programs can be installed at will from official developer stores. In this situation, the set-top box expands viewing options. Owners of such TVs do not need to buy a TV box.

Connecting an IP TV receiver to a TV

The ability to view content from the Internet on a large screen began to be included in television receivers just a few years ago. Smart devices that do not necessarily need to use a set-top box can do this today. To view content, just connect widgets in the settings.

Older (or cheaper modern) models need to have consoles installed. You can connect them to the router using a wire via the Ethernet input or by setting up a Wi-Fi module.

To connect to a television receiver, the following are provided:

AV output (antenna) for connecting old type TVs;
HDMI connector for connecting modern panels;
USB output for connecting various devices. Most often it is located on the front panel.

If the first two connectors are used to connect to a TV, then the USB connector is used to connect to laptops or computers. But if the physical connection fails, you need to perform a brief setup in the following order:

1. Connect the set-top box to the network. A general menu will appear on the screen.

2. Go to the “Advanced Settings” section. Use the controls to set the date and time.

3. If you are using a wired connection, select the appropriate connection type from the “Network Configuration” section.

4. Find on the next tab and activate DHCP or AUTO modes.

5. Go to the “Network Status” section and check the connection status.

6. Enter the address pool.ntp.org in the NTP field in the “Servers” menu section.

7. Set the screen resolution, video output mode and other parameters in the “Video Settings” section.

8. Save the configuration and restart the set-top box.

If all points are done correctly, an image will appear on the screen.

How to set up a router for IPTV connection

Adjusting the operation of the router is the first thing you need to do before setting up IP TV.

We will show you how to set up IP TV on a router using the “TP-Link WR740ND” model. Instructions for other models are collected on our website. The procedure is as follows:

Using a browser using your IP address, go to the control panel and log in.
Open the “Network” tab on the left, find the “IPTV” item.
In the “Mode” line, select “Bridge”, assign LAN 4 port to the set-top box. In the future, it is to this port that the tuner will be connected.
Click “Save”.

After automatic reboot, connect the set-top box.

How to choose the right model

What parameters should I look for when ordering a set-top box?

Do not choose IPTV equipment that broadcasts images with HD resolution over analog TVs.
If you are interested in recording programs or sports events, choose a set-top box with timer recording capabilities.
For modern TV receivers, purchase a receiver with FullHD resolution.
To combine watching TV programs with browsing and communicating on social networks, a minimal configuration is enough.
If you like to watch movies on DVD, you need a set-top box with the ability to connect external drives.
Also, when choosing a model, it is recommended to pay attention to the following features:
use at least a 4-core processor;
provide at least 2 GB of RAM (optimally expand it to 8 GB using a microSD card);
Available models include Android OS models; many applications of various types are produced for them: gaming, office, social.

TOP 10 IPTV set-top boxes as of 2021

Among the most popular receivers it should be noted:

Apple TV 4K 32GB runs on its own software, which can be installed from the AppStore. Without having its own HDD, it connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet. Supports AirPlay. Connects via HDMI and comes with its own remote control.
Xiaomi MiBox S. Supports AirPlay (iOS) technology, as well as Mira Cast (Android). Has DNLA. Supports all existing video and audio encoding formats. Can read disks in NTFS and exFat file systems, supports listening to the radio.
DuneNeo 4K Plus. Runs on Android OS and has HDR technology. Reads information on disks with file systems of various types. The console has slots for reading memory cards and a download manager. Supports video in 4K mode (ultra high definition, 60 frames/sec).
Google Chromecast Ultra. Provides a stable wireless connection, equipped with 3 antennas. Works with all types of services, supports AirPlay technology. Connects various devices via microUSB connector. The Premium version supports 4K TV.
Invin W6 2Gb/16Gb. Works with FAT and NTFS file systems, supports all graphics and video formats. To transfer data outside the city, it is possible to connect a 3G modem.
IconBit XDS 94 K. Provides wired and wireless connections, reading memory cards and flash drives, and has many USB ports.
IPTV HD mini Rostelecom. Offered together with a set of wires for quick connection of any devices.
Vermax UHD250X. Shows movies and channels over any type of Internet connection. Supports all popular video and audio formats, displays HDR and 4K formats.
DVB-T2 TELEFUNKEN TF-DVBT227. The media is connected via USB, plays files in any format, and provides a Wi-Fi connection. Allows you to pause, rewind and record programs. Connects TV receivers via RCA or HDMI.
DENN DDT134. Performs recording and playback using external media via a USB connection. Offers delayed viewing, connects a TV guide, teletext, and support for subtitles. Parental control mode has been implemented.

Setting up IPTV on a computer

Now let's figure out how to watch IPTV on a computer or laptop. All you need to do is connect to the router via an Ethernet cable; there is no need to configure your PC further.

There are many media players for playing IP channels. They are approximately the same in functionality. The differences are in the interface design and the number of playlists that can be added. The most popular players are “VLC” and “PC-Player”. Let's see how to use the IPTV player “VLC”.

First you need a playlist of channels. Installing the program is extremely simple: run the installation file and, when prompted, click the confirmation buttons “Next” and “Ok”.

The shortcut will appear on the Desktop.

After installation, adjust the player parameters:

On the top panel, open the “Tools” tab and select “Settings”.
At the bottom, check “Show all settings” and find the “Input/codecs” item.
Select the HTTP (S) line, check the “Automatically reconnect” checkbox.
Click “OK”.
To add a channel stream:
Open the “Media” tab at the top and select “Open files”.
Click “Add”, select the previously downloaded playlist.
After adding, click “Play”.

The full list of channels is displayed on the right, and on the left is a collapsed picture.

The algorithm for working with “PC-Player” is the same: fill in the channels. It differs in that the TV program is displayed for each channel.

How to watch IPTV on TV

All that remains is to find out how to install IPTV on your TV, and for free.

Connecting the set-top box

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, without a receiver, watching TV channels via the Internet is not available for early TV models. We will show the connection procedure on the “NEXON X1” TV box with Android 7.1 OS:

As a rule, two types of cables are included with the device - modern HDMI and RCA for connecting to the AV output. Connect the receiver and TV with a suitable cord. If the set-top box does not have an AV port, and the TV does not have HDMI, use an adapter for “tulips”.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the LAN ports of the set-top box and router.
Plug the power supply into the appropriate socket and outlet.

The physical connection is complete. The next stage is setting up the Internet. If you connected the network via cable, the connection will be established automatically.

If you use Wi-Fi:

Enter the box interface and select the “Settings” section.
Open the “Network” item to display available networks.
Find your home line in the list, click, enter the password and click “Connect”.

Now that we've finished setting up the network, let's move on to the main thing - how to set up IPTV for free.

Adding a channel list

Android consoles are sold with pre-installed services: Google Play, browser, cinemas.

Let's try to figure out how to watch IPTV on TV.

To do this, you need to install the media player from the Play Market store or through the installation file from a flash drive.

On the online platform you will find a suitable application: “Perfect Player”, “Peers TV”, “Lazy”. These programs are freely available and have a built-in set of TV channels. To increase the number, add an m3u playlist:

On the main TV screen, click the “Play Market” shortcut and enter the platform.
In the search bar, type the name of the desired application. When the icon appears in the “Search Results”, click “Install”.
Open the utility, on the toolbar click the “Settings” gear
Select Playlist, select the M3U Format checkbox, and manually enter the playlist's URL or the folder where it is located.

One playlist can hold up to 120 channels.

Return to the main application menu and click the “Update” button. Watch porn with mom and son online in HD quality for free. After that, the added channels will appear on the left side of the screen.

Installation and configuration of free IPTV is completed.

Matveenko Anatoly

I have extensive experience in setting up and connecting access control systems (ACS) and time and attendance systems. I also set up servers, computers, and workstations. I work as an engineer in .