Media set-top boxes smart tv for TV. Smart TV set-top box: main characteristics and selection features. Connecting Blu-ray Player to TV

Progress does not stand still and today technical innovations have expanded the television media functionality so much that using one device we can watch both TV shows and video from the Internet, install various applications and even play games! On the TV, or in it)) LCD or plasma TVs bought literally 3-4 years ago become incomplete due to the lack of opportunity to watch your favorite movies and TV shows Online ... But it's stupid to throw your favorite sofa device to the dump or take it to the country house only due to the lack of it SMART TV!

This review will focus on choosing a smart set-top box to connect to any TV. Even a CRT or computer monitor, let alone an LCD TV !! But first things first.

What is Smart TV Box?

Smart TV box- this is, let's say, a mini computer that has its own operating system (usually Android or IOS), which connects to your TV using an HDMI or AV cable, while making your ordinary TV a modern multimedia device with the ability to fully access the Internet, etc. .! The characteristics of your TV, which actually acts as a monitor, are completely unimportant. All the functionality is in this small box - there are Wi-Fi and USB outputs (with the ability to connect a keyboard, mouse, flash drive, etc.) and a memory with a processor .... The smart box is responsible for all this!

Your TV is just a monitor for displaying media content from a set-top box! The only thing that matters is the resolution of the monitor (TV) - the higher it is, the better the picture will delight your eyes! Well, a prerequisite is the presence of the Internet - wired or wireless Wi-Fi. And the higher the connection speed, the higher quality content you can watch.

The device can be in the form of a flash drive or in the form of a box. Mini consoles in the form of a flash drive (stick) are usually a very budget option and their capabilities are very limited. In addition, reliability is extremely low - due to their small size, they do not have a radiator, due to their proximity to the TV, these set-top boxes often fail due to overheating.

Classic boxing smart set-top boxes as a rule, they have uncut processors with passive or even active cooling. These consoles resemble a Wi-Fi router; in most cases, you can even connect a wired Internet, keyboard, mouse, camera, joystick and other peripheral devices to them. ...

What do you need for a smart box to work?

1) TV or even corny computer monitor with HDMI or AV-input (tulips)
2) Availability of the Internet. Definitely !! The speed is not less than 3 Mbps. The higher the better.
3) Preferably a mouse or keyboard. It's much more convenient that way.
4) A comfortable chair or sofa. But a chair will work too !!
5) Access to the socket. Those. electricity 220v)

Functions and capabilities of smart consoles:

Let's try to figure out how a smart prefix can be useful for us:

• watching movies online, without pre-recording to a disk or flash drive with a resolution up to 4K;
• watching videos on YouTube and other similar resources;
• viewing over 1000 TV channels via the Internet using IPTV technology;
• be present on popular social networks;
• access the Internet via Wi-Fi or a wired network while sitting on a chair ... or a sofa !!
• watch your favorite movies and TV shows by inserting a USB flash drive into the console connector;
• play modern Android games on a large TV screen;
• control the "wiser" TV using connected devices: keyboard and mouse;
• a wide range of programs: from weather forecast and video players to office applications and karaoke;
• connect your webcam to your TV and use the Android Smart TV set-top box and communicate with friends and family in Skype or Viber;
• access to the Google Play Market - the entire virtual showcase of content and applications for the Android mobile operating system is available

You can, of course, consider an alternative to a smart set-top box - this is a unit without a monitor or a windows-based laptop connected to the TV in the same way as a smart set-top box, but the inconvenience and high price deprive such a decision of common sense! Best for these purposes! A smart set-top box is actually an Android tablet that serves as a screen for your TV!

Advantages of android smart TV over other similar devices

Let's try to disassemble, is it not more correct to buy a new TV or connect a computer the old fashioned way? So a smart box is also:

1. user-friendly interface
2. low price
3. there are no restrictions on the installation of third-party content (in contrast to the built-in SMART TV in modern TVs)
4. powerful filling at a low price. (unlike the built-in SMART TV in modern TVs)

But there are also disadvantages and we must tell about them:

1. The need to lead additional wires to the TV and to the outlet. Sometimes it is difficult to do this if it was not foreseen.
2. Another remote control. The TV remote control is usually not compatible for controlling a smart set-top box.

There are so many of them. Which one to choose ??

When choosing a Smart TV set-top box, you should pay attention first of all to the following characteristics: Android version, RAM, processor and number of cores, video processor, number of USB outputs, as well as the presence of rhinestones or jewelry. Joke:).

ATandroid version.At the time of this writing (March 2018), the current version is Android 7.1. There are still budget models with version 4.4 on sale. We will not recommend them. But the version of Anroid 6 or higher will be quite modern and will be relevant for at least a couple of years!

RAM.One of the most important parameters. All computer owners know that there is never too much RAM. The bigger, the better! We recommend watching consoles from 1Gb of RAM and more. But 2Gb is better. For those who like to play or have a modern model with a power reserve, it is worth considering models with 3-4Gb of RAM.

Processor andvideo processor... Everything is simple here - the more cores the better. Most set-top boxes have a quad-core processor. For most tasks, it is enough. From inexpensive on time-tested models, we recommend paying attention to Android smart set-top boxes or on modern OS Android 7.1. If you plan to watch 4K content or use it as a game console, it is better to consider the option of a smart console on eight-core Amlogic S912 processors in conjunction with a modern ARM Mali-T820MP3 GPU. This is, for example, a model or on a super Mali-T864 MP3 processor.

Connecting the set-top box to a TV and the Internet:

The smart set-top box can be connected to the Internet using a Wi-Fi wireless connection or a LAN network cable connector. If the connection is made via a cable, then you will need a special connector; if it is absent, a LAN-USB adapter is used.

The connection to the TV is via the HDMI port. If the TV model is outdated, you can use the AV connector, but the picture quality with this connection method will not be high.

Optional accessories

The complete remote control in most smart TV consoles has, as a rule, a standard set of functions and its ease of use for managing media content is rather controversial. Typing in the address bar of the browser or, for example, entering a query in a YouTube search using a classic remote is extremely inconvenient! The cheapest solution to this problem is buying a wireless mouse. Prices for mice start at 15 rubles! However, we recommend purchasing either a universal one. It is not a luxury but a necessity to operate a smart device quickly and conveniently. Now you can play games!

If you wish, you can also buy a camera for video calls in many messengers such as Skype, Viber, etc. For those who like to play, smart consoles also support the connection of various game joysticks and gamepads. But unlike mice and keyboards, when buying these accessories, be sure to look at the hardware compatibility with Android OS.

Smart TVs are gradually conquering the market and replacing their less functional counterparts. A large number of applications, efficient interaction with the Internet and other useful technologies turn Smart TVs into progressive multimedia centers with a lot of possibilities. The only negative aspect of such TV sets is the relatively high price. For less money, you can buy a less functional model that displays an image of excellent quality and does an excellent job with its direct responsibilities.

Thus, the buyer always has a unique choice: to buy a regular TV, or a Smart TV model? With the development of technology, a Smart TV set-top box has appeared, which today is a good alternative to “smart” Smart TVs. Now you can significantly expand the functionality and networking capabilities of your TV without significant material costs. The Smart TV set-top box connects directly to the TV and provides an impressive set of functionalities, from access to the Internet and network services, to convenient surfing the network and watching online videos. We will analyze in detail all the advantages of using set-top boxes, and also tell you what to look for when choosing this device. As a result, you can confidently answer the question whether you need a Smart TV set-top box or not.

Features of a smart TV box

Everyone knows that the Internet gives access to a huge amount of information for every taste: news, movies, weather, funny videos and much more. Not all TVs produced have access to the network, and Smart TV set-top boxes successfully solve this problem. Modern set-top boxes support two ways to connect to the Internet: a wired connection using the E thernet port or a wireless W i-F i connection. Choose the most suitable connection method and combine the Internet with your TV.

The advantages of this tandem are obvious. You get access to various services and content libraries. You no longer need to buy movies or download them to your computer and then burn them to external media. By the way, Smart TV set-top box will save you from the need to constantly rewrite information on a USB flash drive or disk. Now you can create a local network and watch movies or photos on your TV screen right from your computer. A very handy feature that saves you time.

The set-top boxes also allow you to use a variety of applications. You yourself can choose the number and type of applications used. The built-in browser allows high-quality surfing on the Internet without leaving the screen. Many set-top boxes have a built-in card reader that allows you to work with memory cards. Pleasantly pleased with the large number of supported formats. Very often the set-top box comes with a keyboard, which greatly simplifies and speeds up your work. As it turned out, the set-top box fully realizes the full potential of your TV.

Choosing a smart console correctly

So, we have decided on the advantages and positive aspects of using a Smart TV set-top box. Now let's find out what characteristics and parameters you need to pay attention to before buying a particular model. In most cases, set-top boxes are used to work with the Internet, applications and various services. In order to avoid any problems with performance and speed, first of all, pay attention to models with a multi-core processor. Dual-core designs are more common (Dual-core processor), but you can also find quad-core consoles (Quad Core processor). Using a more powerful processor will save you from any problems associated with low data processing speed.

Next, decide in what way you will connect the set-top box to the TV. Most models are connected using the HDMI port. This ensures good quality audio and video signal transmission. If there is no such connector on the TV, it does not matter. There are set-top boxes that connect using the VGA and AV ports. In any case, you need to correlate the capabilities of your specific TV to work with this or that device.

The Smart TV box itself can be made in two form factors: in the form of a box, or in the form of a flash drive. According to the principle of operation, they do not differ in any way. Set-top boxes are larger in size, but additional connectors USB, Optical, VGA, and others are often installed on them. If you do not need additional connectors, feel free to choose a USB stick.

Another important point to pay attention to is the type of internet connection. All smart TV boxes have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, which is used to connect to the network. If you already use a router at home, that's just fine. Try to place the router closer to the TV, as the Wi-Fi adapter for set-top boxes is usually not very powerful. If you are using a standard RJ45 internet cable, then you are looking for a set-top box with a built-in Ethernet port. This will make the connection much easier. If it so happens that the set-top box does not have an Ethernet port, you can use a special LAN-USB adapter. It is connected to the set-top box using a USB connector, and the RJ45 wire is already connected to the adapter.

Smart TV set-top box can read files of various formats. Before buying, make sure that a particular set-top box can work with MP4, WMV, MKV, WMA, DivX formats. The presence of a card reader allows you to use memory cards, and using USB you can connect an external hard drive to the set-top box, so the issue with your own memory is not critical. There are models with built-in memory of 4 GB, 8 GB and more. Again, this is not the most important parameter. RAM is more important. Pay attention to models with 1-2 GB DDR3 RAM, no less.

Also pay attention to the set-top box package. So very often the set comes with a convenient keyboard and control panel. This makes the use of the set-top box convenient and efficient. The last thing to pay attention to is the power supply of the console. Most models use a standard 220 V power supply. But there are devices that are powered from the USB port on the TV. Be sure to check this question with the seller to avoid difficulties with food.

conclusions

You have learned what a Smart TV box is and how it enhances the capabilities of your TV. We also found out how to choose the right smart TV box, and what parameters you need to pay attention to. In the following articles we will look at examples of the highest quality models.

A home TV, as a rule, has a much larger diagonal than a computer monitor, due to which it is more comfortable to watch movies or TV shows on it.

The relatively recent SmartTV TVs lure with additional options for accessing online cinemas, Internet sites and streaming services. However, not everyone will want to spend a lot of money to buy a new SmartTV. Especially if the old TV suits the size, picture quality, and generally fits well into the existing interior of the apartment.

Connection

In most cases, the HDMI connector is used to connect the set-top box to the TV. Please note that your TV must have an appropriate connector for connection. Otherwise, models with VGA connection or through analog output (AV) will come to your aid.
An additional optical output can often be used to connect external audio equipment.
In most cases, the set-top box connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi, but there are also models with a wired connection. Here it should be borne in mind that the Wi-Fi receivers of compact set-top boxes do not have good sensitivity due to their miniature size, so the signal of the router must be strong enough. The fact that its bandwidth is often higher is also in favor of using an Ethernet connection, which affects the speed of downloading content. In both cases, a smart TV set-top box assumes the presence of a router in your apartment that provides access to the Internet.

Performance and memory size

The speed of the set-top box, and, consequently, the comfort when working with the device is directly affected by the number of processor cores of the set-top box and the amount of installed RAM. In general, the larger the number of cores and RAM, the more processes can be run simultaneously on a set-top box without sacrificing performance.
Conventionally, we can say that today, comfortable is the amount of RAM from 2 GB and the number of cores from 2. The advantage is also the presence of separate video chips for high definition video playback.

The amount of memory in most cases affects the price of the model. Examples of consoles with different amounts of RAM: 3GB and 1GB. The price difference is palpable!

Support for video formats

The limitations on support for high-definition video formats are imposed not by the operating system, but by the hardware of the set-top box. If your TV has the ability to play 4K video, buy a set-top box with the appropriate support. Otherwise, the capabilities of the set-top box for playing FullHD video will be enough.

Equipment

When choosing a smart TV set-top box, pay attention to the convenience of the control panel. You can carry out all the necessary operations for setting up and using the supplied remote control, but, depending on your needs, it may be more convenient to use consoles that simulate the operation of a mouse, or have an additional block with alphanumeric rows.
The set of cables may vary from model to model, so if the required cables to connect to the TV are not available, you will need to purchase them separately.

Examples of consoles with a remote control included:,

A Smart TV Box is an efficient, relatively inexpensive replacement for the coveted but expensive Smart TV of the latest model. It can significantly expand the capabilities of an old LCD TV to the functionality of the latest "smart" smart models. Thanks to its presence, the following opportunities appear:

• online viewing of films, TV programs without recording to external media;
• a wide selection of various Internet TV channels;
• use of video hosting resources;
• communication in social networks.

These and other services can be accessed by choosing the right smart TV box. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, not to waste significant budget funds, you need to pay attention to the following parameters of a future purchase:

• tV connection interface,
• hardware requirements,
• operating system,
• file formats,
• Internet connection,
• form factor,
• equipment,
• way of power supply.

Before purchasing, it will be correct to clarify the type of connector provided on the TV receiver. Most modern TVs are equipped with an HDMI port. It provides a smart box connection and stable transmission of a good quality signal. The lack of such a port on older TVs means that switching on is via VGA or AV. Therefore, the purchased smart must have the appropriate "slots".

Hardware requirements or processor, memory, hard drive

"Hardware" has a direct impact on the signal transmission rate, image quality on TV. The higher the parameters of the processor, memory and hard disk, the more comfortable the perception of information. Until recently, the following were considered optimal:

• dual core processor,
• 2 GB of RAM,
• 8 GB hard disk ("hard drive").

But at the present time, this may not be enough. Additional hardware capabilities will require Windows OS, which begins to compete with the Android OS familiar on these devices. Their increased parameters will be necessary for gamers keen on "heavy" (demanding) video games. The variety of models provides a wide choice if the budget allows:

• 4, 8-core processors;
• large RAM;
• increased physical volumes of the hard disk.

Operating System: Choose Android or Windows

Which system to choose is up to the buyer. But most Smart devices come with the Android operating system. However, Windows is increasingly competing with it. Both options are acceptable, but a huge variety of convenient applications, constantly updated games have already been created for Android OS, so its use is preferable. Another plus is the lower hardware requirements of the Android system, which means higher data processing speed with equal hardware characteristics.

For higher speed Windows OS, you will need a more advanced processor, more RAM, which means more purchase costs. Among the pluses is the advanced functionality due to the office suite, which allows you to replace a regular PC with some exceptions.

File formats or what you can watch

There are many formats for storing and transferring data that a smart device should read if necessary. It can be MP4, WMV, MKV, WMA, DivX. Manufacturers usually provide for this option, most smart consoles reproduce them. But when buying, you should make sure that such formats are present for playback through TV according to the attached documents.

Internet connection or how to connect to the network

There are two ways to connect to the Internet: Wi-Fi or RJ45 Internet cable. If there is a wireless connection with a router in the house, it is better to choose a smart set-top box with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter and place it closer to the signal source, since the capabilities of its receiver are limited. Smart set-top boxes with Wi-Fi pick up the signal better if there is an external antenna. The cable connection to the network assumes the presence of an Ethernet port to which the corresponding cable is connected. If there is none, you will need a LAN-USB adapter that connects to USB and an RJ45 cable to it.

Form factor: choose box or flush

Smart set-top boxes for TV can have two forms - a flash drive or a box (box). In terms of characteristics, they are generally comparable, but there are nuances. Flash set-top boxes are more compact, connected to TV via USB, equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, have fewer additional connectors, and work mainly with modern TV receivers. The boxes, in addition to the adapter for wireless connection, are equipped with a LAN connector, can be connected to a TV via HDMI, VGA, AV, and have additional USB connectors. Due to the larger size, they are often provided with better hardware properties, they heat up less. Can be recommended for owners of old TVs.

Package or peripherals for ease of use

The set-top boxes can be equipped with additional equipment - peripherals that expand its functions, which provide comfort of use. Their peripheral equipment may include:

• keyboard for working with office and other applications via TV,
• remote switch,
• webcams for organizing video communication.

The latter is built-in and has a small resolution. Therefore, if you need high-quality visual contact using a wide TV screen, it is better to choose a webcam separately.

Power supply method

In most cases, smart consoles are equipped with a power supply unit for connecting to a 220V network. There are analogs that receive power from a TV device via a USB connection. The latter option is sometimes preferable, since it does not require a separate outlet for a large number of consumers.

Want to make the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one? There is simply no better solution than an Internet TV set-top box!

Smart TV maximizes the capabilities of a standard TV, filling life with positive, bright colors and new sensations. You can not only watch TV channels, but also play videos from the Internet, play computer games, communicate in social networks and instant messengers. Simply put, your TV will be able to do everything the same as a computer, tablet or smartphone.

You can buy a set-top box on favorable and convenient terms at Somebox store. We have a huge selection of Smart TVs for every taste and budget. The most popular models from the best world brands are presented:Beelink, DGMedia, Xiaomi, Apple, NEXBOX, OEM, VOYO, Zidoo and others. If you are at a loss to choose a specific modification, Somebox consultants will help you. We will suggest the best solution that suits you in terms of price, functionality and design.

What can Internet TV boxes do?

Modern TV set-top boxes for TVs have a wide range of features. By connecting the device to the TV, you can:

• Get access to hundreds of TV channels of various types.
• Pause TV programs and record TV programs to any external media.
• Go online, perform fast and convenient web surfing.
• Download and watch online multimedia files of any format (films, TV series, cartoons, video clips).
• Chat on Skype;
• Connect any external devices and drives to the TV: flash drives, game controllers, headphones, speakers, PC, laptop.
• Work with text files, Excel tables, etc.

Benefits of TV Boxes

Watching TV through a set-top box means enjoying all the advantages of modern multimedia centers:

1. Supports HD, Full HD, Ultra HD (4K) resolution. Provides maximum brightness, saturation and clarity of the picture.
2. High performance. Ensures reliable and stable operation of the receiver under any load.
3. Regular software updates. Provides timely elimination of all possible defects.
4. Large RAM. Allows you to connect high-capacity drives.
5. Fast internet connection speed. Ensures normal playback of movies online.
6. Compact size. Provides convenient transportation and operation of the receiver.

How to choose an Internet set-top box for TV

When buying a set-top box for watching TV, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

• Number of Cores. The processor can be 2, 4, 6 or 8-core. The higher this indicator, the better the device's performance and the faster the data playback speed.
• Memory size. This characteristic determines the number of applications and videos that you can install on your Smart TV. We recommend choosing models with at least 2 GB of RAM, and at least 16 GB of internal memory.
• CPU clock speed. This indicator must be at least 1.5 GHz (preferably 2 GHz or more). A lower level may cause the media player to slow down when playing high definition video.

Why is it better to buy set-top boxes at Somebox

Buying an Internet TV box from Somebox is reliable and correct.

Somebox TV set-top box online store is the official supplier of manufacturing brands in Russia. Therefore, we have a low price for set-top boxes and a branded quality guarantee. We carry out fast delivery of the order to any region of the Russian Federation.