All about TV-Box

With the advent of the TV-Box, it becomes even more difficult to decide which Android set-top box to choose for your TV. What it is and how it is used can be understood from the name, and an overview of the best media players allows you to understand the range of models on the market. But the installation of additional software will help to make the set-top box really productive and efficient: Aptoide TV and other programs specifically for the Android operating system.

The advent of TV-Box set-top boxes for television made it possible to equip with all the functions of the Android operating system even TVs in which it was not originally provided. In this case, the processor is installed in an external unit, visually little distinguishable from a game box or TV receiver. For a TV without Smart TV, this addition turns out to be the only way to expand the functionality. Such a kit works from a home wired network or Wi-Fi, connects via HDMI input or other channels.

Among the possibilities offered by TV-Box are:

• watching digital TV;
• broadcasting streaming video;
• listening to music;
• launching games on the TV screen;
• use of browser functions;
• communication in social networks and messengers;
• conducting video communication sessions;
• viewing documents, letters in e-mail.

First of all, this is relevant for owners of Smart TVs with other operating systems. Sometimes this is the only way to install an extended set of programs using the Play Store for this. In addition, some modern TVs do not at all imply the presence of "smart" functions, while all other components in them are quite consistent with the technical requirements for installing an embedded operating system.

TV-Boxes with Android OS installed on them have a fairly wide range of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most obvious benefits.

1. Access to an extended set of applications. They can be installed both from flash drives and from other external sources, as well as directly from the market. Embedded operating systems often significantly limit the range of software available, cutting off all programs that are not adapted for use on a television screen.
2. Standardized interface. It depends solely on the Android version, but the desktop is as simple and convenient to use as possible. The familiar look of applications and the design of the menu will make it easy to understand the settings and other important parameters of the device.
3. The ability to switch between screens. By minimizing one window, you can go to watching another program or movie, start the game, and then return to the previous one. This is convenient, allows you to increase the comfort from using the new features of the TV.
4. Ease of connection. You can use different ways of communication with the TV, from VGA and AV-out to HDMI.
5. Regular release of operating system updates. The set-top box automatically checks the data, launches the upgrade process itself, staying relevant for as long as possible and saving the user from new expenses.
6. State of the art hardware. The TV box is powered by a 2 or 4-core processor, which allows you to run content on the network without braking or freezing.
7. Attractive price. The initial cost of a set-top box with Smart TV inside is about 3000 rubles.More expensive versions are also quite affordable for most users.

A relative disadvantage of the device is the need to use an additional set of wires, and the set-top box itself has to be placed, giving it a place in the space next to the TV.

Choosing a good media player with Smart functions in the TV-box format is not easy - there are dozens of applications on the market in different price categories. And yet there is a solution. In terms of the combination of cost and quality, a set of functions, the following models deserve the greatest attention.

• Beelink GT1 Mini. A model that is smaller than a mobile phone. Inside is an impressive quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage. This set-top box has support for Miracast, DLNA, Wi-Fi module and wired LAN connection, the manufacturer pre-installed Android 8.1 with Google Assistant and a voice control microphone in the remote control.

• NVIDIA Shield TV. A feature-rich and powerful solution for the passionate gamer. On sale there are kits with a gamepad and a remote control, all have a proprietary high-performance NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, 3 GB of RAM is enough for games with any graphics. Wireless communication is implemented in the form of dual-band Wi-Fi.

• Minix Neo U9-H. One of the best Chinese TV-boxes on the market, the set-top box is assembled with high quality, new firmware is regularly released for it. The model is famous for its fast dual-band Wi-Fi connection, Gigabit Ethernet, 4K support, HDR 10. Includes 2 GB RAM and 16 GB flash. Android operating system in version 7.1, early models used 6.1, they are still on sale.

• Xiaomi Mi TV Box. The most controversial but popular set-top box with a quad-core processor and Android TV operating system, focused specifically on smart TV use. This somewhat limits the choice of applications, but it makes it possible to use the phone as a remote control. Among the shortcomings - a small amount of memory (only 2 GB of RAM, additionally another 8 GB), lack of ports for a wired connection. The advantages are the design, the promoted brand, and 4K support.

• iconBIT Movie Smart TV. Basic TV box with minimal functionality. Wired and wireless connections are supported, the Android 4.4 operating system severely limits the choice of applications, there is also little memory, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal. The advantages of the model include a convenient universal remote control and 4 USB ports on the case for connecting peripherals at once.

The choice of a TV-box type set-top box largely depends on what kind of result the user wants to get. Almost any model is suitable for digital television, while for launching games it is worth buying specialized versions with a powerful "filling". The main selection criteria also include the following points.

1. Processor type. If the set-top box is needed for watching TV programs and video content, a dual-core version is sufficient. For streaming video at a good speed, running games and surfing the Internet, it is better to have a TV-box model with a quad-core or eight-core processor at hand.
2. Memory. To install applications and store the necessary data, updating the operating system requires a lot of free space. It is optimal if the RAM is at least 2-4 GB with flash memory in the range of 16 GB. Such indicators are shown mainly by models of top manufacturers, budget options have much smaller memory sizes.
3. Execution option. All compact models of set-top boxes are divided into "sticks" and "boxes". The second option is more familiar, its body has additional connectors, slots for memory cards, you can connect a webcam or keyboard, install a Bluetooth adapter for wireless communication with gaming accessories.
4. Root rights. By default, most Chinese set-top boxes have them out of the box. This makes it easy to change firmware or uninstall preinstalled applications, freeing up disk space.
5. Compatible with TV. Make sure each device has the correct connector type. For modern TVs this is HDMI, for older models AV, RCA - a "tulip" is required on the set-top box.
6. Internet connection method. Not all TV-boxes are equipped with a Wi-Fi module, it is better to check its presence in addition before purchasing. If the connection is only wired, it is worth making sure that the input of the required type is on the device's case.
7. Operating system version. Most manufacturers of software for watching IP TV are targeting Android 7.0 and higher. It will be difficult to install some applications on consoles with an outdated OS, or they will not work correctly due to incomplete compatibility.
8. A set of options. Among the useful add-ons are the presence of a Bluetooth module, Chromecast support, voice control, 4K video broadcast.

When purchasing a TV box, you do not have to worry about the difficulties of connection. Most of these devices support several types of connection at once. Among them is HDMI, which is found in almost every modern TV. Through this port, an image is displayed on the screen, an audio signal passes, there is no need to use several wires at once. If it is present on the TV and on the set-top box, the connection procedure will be as follows.

1. Find in the set-top box or purchase an HDMI cable separately.
2. Connect them a TV and a TV-box.
3. Connect devices to the network.
4. In the TV settings, select HDMI as the source.

Continue setting while waiting for the TV-box screen saver to load. When you turn it on for the first time, you will need to select the source of the Internet connection, and then wait for the update and full loading of the operating system. If the TV belongs to an outdated model range, you can make the connection using the AV-out of the set-top box and RCA ("tulip") on the TV itself.

Accordingly, you will need a similar cable. If the set-top box has outputs for the "tulip", the wire can be of the RCA-RCA type. In the absence of analog connectors on the TV-box, you shouldn't despair either.

The difference between the connection and what is performed in the presence of a modern TV is the choice of the signal source. In the menu, you need to click the AV item, since this is the input that will be used to broadcast the image and sound. Connecting a TV-box also means establishing an Internet connection. It can be carried out through the following channels.

1. Internet cable provided by your ISP. To connect it, the set-top box must have a LAN port.
2. Router. In this case, LAN is used on the device distributing the Internet. A wired LAN connection is established with the router. Ethernet is selected in the STB menu on the TV screen.
3. Wi-Fi. A home network can be represented by both a mobile access point and a router with an appropriate wireless module. The desired item is selected in the STB menu. Then, when the access point is found, a password is entered, a connection is created.

By default, the TV-box package includes the main body, infrared remote control, cables. This is enough to connect. But when using the device, a number of difficulties may arise that can be easily eliminated on your own. In solving such problems when starting up and using TV boxes, the following tips will be helpful.

1. Unable to update programs. Most often this happens when you first launch the Play Market. In some cases, you just need to wait for the update of system services, check the relevance of the time and date. If this does not help, the application must be uninstalled and reinstalled. Sometimes the error is related to the incompatibility of external peripherals; when downloading and updating applications, it is better to turn off unnecessary devices.
2. Can't set up. When turned on for the first time, many users run into the difficulty of choosing parameters. The first thing to do is choose the type of network connection (cable or wireless). Then set the audio output. In the absence of DTS, Dolby Digital systems, select PCM.
3. Braking, appearance of error messages. It appears when there are too many commands. You can reboot your device. If such "symptoms" appear the first time you turn it on, you just have to wait for the installation and download of all updates, and sometimes firmware improvements.
4. The market does not have the necessary applications for watching TV and video, browser, social networks. You can install them on a flash drive after downloading them as APK files. There is also another solution. You need to install only 1 application - Aptoide TV, which is an alternative application store, and then download the necessary programs. It is only important to indicate in the settings that installation from unknown sources is allowed.
5. I cannot broadcast video from the screen through my tablet / phone. If Chromecast is not available on devices, you will not be able to connect wirelessly. If you have one, you just need to pair it.
6. Not enough memory. Like other Android devices, TV-box periodically needs to clear cached data. In addition, by choosing a budget set-top box with a small amount of memory, you can soon find that it runs out of space for applications. An external drive will help to solve the problem.

With the advent of the TV-box on the Android operating system, they have a lot of fans. According to users, such set-top boxes have completely solved the problem of equipping TVs with modern functions that do not have a pre-installed OS. However, not all models meet expectations. The biggest share of disappointment comes from goods from Chinese Internet sites. They are the ones who receive the lion's share of criticism for shortcomings. It often turns out to be an unreadable menu, a weak Wi-Fi antenna is installed, which is not capable of receiving a sufficiently reliable signal.

As for TV boxes with manufacturer support and officially installed Google services, things are pretty good here. Buyers note a wide selection of models, recommend choosing options in the middle price range. The ease of connection, the availability of customization options with firmware replacement are noted. Most brands regularly release updates for their set-top boxes, in addition, this is a real solution for watching Internet TV where there are problems with receiving digital or satellite channels.

The most common complaints about TV-box operation are related to prolonged switching on, difficulties with updating applications and installing programs. In addition, in many cases applications run in the background, overload the set-top box, and lead to crashes. The more functions are available, the more difficult it becomes to understand the sources of problems.

The owner's review of the XIAOMI MI BOX S model, see below.