Smart TV is an innovative system that allows you to significantly expand the functionality of your TV. Installing a “smart” television provides various opportunities: watching movies and TV shows online, synchronizing with a personal computer, laptop and tablet, using video hosting resources, communicating on social networks.
How to choose a Smart set-top box for your TV? What are the main features of her work? What types does it come in? What are the most popular models? Let's look at these and other aspects in more detail.
About Smart TV technology
Smart TV is a platform that allows you to turn your TV into a multimedia center. The Smart TV set-top box is equipped with a wireless protocol, USB ports, interfaces for a wired network, audio and video outputs, and peripheral devices. A set-top box that supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology provides access to all the possibilities of the Internet.
Management in the Smart TV platform is carried out using special widgets. In addition to control using the remote control, there are three original control methods:
- Voice control. A special voice recognition system allows you to change applications, switch channels, and control sound;
- Gesture control. By moving your hand, you can move the cursor around the screen; by squeezing your palm, you can select an icon or the corresponding item in the menu;
- An additional Magic Remote that allows you to select with a cursor, use gestures, scroll a wheel or voice commands.
Voice control Gesture control Magic Remote
The main functions of TV set-top boxes include:
- latest information - access to news, weather forecasts, various events;
- ordering goods and services - for example, you can order food and medicine;
- Internet television - you can watch movies, TV series and TV shows online in high quality;
- music - the ability to connect to radio stations around the world is provided;
- social networks - support is provided for VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Twitter, Facebook and other social networks;
- Google services - opens access to various services: Google Play Music, Google Play Movies, Google Play Games, YouTube;
- Skype - modern media players make it possible to use all the possibilities of communication in Skype.
Important!
The set-top box can be used with any type of TV, including CRT models. The quality of the image and sound depends both on the signal and on the screen resolution and the functions of the built-in audio systems.
Therefore, it is advisable to connect the set-top box to modern TVs.
What is a media player and why is it needed?
A media player is a device for playing content (movies, photos, network streaming) on TVs without a Smart TV function or with a player with truncated functionality.
Mostly content is played from traditional storage media: DVDs or CDs, flash drives, external hard drives, and so on. However, you can play movies, TV series, music videos on your TV, as well as open files using an inexpensive media player. Modern models support an Internet connection, including the Wi-Fi wireless protocol.
Connecting a media player to a TV allows you to transform it into a Smart TV. The user will be able to watch TV series and films online. Equipment of this type supports maximum resolution and modern formats. Therefore, high-quality image transmission is guaranteed.
Now you know what a media player is for. Previously, only a few companies were involved in the production of such equipment. However, today the range has expanded significantly; new brands have appeared in this area, creating equipment for both the budget and premium segments. Choosing the right player for your TV will guarantee practical operation.
Some models are equipped with a built-in multimedia player, but its functionality is significantly inferior to independent players. Therefore, it is more advisable to purchase a separate device.
Criteria for choosing a Smart TV set-top box
How to choose a Smart TV set-top box for your TV? You should pay attention to the following features:
operating system
Most smart devices run on Android, but many models support Windows OS. Each option has its own advantages:
- Android. The popularity of this operating system is explained by the fact that many different games and applications have been created for it. It is also worth noting its low OS requirements for hardware;
- Windows . This system is characterized by an expanded range of functions due to the presence of an office suite. However, it requires a more advanced processor and more RAM, and therefore costs more.
Note! Modern set-top boxes running on the Android OS usually have pre-installed applications: browsers, online communication tools, social networking applications, text and spreadsheet editors.
Hardware component
It determines how efficiently the device can run games and applications.
Please pay attention to:
- CPU. Modern set-top boxes can support quad-core or eight-core processors. The most popular are Amlogic and Rockchip multi-core processors. A good processor ensures proper device performance;
- RAM. The minimum volume is 1-2 GB. A high amount of RAM is extremely important for a smart set-top box. With a low volume, the efficiency of the device decreases, “braking” will appear when loading and other troubles;
- Built-in memory (hard drive). The minimum volume is usually 8 GB. A high amount of built-in memory is necessary for working with large applications, games, etc. However, even if the amount of built-in memory is small, it can be expanded using special MicroSD cards.
Note!
Quad-core processors can successfully handle most routine tasks (dual-core processors are practically not produced today). In order to watch videos in 1080p (Full HD) or run large games, you need to purchase an eight-core processor. It is also recommended to have a graphics coprocessor in order to reproduce high-quality video images.
Connection method to TV
There are several main interfaces for connecting the set-top box to the TV:
- VGA (Video Graphics Array). This is an old standard, adopted back in 1987. It is not used on modern TV models. This interface is capable of receiving and transmitting analog video signals. However, there is no sound transmission in this option. When connecting a set-top box, make sure that the TV is equipped with an appropriate VGA connector. But to connect sound you need a separate cable;
- DVI (Digital Visual Interface). This is a digital interface that appeared in 1999. It is used in televisions, LCD monitors and PC video cards. Provides high-quality image transmission without sound. Today, the DVI interface has almost completely replaced the VGA interface. Modern TV models usually have a universal DVI-I connector for connecting analog and digital signals;
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). First appeared in 2003. It is a high-resolution multimedia interface. All modern TVs are equipped with an HDMI connector. The signal is transmitted in digital format, which allows you to maintain the original quality. Using this connection, successful transmission of both video and audio signals is ensured.
Basic interfaces for connecting the set-top box to the TV
Note! The HDMI port allows you to achieve the best broadcast quality, but it may not be installed on all TVs. In its absence, the connection can occur via the VGA or AV interface, and this requires the appropriate sockets.
Device form
Smart TV set-top boxes can come in two main forms: a flash drive and a box/box. They are similar in their parameters, but you need to pay attention to various nuances:
- Flash consoles. These are small devices that look like flash drives. They are equipped with USB ports and Wi-Fi adapters, and the number of additional connectors is small. Advantages: compact size and low cost. Such devices are compatible exclusively with new TV models;
- Boxes. They have dimensions similar to those of a router. They can connect to a TV via HDMI, VGA, and have additional USB connectors. Compared to flash drives, boxes have better hardware characteristics. Thanks to passive cooling systems (radiators), they are less susceptible to overheating. Some boxes may be equipped with a keyboard.
Flash console Box
Format support
When purchasing a device for smart TV, you should make sure whether it can support various file formats: WMV, MP4, MKV, WMA, DivX, AAC, Dolby Digital, JPEG, JPG, RAW, etc.
This possibility depends on the level of hardware of the platform.
Internet connection
This can be done in two main ways:
- Wi-Fi adapter. Recommended if you have Wi-Fi access. It is advisable to place the router close to the signal source, since the wireless adapter usually has limited power;
- Via RJ45 internet cable. This is a wired connection and usually includes an Ethernet port. If this port is missing, the connection is made using a LAN-USB adapter.
Power supply method
To power most of the set-top boxes, a regular 220 V power supply is used. But some devices are powered via the USB port on the TV.
The latter option is preferable, since it does not require an additional outlet for a significant number of consumers.
Availability of antenna
In order for a set-top box with a Wi-Fi adapter to better catch the signal, it is better to install an external antenna.
Equipment
Which Smart TV set-top box to choose for your TV? Increased attention should be paid to the features of its configuration. Smart TV set-top boxes can be equipped with additional equipment that increases their ease of use:
- keyboard for comfortable work with a variety of applications and documents;
- remote control (RC) to perform the necessary settings of the set-top box;
- webcam with microphone for organizing video calls in Skype.
Note! The webcam may be built-in, but its resolution is limited. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase it separately, which will ensure high-quality eye contact.
The best Smart TV set-top boxes for TVs
Which Smart TV set-top box to choose for your TV? Let's look at the most popular models in various price segments.
Budget segment
| Model | Characteristics |
| X96 Android Smart TV Box The moderate price and good filling ensure a fairly high demand for this TV set-top box. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
The cost is about 2000 rubles. | |
| Z28 TV Box This set-top box successfully combines high-performance hardware, good software and reasonable cost. Specifications:
Advantages:
The disadvantage is the low speed of flash memory. The cost is about 2000 rubles. | |
| Nexbox A5 S905X This set-top box is distinguished by its miniature size with a fairly high level of performance. Specifications:
The cost is about 2000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
|
Middle price segment
| Model | Characteristics |
| Beelink R68 This is a compact box with high performance and a wide range of functions that can be connected to both a TV and a PC monitor. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
The cost is about 4000 rubles. | |
| Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced Edition This Chinese-made media player is distinguished by wide functionality, providing comfortable viewing of various TV programs and films. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
The cost is about 4000 rubles. | |
| MECOOL M8S PRO This is a modern TV set-top box based on the Android 7.1 operating system, which is characterized by a stylish plastic body, high performance and ease of use. Specifications:
Cost - 4500-5000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
|
Premium models
| Model | Characteristics |
| iconBIT XDS94K This is a new generation set-top box that can support both a wired connection to the network and a wireless connection via the built-in Wi-Fi module. Specifications:
The cost is about 8,000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
| |
| Apple TV Gen 4 This fourth-generation model from Apple has many advantages: natural integration into the Apple media space, a built-in Bluetooth controller, and a highly efficient wireless Wi-Fi connection. Specifications:
The cost is about 10,000 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
| |
| Dune HD Solo 4K This is one of the most expensive modern TV set-top boxes, characterized by a large number of different functions and capabilities. Specifications:
Advantages:
Flaws:
Cost - about 15,000 rubles. |
How to find out if my TV supports ARC HDMI
ARC supports the vast majority of Smart TVs, even those models that have been discontinued as obsolete.
If your TV has HDMI 1.4 or later, it most likely supports ARC. And recent year models with HDMI 2.1 already come with eARC.
However, fortune telling is not our method. Take a look at the back of the TV. The presence of such a nest as in the photo below is the answer to your question.
