How to choose a Smart TV set-top box for a TV?

The development of technological progress and the introduction of the latest technology has allowed the release of a television device with advanced functionality. In addition to additional resources, modern equipment has a high cost, so not every user can purchase Smart TV. In this case, there is a great alternative, in which you should not abandon the outdated model of technology, but choose the Smart TV set-top box for your television device. In this article we will look at how to choose a Smart TV set-top box for a TV.

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SMART TV Technology Features

Smart TV is characterized by the expansion of the media characteristics of the device, such as:

• the ability to view video and audio formats from existing social networks;
• surfing the Internet, when browsing websites;
• the presence of synchronization with other devices - a personal computer, laptop, tablet;
• some models have the ability to control hand gestures;
• the presence of the Smart Apps application store can install different programs;
• Watching videos on YouTube channels
• the ability to communicate on skype.

To use all the services of Smart functionality, just purchase an Android set-top box for a stationary television device. Concerned about the reliable installation of this device and other devices, we recommend that you study top-best surge protectors for household appliances.

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How to choose a Smart prefix?

When choosing a Smart set-top box, you must carefully read the following parameters for a future acquisition:

• TV connection interface;
• operating system;
• hardware requirements;
• file formats;
• equipment;
• form factor;
• Internet connection;
• power supply method.

Let us consider these characteristics in more detail in order to determine the most optimal model of interactive consoles.

Interface or connection to TV

Before you purchase a Smart TV box, you need to clarify the type of connector that is present on the television. Most modern television devices have an HDMI port. Thanks to him, the smart box is connected and the signal transmission is stable, which has excellent quality.

Important! Some outdated TV models do not have such a port - in this case, you must turn on via VGA or AV. Therefore, the model you have chosen must have the appropriate “sockets”.

Hardware requirements or processor, memory, hard drive

“Iron” is able to directly affect the image quality on a television device, the signal transmission speed. The higher the value of the memory, hard disk and processor parameters, the more comfortable the information is perceived.

Until recently, the following parameters were present, which were considered the best option:

• the presence of 2 GB of RAM;
• dual-core processor operation;
• the presence of an 8 GB hard drive, or the so-called “hard drive”.

Currently, these options may not be enough to choose the best Smart TV set-top boxes.In addition, the Windows operating system will also require additional features, since it competes with the familiar Android operating system located on these devices. The increased parameters are mainly necessary for gamers who are fond of “heavy” video games.

Important! If the budget allows, then the model can be diversified:

• 4 or 8 core processors;
• increase in physical volumes of hard drives;
• implement large RAM.

Operating system - choose Android or Windows?

When choosing a system, it is only up to the buyer to decide which option to stop.

Most smart devices operate on the Android operating system, but, at the same time, there are a lot of models that are equipped with the Windows operating system. Both options are quite acceptable, but the use of OC Android is much preferable, since it has developed a large number of convenient applications and many games that are constantly updated.

Important! An important factor is that the Android system is much less demanding on hardware, therefore, with equal hardware characteristics, it has a high data processing speed.

For the presence of a higher speed of the Windows operating system, an improved processor model is required, a large RAM, which as a result leads to an increase in acquisition costs. Among the positive aspects, one can note the presence of advanced functionality due to the office suite, which in some cases allows replacing a regular personal computer.

File formats or what can I see?

There are a variety of formats for storing and transmitting data that are subject to reading by the Smart set-top box. This could be a list:

• MP4;
• WMV;
• MKV;
• WMA
• DivX

Important! As a rule, manufacturers try to provide a similar opportunity and therefore Smart consoles are able to reproduce a similar function. According to the attached documents when buying, make sure the functioning of the proposed formats.

Internet connection

There are two types of internet connection:

• via Wi-Fi;
• via an RJ45 internet cable.

If there is wireless connection with a router in the room, it is preferable to choose a set-top box with a Wi-Fi adapter. It should be located as close as possible to the signal source, since there is a limitation of its abilities.

Important! Smart consoles with the presence of Wi-Fi catch the signal much better if there is an external antenna.

The option of cable connection to the network assumes the presence of an Ethernet port, due to which the corresponding cable is connected.

Important! In the absence of such an element, you will need to purchase a LAN-USB adapter that connects to USB, and an RJ45 cable is already connected to it.

Form factor - choose a box or flash?

Smart set-top boxes for the TV are presented in two forms:

• flash drive;
• boxing or the so-called box.

How to choose a Smart Android prefix for a TV by form factor? According to their characteristics, they are mostly comparable, but there are also nuances:

• Flash consoles are more compact. They have the ability to connect to a TV device via USB, equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, have a much smaller number of additional connectors, operate mainly with modern models of TV receivers.
• In addition to the adapter for wireless connection, the box boxes are equipped with a LAN connector, are able to connect to a television device via HDMI, VGA, AV, and have additional USB connectors. Larger size allows you to have better hardware characteristics. Plus, they are less susceptible to the heating process. This form can be recommended to users who have an old TV model.

Options or peripherals for easy operation

The set of consoles may contain additional equipment - peripherals, expanding its functions, which allows for comfortable use.

Peripheral equipment may consist of:

• remote control
• webcams for organizing video calls;
• keyboard, thanks to which through the TV there is work with office applications and other documents.

Important! The webcam can be built-in, but at the same time it has a small resolution. Therefore, it is better to purchase a webcam separately - in this case you will have high-quality visual contact using a wide screen TV device.

Power Method:

• Basically, Smart consoles are provided with a power supply for connecting to a 220V network.
• There are similar models that receive power from a television device via a USB connection. This option is preferable because it does not require an additional outlet, which is very important for a large number of electricity consumers.

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Which company to give preference?

It is very difficult to single out the best set-top box company for a digital television device. There is no ideal manufacturer, since some functions can be considered as positive aspects, and as “programs to load”. That is why it is very difficult to determine the best Smart set-top boxes for TV. For some users, the settings and menus may seem too simple, but for others it may be very convenient. The same model can cause conflicting reviews.

Generations of digital set-top boxes by TELEFUNKEN, BBK and Sven, which have been manufacturing digital technology for many years, are represented on the modern market. Developers take into account the shortcomings of past years, constantly make adjustments to the software and equipment mechanics.

Important! When choosing a set-top box, you should not give preference to a high-profile brand, but it is better to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of a particular model and make your purchase using them.

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Rating of the best TV set-top boxes for digital television

Today in the modern market there are a huge number of set-top boxes for digital television. Consider a review of Internet set-top boxes for a TV. And also, which is important when installing this equipment, we bring to your attention rating of routers.

D-COLOR-DC1002HD

D-COLOR DC1002HD - is a TV set-top box that helps to play digital video in FULLHD format.

Benefits:

• low cost;
• quite convenient menu;
• qualitatively catches a signal.

Disadvantages:

• lack of sound playback in Dolby Digital format;
• heats up very much;
• the presence of a massive, uncomfortable remote control.

D-COLOR DC1002HD consumer reviews vary widely:

• Many users have noted excellent signal reception quality and the presence of high performance for a reasonable price.
• When assembling the equipment, many technical aspects were not taken into account - some formats are not reproduced, the device often overheats.
• Many complaints come to the remote control, which operates in a narrow range. In order for the console to respond to orders, the remote control must be sent strictly to the side of the device.

Important! This option is suitable for a kitchen or a summer residence.

TELEFUNKEN-TF-DVBT201

TELEFUNKEN TF-DVBT201 - is a set-top box for recording and viewing a digital television device.

Benefits:

• perfectly catches a signal;
• the presence of the main ports and connectors;
• relatively low cost;
• the ability to play almost all formats.

Disadvantages:

• freezes when turned on;
• during operation heats up;
• poor functionality of the remote.

According to user reviews, the TELEFUNKEN TF-DVT201 is a great prefix. Regardless of the location of the city or the countryside, the device perfectly catches signals. It can be used as a regular player.

Important! Minor flaws in the form of a tendency to overheat can be eliminated by banal peeling of the film.

Tesler-dsr-10

Tesler DSR-10 is a multifunctional TV set-top box, capable of playing digital TV and multimedia from media with a capacity of up to 2 TB, therefore, belongs to the category of the best Smart TV set-top boxes.

Benefits:

• selection of several types of connectors;
• the presence of a metal casing-heat sink;
• equipped with rich functionality;
• the ability to record on a flash drive simultaneously two television programs;
• Superior signal reception.

Disadvantages:

• lack of the NEA codec in some versions;
• the remote control is quite inconvenient;
• the menu is not fully worked out;
• lack of support for DTS sound.

Important! Users of the Tesler DSR-10 model note the convenience of the device and the high functionality of the set-top box. A large number of so-called “disadvantages” can be classified as minor inconveniences.

Particular attention should be paid to such a model, since in the budget series this equipment is the most attractive option.

BBK-SMP136HDT2

BBK SMP136HDT2 is a set-top box that reproduces a weak signal in high definition.

Benefits:

• low cost;
• perfectly catches a signal in any territory;
• the ability to support most common formats;
• compactness;
• during operation does not freeze;
• in the process of work is not heated.

Disadvantages:

• the presence of a sophisticated menu compared to previous versions of models;
• the number of connectors is insufficient;
• with screen modes overlays are possible.

Important! There are neutral reviews of the BBK SMP136HDT2 model:

• The control of the console takes place only if there is a remote control that must be sent strictly to the tuner, and the developers did not bother to bring out the buttons on the panel.
• A number of familiar connectors are missing.

Basically, the prefix is ​​an average model that fully justifies the funds invested in it.

Oriel-963- (DVB-T2)

Oriel 963 (DVB-T2) is a device for broadcasting digital TV using the highest possible settings.

Benefits:

• high sensitivity;
• strong metal case;
• the ability to support DD;
• selection of a large number of connectors;
• simple connection option;
• simultaneously watching digital TV and recording.

Disadvantages:

• The menu is complicated.

Important! Users of the Oriel 963 (DVB-T2) model note the excellent signal reception level and high functionality of the device. But the present drawback, expressed in the inconvenience of the menu, can complicate management with daily use. Sometimes there are complaints about a whistle, although in general the device works well and has a fairly robust design.

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The best consoles for Smart TV

Consider the best consoles Smart TV.

UPVEL-UM-501TV

UPVEL UM-501TV device for Smart TV, which has the ability to connect multiple devices.

Benefits:

• low cost;
• simplicity in management and setup;
• large amount of memory.

Disadvantages:

• Badly catches WIFI.

Important! This option is slightly unfinished. For full operation, you need to purchase an additional cable, in addition, you should configure the signal reception. At the same price, you can choose a more advanced option.

M8-Android-TV-Box

Model M8 Android TV Box allows you to play digital TV and surf the Internet.

Benefits:

• processor 4 cores, frequency 2 GHz;
• RAM 2 GB and 8 GB flash;
• WIFI with high speed;
• many connectors and ports;
• game console;
• support for all formats;
• access to any Internet resource;
• skype

Disadvantages:

• cost.

Important! According to user reviews, this model is worth paying attention to. The console has no format restrictions.

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Which TV box is better to buy?

When buying, you should find out the signal level, since preference for devices with sensitive search:

• If the TV tower is far away, then choose the BBK SMP136HDT2 model.
• In the city, you can opt for the SUPRA SDT-120 model, which has a sharper image.
• The Tesler DSR-10 is the perfect choice for a budget.

Important! If you are not particularly strong in installation issues, not wanting to reinvent the wheel, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the detailed description router settings and settings. 

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Stock footage

As you can see, the choice is more than rich, so you have all the possibilities, within the framework of your budget, to expand the functionality of a conventional TV, while receiving a ton of new features!