Smart TV set-top box review. Digital TV set-top box: my reviews and how to choose

Probably everyone asks this question when it comes time to buy a Smart TV set-top box. If you look at the variety of these devices on the Internet, your head may spin. SMART TV set-top boxes come in the form of a sticker and a box, with or without an antenna, and in different shapes and sizes, and at different prices. SMART TV set-top boxes are often called Android TV Box or Mini PC android set-top boxes, because in fact the SMART TV set-top box has a mini computer with the Android operating system installed.
In fact, almost all SMART TV set-top boxes are made on the basis of a Rockchip processor (less often on Allwinner, Amlogic) and for the most part, even the printed circuit boards are the same in all set-top boxes. But the housings of SMART TV set-top boxes are different, and here it’s up to everyone. Some add $10 to the cost of SMART TV for their logo, some add $20, and some add all of $50. The funny thing is that there are identical cases, but different manufacturer logos and SMART TV set-top boxes have different prices. Moreover, new firmware often fits from one manufacturer to another, so the manufacturer and brand of the SMART TV set-top box is absolutely not important.

If you want to buy a SMART TV set-top box, then first of all choose which processor you want: 2-core (Rockchip RK3066), 4-core (Rockchip RK3188 or RK3288, Amlogic S802, S812, M805) or 8-core (Rockchip RK3288, Amlogic S905 ). If you buy a SMART TV set-top box and watch HD 720p video on it (HD quality 720 lines), then you need a SMART TV set-top box based on a 2-core processor, but they stopped producing them in 2014. However, if you want to watch videos in HD 1080p format (HD 1080 lines), and also play powerful 3D games or racing games, then you are better off buying a SMART TV set-top box based on a 4-core processor (Rockchip RK3188, Amlogic S802). If you plan to watch 4K video, then you should take a closer look at SMART TV set-top boxes based on the Rockchip RK3288 processor, as well as 8-core processors (Rockchip RK3368, Amlogic S905).
What can we say about the form factor of SMART TV set-top boxes? Now you can buy a SMART TV set-top box in the form of a sticker (the size of a flash drive) or in the form of a box (the size of a mini media player). Now on the market you can already buy SMART TV set-top boxes with an external antenna; as a rule, with an external antenna, Wi-Fi reception is more reliable and there are no connection interruptions. However, again, it all depends on where you have your WI-FI router. As a rule, reception within the same apartment is always stable.

What can you say about the operating system? Set-top boxes with Android and Windows OS are now available for sale.

It can be said that 2016 is the year of eight-core SMART TV set-top boxes Android, a year of set-top boxes on the Intel processor and set-top boxes on the Windows operating system. Until this time, the main operating system for smart TV set-top boxes was Android OS. Therefore, many more multimedia applications have already been written for Android for watching TV programs, videos, films, and games. The secret of success is quite simple, the Windows system is much more resource-demanding, so on the same console, applications will run faster in the Android OS, but on Windows they will slow down. To prevent applications from slowing down, you will have to buy a faster set-top box, but it will be more expensive. Everyone who chooses a smart TV set-top box encounters something like this. Therefore, all other things being equal, a SMART TV set-top box for Android will be cheaper. There are also more programs for Android for watching movies, online TV and videos; the interface is much more convenient, which is tailored specifically for SMART TV.

The advantage of Windows SMART TV set-top boxes is that it is a ready-made mini computer that can replace a simple laptop or personal computer. It has all the usual office applications, web browsers, and email programs; it can be used in the office as a work computer. The only thing such a computer cannot handle is heavy 3D games, programs for working with 3D graphics, large databases, etc.

Internal memory also plays a big role in the operation of a SMART TV set-top box. The minimum requirements for today are minimum 1GB RAM (random access memory) and 8GB flash memory. If you have less RAM, the set-top box may slow down under load. If you have less flash memory, then you will not be able to install large, good applications, games, country maps, etc.

There is a built-in camera in SMART TV set-top boxes, but it is inconvenient to use; we recommend buying the camera separately.

RAM– fast RAM, which is temporarily used when running applications. Flash memory– memory where applications are installed and applications are permanently stored.
Some SMART TV set-top boards use the Broadcom AP6330 Wi-Fi chip, which allows operation at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This has a positive effect on the quality of communication.
What are the alternatives to SMART TV set-top boxes?

An alternative to SMART TV set-top boxes on Android OS is a laptop or mini PC (mini unit without a monitor) on Windows OS. What's the difference, which pros and cons:
+ SMART TV set-top box on Android OS is more convenient in terms of use, search, installation and removal of programs.
+ There are now many more programs for Android than for Windows. Under the Android OS there are many high-quality games with stunning graphics, useful programs for watching movies online. All programs necessary for operation are already installed in the set-top box: Browser, Skype, ivi, megogo, media players, XBMC, a package for viewing Word, Excel, PDF documents and much more.
+ SMART TV set-top box on Android OS is 2-2.5 times cheaper than a mini PC on Windows OS (similar in speed).
— The SMART TV set-top box on Android OS does not have a Windows operating system and you will not be able to run Windows programs on it; you will need to find an alternative program for Android OS and download it from Google Play. There are a lot of programs on Google Play, hundreds of thousands, and you can always find an alternative.

What processors are used in SMART TV set-top boxes?

Smart TV set-top boxes are made on the basis of two nuclear processors, four nuclear ones, and also on processors with a large number of cores. The higher the processor frequency and the greater the number of cores, the faster the smart TV set-top box works. To play video in FULL HD 720p quality (lines), two nuclear smart TV set-top boxes with a frequency of 1.6 GHz are sufficient. To play video in FULL HD 1080p quality (lines), a four-core smart TV set-top box with a frequency of 1.6 GHz is sufficient. To play video in 4K quality, you will need set-top boxes with 8-core processors, or an RK3288 processor (it is the most powerful of the 4-core ones).
The most popular SMART TV set-top boxes are made on the basis of RockChip processors; the processor manufacturer is Fuzhou Rockchip Electronics. Smart TV set-top boxes also use Amlogic and Allwinner processors, but there are much fewer of them on the market.
In addition to the main processor, smart TV set-top boxes also use a graphics processor. The graphics processor in smart TV boxes is responsible for processing graphics, therefore, to watch videos in good quality, as well as for dynamic games, a good and fast graphics processor is required. Currently, the smart TV set-top box market uses the Mali-400 GPU, which has already proven itself well, as well as the Mali 450 GPU, PowerVR G6110, Mali-T764 (with support for 4K TVs) for particularly demanding consumers.

What programs are available on the SMART TV set-top box?

Now there are programs for Android to suit any requirements of the owner of a SMART TV set-top box. All new programs are installed through the Google Play application. Below is a list of the most popular programs for Android:
Browser for Internet access: Chrome, Firefox, Opera
Free telephony, chat, social networks: Skype, Vkontakte, Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsAPP, Viber, Twitter, etc.
Working with text documents and spreadsheets: Open Office, Google Docs, OfficeSuite, etc.
Watching movies, TV series, documentaries, radio: ivi, megogo, zoomby, TuneIn Radio, etc.
Watch online TV channels: Megogo, Divan.tv, oll.tv
Games: Tanktastic (online tank battles, similar to World of Tanks), Real Racing (super racing), CHAOS (helicopter battles), Beach Buggy Blitz (fun racing), Offroad Legend (intellectual racing), etc.
Maps: Google Maps, Yandex maps, Maps With Me, etc.
Video players: MX Player, VLC Player, MoboPlayer, BSPlayer, VPlayer, etc.

How to watch movies online on a SMART TV set-top box?

You can watch movies online on a SMART TV set-top box using various free programs (services). Just choose your favorite movie/show/series and watch it with pleasure! The main popular services include Megogo, Divan.tv, oll.tv, etc.

What is the difference between a SMART TV set-top box and TVs with the SMART TV function?

In simple words, a TV with SMART TV has a SMART TV set-top box that has been cut down in terms of functions and speed. It is better to buy a set-top box and update it when new devices enter the market than to change the TV every year; it will be cheaper and more practical. This is exactly what TV manufacturers are waiting for, so that when you come to the store, you become interested in the new feature on the TV and decide to buy it. This stimulation of demand is the law of market life.

Buy a SMART TV set-top box or TV with SMART function?

SMART TV set-top boxes have many more functions than TVs with SMART function. Therefore, if you have a normal TV at home, don’t waste money, buy a SMART TV set-top box and you will have a home TV with all the functions of SMART TV and even more. A SMART TV set-top box is a fast computer with an Android or Windows operating system, and is only the size of a matchbox! You can install any applications and do whatever you want on it, your possibilities are unlimited!

How to connect a SMART TV set-top box to a TV or monitor?

The SMART TV set-top box is connected to the TV via an HDMI port. There are models of SMART TV set-top boxes with the ability to connect via an analog input (“tulip”, AV input like monitors). It is important to note that it is better to connect the SMART TV set-top box only via the HDMI port, then there will be no loss in image quality. When connecting a SMART TV set-top box via an analog input, you will experience losses in image quality on the TV/monitor.

A SMART TV set-top box can be connected to a monitor and turned into a TV out of an old monitor! If your monitor has an HDMI input, then there will be no difficulties with the connection. And if there is no HDMI, then you will have to connect, for example, through an analog standard VGA connector for monitors + an adapter to HDMI.

SMART TV set-top box with a built-in video camera and without a video camera, what to choose?

There are models of SMART TV set-top boxes with a built-in camera, but imagine how you will use this camera, where you need to place the SMART TV set-top box so that you can be seen on Skype and at the same time you are not very far away. The design of many SMART TV set-top boxes with a built-in camera does not allow them to be moved and rotated far. In addition, in many SMART TV set-top boxes with built-in video cameras, the quality of the video cameras themselves leaves much to be desired.
Therefore, we advise you to buy a camera separately from a SMART TV set-top box, then you can use this camera with a laptop, with a home computer and connect it to a SMART TV set-top box. You can attach the video camera where it is convenient for you, at the desired angle and distance from you, so that you have a good picture when communicating on Skype. This is much easier than moving a SMART TV set-top box around the room.

Popular online store GearBest identified the top five most popular TV set-top boxes at the moment. The list includes both new market products and long-established console models.

2. (Official International Version) Xiaomi Mi

Second place went to an excellent TV box, notable for the fact that it works under the control of the system Android TV 6.0, which means a convenient interface and high-quality voice control. Quad-core processor Cortex-A53 2.0GHz and the Mali 450 750MHz video chip will allow the console to play 4K 60fps video without any problems. The set-top box does not have an Ethernet port, but it has the best WiFi reception of all set-top boxes: 2.4GHz/5GHz. There is 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory, Bluetooth 4.0/3.0.

In third place is the budget model of the SCISHION V88 set-top box, powered by a quad-core processor. Rockchip 3229 with 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC memory for applications. Despite the modest price, the set-top box supports many modern functions, including playback 4K H.265 video.
Order SCISHION V88 with free shipping.

In fourth position is the most popular TV box running on a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory. This set-top box has been on sale for a long time and has gained a good reputation thanks to its problem-free operation. There is a 64-bit Android 6.0 system, WiFi 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 4.0.

And the top five is rounded out by the extremely popular console, which was one of the first to enter the market with an eight-core processor Amlogic S912. The set-top box runs the OS Android 6.0, has 2GB of RAM and 16 or 32GB of internal memory, gigabit LAN, WiFi 2.4G + 5.8G, Bluetooth 4.0. In operation, the console is not much different from its older model GT1 Ultimate, so it's still an excellent choice.

DVB-T2 set-top boxes: Inexpensive

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

This set-top box with a wide range of functions showed good results in HD image quality, as well as in playing Full HD video from a flash drive. But the main thing is that it supports the AC3 codec, which means that your films will always have sound, and you won’t have to dance with a tambourine.

There are channel switching buttons on the front panel, but they are useless without a remote control. The remote control is small, but this is not critical. The IR signal receiver is capricious, you have to aim.

Channels change within about a second. During testing, the store manager dropped the device on the floor, but there was not a scratch left on the metal casing.

Advantages

HD image output
Metal body
AC3 codec support
Channel switching buttons are located on the front panel

Cons

Not the most convenient remote control
You have to aim at the IR receiver

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer / Multifunctional/ IPTV support

Main advantages

A full-fledged media player and a standard TV receiver, I would call it that. From the point of view of digital signal reception, this is a solid average: if you have a good UHF antenna, it catches the existing channels with a bang.

Control is only from the remote control, the remote control itself is not bad, the IR receiver saw it well, there was no need to aim.

But the player was frankly pleasing. Two USB ports, omnivorous playback, network card, good Wi-Fi module. I managed to watch a couple of videos from YouTube - they run without any slowdowns, the quality is not great, but you can watch it.

The device works quickly, channels are switched quickly, and the menu is also quick. The Amlogic S805 Cortex A5 processor (1.5 GHz) with a Mali-450MP graphics accelerator and 1 GB of RAM make themselves felt. Firmware - Android 4.4.

Advantages

Good signal reception quality
HD image output
Omnivorous player
Ability to watch video content from the Internet
Two USB sockets
HDMI cable included

Cons

Pre-installed applications in the firmware do not work
Remote control only

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

A fairly inexpensive universal set-top box with two tuners for receiving both digital and cable television.

The setup seemed quite intuitive to me, although more complex than on simple devices. You must select the starting channel, otherwise the radio channel will go first every time you turn it on.

The quality of the digital TV signal is decent, it can be picked up by a simple antenna. It is possible to connect a Wi-Fi adapter; not all models are suitable. The range of Internet functions is limited: YouTube, RSS feeds, weather forecast, Web-TV.

Recording TV content to a flash drive is possible, but it puts a lot of load on the device, which sometimes causes stuttering. In my opinion, the device is convenient for those who already have cable, but want digital channels as well, and are too lazy to constantly re-plug the plugs.

Advantages

Good digital signal reception quality
Two built-in tuners
HD image output
Possibility of connecting a Wi-Fi adapter
Metal body

Cons

Not all Wi-Fi adapters are suitable

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

The contrast LED display displays the broadcast channel number while the set-top box is operating, as well as the current time in standby mode
Wi-Fi support (you need to purchase an additional adapter to connect) provides quick access to various Internet resources (IPTV, You Tube, Megogo)
Special software “LUMAX Cinema”, which comes with the package, allows you to connect to a large online library of video content (more than 2500 films)
The set-top box is protected from short circuits, which guarantees the device a long service life even with unstable power supply parameters
The powerful RT850 tuner ensures stable reception of TV channels in digital broadcasting even with weak signal levels

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

Ability to update firmware via USB connector on the front panel or via Wi-Fi
An Internet connection provides access to a large number of popular online services, including You Tube, Megogo, IPTV, weather forecast and news.
Multiple PLB mode support ensures simultaneous transmission of multiple channels in one data stream, allowing you to switch between programs without time delay
Broadcasting video in HD format allows you to watch content in high definition
Built-in “parental control” and “TV guide” modes, as well as the ability to record broadcasts to external media, expand the functionality of the set-top box

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

The case with perforations on the bottom panel and on the lid ensures effective heat removal and natural cooling of radio elements even during long-term operation of the set-top box.
On the front panel there are control buttons for the set-top box, as well as a digital display that displays the current time and broadcast channel
The presence of an HDMI interface allows you to connect the set-top box to the TV via one cable, improving the quality of picture and sound transmission
The built-in tuner provides not only reception of digital terrestrial, but also open cable channels
Thanks to two USB connectors (on the back and on the front panel), you can connect a Wi-Fi adapter to the set-top box for accessing the network, as well as an external drive

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

Thanks to the built-in media player, the set-top box supports video playback in HD format and also works with the AC3 codec
The EPG (Electronic Guide) function displays information about digital broadcast programs and allows you to record programs at specific time intervals
To connect to modern flat-panel TVs, you can use the HDMI interface, but if the TV is old, then you can use a traditional RCA cable (“tulips”)
The USB connector on the front panel allows you to connect any compatible external drive
Thanks to MultiPLP Technology, several broadcast channels are transmitted simultaneously in one stream, which ensures switching between programs without time delay

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

“Time Shift” mode allows you to watch your favorite programs in delayed mode at a time convenient for the user
You can connect an external HDD or Flash drive to the set-top box via a USB port to view photos and videos.
Thanks to the PVR function, you can record digital broadcasts on external media
EGP is an electronic guide that will show the online broadcasting grid with a brief description of programs
You can connect a set-top box to modern TVs via the HDMI interface, and to older classic models via a traditional RCA cable (“tulips”)
A built-in high-sensitivity tuner ensures high-quality digital broadcasting even in places with weak signal levels

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

AC3 audio format support provides six-channel surround sound transmission
Two USB ports allow you to connect various external devices to the set-top box (Wi-Fi antenna, HDD drive or Flash drive)
Thanks to the Internet access function via an external Wi-Fi module (purchased separately), the user gets access to various popular services with the ability to broadcast video content online
The ability to delay the start of the broadcast, record on external media and “parental control” significantly expand the functionality of the set-top box
The display on the front panel shows the broadcast channel while the set-top box is operating, and is also used as a clock in standby mode

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

The parental control function allows you to block access to certain channels if necessary.
Almost any external drive can be connected to the set-top box via a USB port, which allows you to play audio and video content on the TV screen
Live broadcast recording function (including scheduled recording) will allow you not to miss your favorite program
To connect to modern flat-panel TVs, the HDMI interface is used, and classic CRT models are connected via an RCA cable with “tulips”
Russian-language menu with automatic and manual channel search allows you to quickly configure the set-top box

Playing from a USB storage device/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD

Main advantages

High sensitivity tuner ensures excellent signal reception even in remote areas or mountainous terrain
Via the USB port you can connect a flash drive or external HDD drive and watch movies from it
The Time Shift function allows you to record a live broadcast on an external device so that the user does not miss a single moment of the broadcast
The HDMI interface allows you to connect the receiver to any modern flat-screen TVs via one cable (for older models there is a standard cable with “tulips”)
A convenient and friendly Russian-language menu with an auto-search function allows you to quickly configure the operation of the set-top box

Today, set-top boxes based on Android OS for TVs are becoming more and more popular. In this article we will take a detailed look at what such a device is, what its functionality and purpose are.

What is an Android TV set-top box?

Most modern TVs have a built-in Smart TV feature. However, Android consoles, designed as a separate device, are becoming increasingly popular.

Its purpose is to act as a kind of computer system that uses the screen of your TV. Just like a tablet or phone, it has RAM and a processor. The device has full functionality of an Android gadget.

The Android set-top box allows you to connect your TV to the Internet. By connecting a flash drive to it, you can use it to watch movies or listen to music.

When you connect the set-top box to the TV via the HDMI port, a menu appears on the screen, very similar to the menu of a regular Android. This device allows you to download applications from the Play Store. You can use the large TV screen not only to watch movies and shows, but also to play your favorite games and useful applications. A regular TV with built-in Smart TV does not have such extensive functionality.

There are five desktops on the screen, which you can fill with the applications you need. It is possible to duplicate the screen of your phone or tablet. This is very convenient for viewing content from a mobile device on a large screen.

Android set-top boxes also have IPTV. With its help, you can watch many terrestrial TV programs without being tied to your television provider. Their remote controls usually support the air mouse function.

You can’t ignore the ability to watch millions of videos on your TV from the YouTube channel in high quality. This is also possible thanks to the Android console. The quality of the video depends on the speed of your Internet connection.

The undeniable advantage of these devices over a regular Smart TV is the ability to switch between application windows as on a regular computer. For example, you are watching a video on a YouTube channel and at the same time following the progress of a football match via an IPTV channel. To do this, simply pause the video on YouTube, minimize the application and open the broadcast window. During a break in the match, open YouTube again and continue watching from the same place.

When turning off the TV, you don't have to turn off the set-top box. It remains in standby mode, which is also quite convenient. It doesn't have a screen, and it doesn't have a battery either. The open application or video remains in standby mode.

2. Size and shape factors of Android consoles

The first thing that influences the choice of console is its appearance. How it will look is a matter of your taste and personal preference. The design of the device does not affect its functionality and the set of functions is the same for almost all models.

As a rule, all consoles are small, rectangular in shape and enclosed in a black case. There are also more original models made in a futuristic design. Such models will fit perfectly into a modern interior.

In addition to full-size devices, the assortment includes so-called “sticks”. Such devices look like an ordinary flash drive and connect to the TV via an HDMI port. The advantage of such models is mobility and minimal size. This is especially important if your TV is hanging on the wall. Among the disadvantages of the sticks are the lack of USB ports and limited functionality.

An important parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing an Android TV set-top box is the processor and graphics core. It is recommended to buy devices with at least a 4-core processor, although the best option is with 8 cores. As for graphics, the best options are Mali-400 or Mali-450 cores with 4 or 8 cores, respectively.

The next important parameter for the set-top box is the size of the RAM. For normal operation it must be at least 1 GB. The size of the built-in memory is not so critical, because at any time it can be increased with an external USB drive or MicroSD card.

3. File format support

Android TV set-top box supports almost any video, audio and photo file formats. You can watch videos in Full-HD, MP4, MPEG, AVI, MKV, etc. formats on your TV, listen to music in MP3 format, view photos in JPEG, PNG format, etc.

4. Options for connecting the Android set-top box to the Internet

Android set-top boxes, depending on the modification, may have an external or built-in antenna. They can be connected to the Internet via WiFi or using an ethernet cable.

5. Advantages and disadvantages

Android TV set-top box has a lot of advantages:
⁃ turns any TV into a Smart TV;
⁃ provides five desktops that can be equipped with different applications at your discretion;
⁃ has a convenient air control;
⁃ supports multitasking. We allow you to switch between applications, just like on a computer;
⁃ opens access to applications from the Play Market;
⁃ allows you to view files from any external media;
⁃ supports many file formats;
⁃ supports torrent technologies;
⁃ if you have a camera, it allows you to communicate freely in video chats and instant messengers.

The only downside to using the device is that it requires a Google account when connecting the set-top box to the TV for the first time.

Many modern TVs are already equipped with built-in Android-based software. The cost of such equipment is quite high. The best option for viewing photo and video files, working with applications or playing games from the Play Store on a large TV screen is to buy a convenient Android console for your TV.