The set-top box expands the capabilities of the TV. Older TVs may not accept DVB-T2 signals. Modern channels are broadcast in this format.

In this case, it is worth connecting a set-top box that can decode the digital signal and convert it to analog. There are also set-top boxes for DVB-C (
cable TV ), DVB-S (
satellite TV ) and set-top boxes with combined operating modes. Smart set-top boxes (
TV-Box ) should be placed in a separate category. They can connect absolutely any TV to the Internet.

Also, do not forget about the antenna cable: its length must be measured in advance, given the small margin for maneuverability. Also, absolutely any set-top boxes need a cable to connect directly to the TV itself. This can be either an HDMI cable, in the case of newer TVs, or RCA or SCART, in the case of TVs older than 6 years.

To determine the type of cable to be connected, you need to look at the back of the TV and check for the necessary interfaces or check them in the instructions for the TV.

Scope of delivery of TV set-top box – cable

In the kit, in addition to the set-top box itself, you can see several cables for connecting to various TVs. For example, the kit may contain an HDMI, RCA, SCART and S-Video cable

For HDMI interface there are several versions:

1. HDMI 1.2 – allows you to output FHD image.
2. HDMI 4 – allows you to display 4K images at a frame rate of 30 fps.
3. HDMI 0 – allows you to output 4K images at a frame rate of 60 fps.

HDMI is a digital interface that allows you to connect the set-top box to newer TVs, and also has surround sound lines. For older TVs, there is an analog SCART interface, which looks like a wide rectangular connector, S-VIDEO, which looks like a black connector with a plug in the center and RCA, which looks like three multi-colored (yellow, white and red) tulip plugs.

If you use any of these interfaces, then the maximum resolution will be 768 by 576 pixels, and the frame rate will be limited to 25 fps.

Many TV boxes have USB ports that allow you to connect, for example, a USB flash drive and play any multimedia (music, video, photos). To play FHD content at 1920×1080 resolution, any USB 2.0 flash drive is enough, but for 4K resolution, which is 3840×2160, you need a USB 3.1 second generation (gen2) drive with a bandwidth of at least 20 gigabits per second.
It is also worth remembering that only a remote control is included with set-top boxes for receiving digital TV channels. But the kit with set-top boxes for broadcasting a satellite signal also consists of a set of wires that are needed to connect the antenna, and decoders.

Additional equipment for set-top boxes

If you have never dealt with set-top boxes before and do not know how to properly configure it, then you can purchase a set of set-top boxes and a wireless keyboard with a mouse. Such sets can often be found with premium models, which starts from 5000 rubles. The mouse will help you move around the console interface faster, and the keyboard will help you type text faster. Also, additional accessories include various kinds of extension cords, adapters, splitters and splitters, which can be useful for connecting several TVs at the same time.
How to connect two TVs to one digital set-top box Tricolor :

The other end of the HDMI cable must be inserted into the set-top box itself. The HDMI port is usually located on the back of the set-top box as well. If you are going to watch content in 4K resolution, then you need to look at the specifications of the set-top box and TV and find out if they support this resolution. It is also necessary to check the generation of your HDMI cable, since the generation determines whether the interface can transmit content in the desired resolution at the required frame rate.

Plug in your TV and set-top box.

When everything is connected, turn on the set-top box from the remote control or from the button on it, if there is one on the case.

Turn on the TV and select the set-top box as the signal source. To do this, press the Input button (also called Source – output or source) and select the connected HDMI port.

If the set-top box is successfully connected, you will see the set-top box’s initial settings window. If you see a message about the absence of a signal or a black screen, then make sure that the HDMI cable and the set-top box itself are working, and also check that the set-top box is connected to the TV.

Old TV

The previous guide described the steps for connecting a set-top box to new TVs via an HDMI cable. If you are connecting a digital TV set-top box to an old TV, you should pay attention to the connector with which you are going to connect the set-top box to the TV.

1. In most cases, the connection is made through the RCA connector , which looks like three yellow, red and white plugs – tulips. Connect the first end of the cable to the TV and to the set-top box. Make sure that the colors of the connectors on the set-top box or TV match the color of the connected plug . If the colors are not marked on the set-top box or on the TV, then insert the plugs at random until you get an image or sound. If you insert the plug into the wrong socket, then nothing will happen – it is absolutely safe for you and for the equipment.

   

2. Sometimes you have to connect through the SCART connector . Recognizing it is easy: SCART looks like an elongated rectangular connector with flat plugs inside. Its advantage lies in the fact that it can only be connected on one side due to its asymmetrical shape, so it is extremely difficult to make a mistake when connecting a set-top box to a TV.
3. The third method of connecting a set-top box to a TV is S-Video , a round connector that is often colored yellow or black. It can easily be confused with the RCA connector, so if you are not sure about the correct connection, then look at the instructions for the TV and set-top box and make sure the location of this connector.

How to connect a set-top box to a Samsung TV step by step – video instruction: https://youtu.be/ZyHYPUSqF3U

There are also cases where the set-top box has only an HDMI output, and the old TV has only analog outputs. In this case, you need to purchase a converter that converts the digital signal to analog. Some of these converters may require USB power, which can be obtained by connecting the converter to the USB port on the set-top box itself. How to connect a digital set-top box to an LG TV and tune in channels: https://youtu.be/LuMUNZTLb8s

How to connect the set-top box to several TVs at the same time

To connect multiple TVs at the same time, you should purchase an HDMI cable splitter. Such a splitter costs about a thousand rubles. It copies the output signal and broadcasts it to all of its HDMI outputs. If you use an RCA cable, you need a divider for an analog signal, which costs from 400 rubles. The principle of its operation is similar to the splitter for HDMI, but the quality is much worse.

Possible problems and solutions

1. The image disappears, freezes, or “crumbles” . This is due to the incorrect position of the antenna and its connection to the set-top box. Try moving the antenna to a different location and see how the signal quality is.
2. The set-top box works, but when you try to turn on the channel, “white noise” or a black screen is shown instead of the image . If the channels used to work, but now there is no image, then the channel frequencies are most likely incorrectly set. This sometimes happens after a set-top box firmware update or a power failure resulting in a premature shutdown. In this case, re-tuning (search) of channels will help.
3. Image is fuzzy or blurry . This problem is caused by the wrong choice of resolution on the set-top box, which is lower than the resolution of the TV.
4. The set-top box cannot play the movie recorded on the flash drive. Most likely, the set-top box cannot play files of the format in which the movie is recorded. For example, a movie or any other video file that should be played on a TV set-top box was recorded on a flash drive in the .mov extension, which the set-top box cannot play due to software restrictions set by the manufacturer for one reason or another. To solve this problem, you need to convert the original video file to a supported extension using a special program or online service, or download another file with a supported extension. In order to find out if your set-top box supports a particular extension, read the instructions for it, which should have been included in the package.

   

5. The set-top box cannot connect to the Internet . Make sure your Wi-Fi network is connected to the Internet and works properly with another device connected to the same network. Also check that your Internet connection speed is at least 2-3 megabits per second. If the set-top box still cannot connect to the Internet, or the network connection is established, but nothing is downloading, then change the DNS settings in the set-top box settings menu. Specify the subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and DNS server 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4. The DNS server data is owned by Google and often works more stable than those that the set-top box chose by default during the initial setup of the network connection.

How to set up channels

In order to start watching TV channels, you need to select a TV set-top box as a signal source. Then you need to go to the settings of the set-top box and find the channel settings item (sometimes searching for channels). [caption id="attachment_7183" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Search for channelsIt’s best to use the automatic search for TV channels. During the setup process, the set-top box itself will check all the frequencies and select those on which the TV channels are broadcast. If auto tuning did not help, you should use the manual channel search. In this case, you need to manually switch frequencies and look for suitable ones. The frequency of a particular channel can be found on the channel’s website.