How to choose an android set-top box for a TV: options, rating

Progress in the world does not stand still, but it is becoming more and more difficult to surprise people with “curiosities”. Before set-top boxes for satellite TV had time to firmly enter the market of multimedia devices, they had a worthy competitor in the form of set-top boxes that provide Internet TV.

Android TV set-top box – what is it

All modern TVs have long had the Smart TV function in their “arsenal”. In simple terms, this function, to some extent, allows you to turn your TV into a miniature computer. With the growth of mobile technology, independent TV boxes burst into the market, which operate on the basis of the popular Android system, which is well known to all those who have ever used a smartphone or tablet.
The trend in the TV market is that people no longer want to watch their favorite shows at a certain time, adjusting to the TV program. They want to do it at a convenient time for them and spend the least amount of money. All this is in the functionality of the Android console. They are not large and will not take up much space on the shelf. The operation is no more complicated than a mobile phone, and the connection to the TV goes through a standard HDMI port.

Technical features of set-top boxes running Android

In TV set-top boxes, as in any other hardware, technical characteristics play an important role. Processor performance and the amount of RAM directly affect the smoothness of image playback. After all, it is obvious that a dual-core processor will not be able to boast the same picture that its quad-core “brother” will give out. Depending on the dimensions, android set-top boxes may have a certain number of ports for connecting auxiliary devices or communication devices. These can be audio / video connectors, USB interfaces or HDMI. The richer this arsenal, the more possibilities the device has. It is worth paying attention to the formats supported for playback on TV. Their abundance gives the set-top box ample opportunities for viewing. Of course, you can always convert an unsupported format,

Why choose an Android set-top box?

Although many TVs are already equipped with a built-in set-top box in the form of a Smart TV function, they have a number of limitations in their functionality. Smart TV will not be able to turn your “box” into a full-fledged multimedia center. This is due to their strict software policy that does not allow installation of third party applications. In addition, there is no talk of any regular updates and the basic software will become obsolete over time until the developer completely refuses to support it further. The prefix for Android is devoid of such shortcomings. This is one of the most popular platforms in the world, receiving regular updates, and on which a huge number of interesting and high-quality applications are being developed. You get unlimited access to any content and are free to connect any auxiliary devices. While,

Potential features of Android multitvboxes

The prefix perfectly copes with its primary duties, but let’s find out what its potential is.

Connecting external drives and devices

If there is no way to access the Internet, then this functionality will come in handy. You can at any time “connect” an external hard drive or phone on which a movie or program is recorded. Many will say that modern TV itself is equipped with a USB interface, through which you can also connect an external device. However, do not forget that we are talking about a TV, not a personal computer. Your TV is not designed to read a large number of multimedia formats, while the Android set-top box is able to play any file to the user.

Home online cinema

Such a device will cope with such a difficult task. At the moment, there are enough third-party applications filled with relevant films and series. All this can be deployed on the TV screen in a few simple clicks. https://cxcvb.com/texnika/domashnij-kinoteatr/zachem-nuzhen-iz-chego-sostoit.html

Game console function

Of course, an equivalent replacement for the Xbox or Playstation is out of the question, but simpler devices, for example, Sega or Dandy, can replace an Android set-top box. This became possible thanks to the work of emulators. You just find the necessary emulator through Google Play, install and play. Huge packs with games will already be included in the application and no additional actions will be required. Agree that it is convenient and practical? https://cxcvb.com/texnika/pristavka/igrovye-dlya-televizora.html

Internet surfing

If desired or necessary, you can use your TV as an Internet browser. As a rule, such content viewer applications are already integrated into the device assembly by default, but you can always download and install any other content viewer that suits your taste.

Mini PC

Despite the relatively weak hardware, your TV will be able to successfully perform some simple functions of a personal computer. The keyboard and mouse are easily connected via external interfaces. To work with files, a large number of Android applications have already been developed, which are in no way inferior to the usual office software packages.

Types of Android consoles

Having generally similar functionality, a distinctive feature of the devices is their design. Not everyone attaches great importance to this aspect, but there are models on the market that are made both in the style of the classic “brick” and in a more futuristic way that will fit perfectly into modern interiors. There are also devices that are designed in an extremely minimalist form factor. They are called “sticks”. Visually they resemble classic flash drives, but their compactness is perhaps their only plus. Powerful hardware will obviously not fit into such a small case, as well as ports for connecting external devices, for which there is simply no free space.

Android AOSP, in turn, is an operating system developed on the Android open source code. It has support for any applications that you just want to install on your TV. On such an OS, Aptoide TV will also stand up without any problems. This is a popular app that is similar to the standard Google Play store and has a much larger selection of apps available.

The best TV box on Android – what to choose, rating 2022

We have compiled the six devices that are most popular among users. You can buy them without leaving your home, just place an order in one or another trusted online store.

1. Rombica Smart Box A1

One of the most budget models on the market. It has 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB storage. Support for 4K is declared, but due to a weak processor, there is a possibility of picture delays. Many users note a weak Wi-Fi module, which can affect the connection speed. In terms of functionality, it has everything you need for comfortable use. The price starts from 2000 rubles.

2. Sber SberBox

The developer
of the device has prohibited the use of third-party applications and services on it. Internet connection exclusively through the radio module. Despite this, the device looks extremely interesting. Hardware of a decent level, which copes with 4K playback without any problems. There is a voice control function through a virtual assistant. Also noteworthy is the function of recognizing actors through automatic image capture, which will be of interest to film lovers. The cost of such a prefix starts from 2400 rubles.

3. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 2K HDR

A model characterized by its compactness. The device visually resembles a flash drive, its length is only 9 cm. The device easily fits in your pocket, so you can take it anywhere. Due to its small dimensions, it is deprived of a battery and receives power through an adapter connected to the side connector. Internet connection is via Wi-Fi only. There are no application installation restrictions. Prices for the device start at 2800 rubles.

4. ZTE B866

A solid media player of compact dimensions – its length and width are only 10 cm. It is easy to set up, even a child will figure it out. The quality of sound and picture is at a high level, as well as the speed of the Internet connection. Of the minuses, one can note the inconvenience in switching channels through the transition to the device menu, as well as a bulky control panel. But the small flaws of the console are fully compensated by the image quality. Its price ranges from 3300 rubles.

5. Xiaomi Mi Box S

Representative of the middle price range. Shows excellent picture and sound quality. Supports 4K and 10-bit color depth. Internet connection is possible only via Wi-Fi, while unlike previous models, the radio module of excellent quality and connection speed confirms this. The device has only one USB connector and this is its only drawback. The remote control of the device supports voice control and lies well in the hand. The price starts from 4600 rubles.

How to choose an Android Smart TV box in 2022: https://youtu.be/mIGzn8rsaas

Connecting and setting up an Android set-top box

Connecting the device should not take too long, but there are some nuances. Consider step by step:

1. Turn off the power of the devices so as not to burn the connection connectors when connecting.
2. Take the HDMI cable and plug it into the appropriate ports on the set-top box and on the TV. In the event that the set-top box is connected via a USB cable, follow the same procedures, but for the USB port.
3. If your TV does not have either HDMI or USB, then you will have to purchase an HDMI-AV converter. Thus, the TV is connected to the converter through the “tulips”, and the converter is connected to the set-top box via an HDMI cable. The appearance of such a converter can be seen below. It costs about 1500 rubles.
4. Power on the devices and start setting up.

Setting up the set-top box comes down to connecting Internet access on it.

Wi-Fi connection

1. Go to the settings of the console in a way convenient for you. For example, through the menu button on the remote control.
2. Find the network settings there and select the wireless network mode.
3. A list of available wireless networks will appear.
4. Find your network and use the arrows on the remote control to select it and click “Connect”
5. Similarly, use the arrows to enter your network password. Click OK.
6. After the set-top box connects to your wireless network, you can start working.

Ethernet connection

Some set-top boxes have wired internet connectivity. It is more reliable than a wireless network connection.

1. Plug one end of the LAN cable into the appropriate port on the set-top box and the other end into one of the ports on your router.
2. Enter the set-top box menu and select network settings.
3. Select the network type – Wired connection (Cable).
4. Click Connect.
5. You can start using.

To buy or not to buy an Android prefix remains an individual choice for everyone. If you do not need such wide functionality, then the built-in Smart TV on the TV will do just fine. But if you want a lot more features, then definitely worth a closer look at buying this device.