At the end of last year, the first SberBox TV set-top box began to go on sale. Its main difference from other devices is voice control. At the same time, several smart assistants (Sber / Athena / Joy) listen and execute user commands. Before buying a Sber Box set-top box, you should familiarize yourself with its technical characteristics, equipment and connection and configuration features.
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Sberbox: what is the set-top box, what is its feature

SberBox is a smart media set-top box produced by Sber. The device is connected to any modern TVs that have an HDMI connector. Thanks to the set-top box, an ordinary TV can be turned into an entertainment center. By purchasing SberBox, people get the opportunity to watch movies/serials/videos on the big screen in unlimited quantities. In addition, users can listen to music and play their favorite games by delegating a variety of tasks to a virtual assistant that understands voice commands.

Pay attention ! For the set-top box to fully work, you will need not only Wi-Fi, but also a mobile phone with the SberSalut app installed. Smartphone modem is allowed.

You can download the Sber Salute app for Sber Boxing at the link https://sberdevices.ru/app/

Specifications, appearance and ports of SberBox – what operating system is installed

The dimensions of the SberBox are compact – 78×65×32 mm (including the stand). On the front end of the case there are 4 microphones, a camera window and a pair of indicators. There is a manual mechanical shutter on the camera window. On the left side is a compact speaker, so you can carry out various operations without turning on the TV. However, keep in mind that the volume is small. On the right side is a decorative grille. Multi-color indicators accompanying communication with voice assistants are located on the left and right sides along the edges.

The presence of a special-shaped rubber flap located at the bottom allows you to install the SberBox on the top edge of the TV. The device will hold steady due to the large mass. Difficulties can only arise in cases where the TV panel, which is too close to the wall, is thin. If necessary, the set-top box can be installed on a shelf / under the TV panel.

It is also worth remembering that at the bottom in front of the case you can find an additional block of IR transmitters that allow you to control the TV.

The package includes a remote control that works via Bluetooth 5.0 and an interface cable used for connection.

The TV screen will prompt you to connect the remote control to the set-top box. According to the instructions on the remote control, hold down a couple of buttons and wait for the operation to complete. The location of the media set-top box (under the screen / above it) is indicated using the remote control.

Next, the prefix is ​​linked to the Sber ID user account. You can register a Sber ID account at https://www.sberbank.ru/ru/person/dist_services/sberbankid?utm_source=online.sberbank.ru&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=sber_id_authorization_page
For this purpose, the Sber Salut application is used, after switching to which, you will need to select the “Device Additions” command. Then follow the instructions that will be displayed on the monitor.

Two connection options are allowed: performing all actions through the program or connecting the set-top box to a wireless network using the remote control and further integration to your account by entering a special code from the TV monitor into the application.

In cases where everything goes well, the user can proceed to the standard download procedure. Next, install the firmware updates. As soon as the device reboots, the owner of the media set-top box selects the main voice assistant. You can talk a little with a virtual assistant. Now you can use the device for its intended purpose. However, do not forget about the possibility of making additional settings. Sberbox firmware – video instruction on how to update the software on the Sberbox: https://youtu.be/uNUuTZ7PSfE Most often, users do not change anything in the SberBox settings. But it will not be superfluous to remember that in the familiar menu you can find several icons. The first of them is used in order to be able to manage peripheral connections via Bluetooth.

After the user clicks on the third icon, a lot of items will appear on the screen, allowing the SberBox owner to:

• change screensaver;
• set a timer for turning on the screen saver;
• decide on the sound output mode (to the built-in speaker / TV);
• ban gesture control;
• disable HDMI CEC;
• to teach media set-top box to control TV by IR;
• turn off the side animation LEDs of the assistants.

Sber Box settings: https://youtu.be/otG_VSqGdMo Also, the user will have access to options for setting the HDMI output mode and turning off the microphone/camera status LEDs. How to download and run applications and games on SberBox – an overview and user assistance: https://youtu.be/13p0aLrHWCA

Additional cooling of the Sber Box media set-top box

Most often, Amlogic processors do not overheat even during active work. Excessive heating is possible only when the media set-top box has a poorly thought out cooling system and diffusers. Also, to prevent overheating of the set-top box, you can use a special cooling pad, which you can easily make yourself. First of all, the owner of the device purchases a brushless USB-powered cooling fan.
Next, pick up the board and make markings on it. Using a special drill with cutters, a circle is cut out in the board for the fan.
Using a milling machine, make a recess for the cooler.
The wooden surface is treated with a grinder. The wood is covered with a layer of stain, and then a layer of varnish.
The brushless cooling fan is mounted on a stand. The stand is placed on the legs.

Problems and solutions

Often in the process of connecting the set-top box to the TV or during operation, problems arise. Below you can find the most common problems and how to solve them:

1. The image starts to disappear and crumble into pieces / stop for 2-3 seconds . Such a nuisance often occurs due to the fact that the antenna is in the wrong position. If you move it to a different place, the signal quality will be better. It is also necessary to check the cable so that there are no cracks, cuts or breaks on it. Plugs and connectors are cleaned from a layer of dust.
2. During operation of the set-top box, a black or white screen appears . Channel frequencies are off. A similar nuisance occurs after the firmware has been updated or the electricity has been turned off. You need to search for channels again.
3. Blurred image . Small details are extremely difficult to discern. This trouble indicates that the resolution on the screen was chosen incorrectly. You need to choose the highest possible resolution, which will not be higher than what is indicated in the TV specifications.
4. Movies recorded on a flash drive are not readable . Most likely, the prefix does not recognize the format.
5. There is no internet connection . It is important to make sure that a Wi-Fi network with a speed of 2-3 Mbps is available. After the connection is established, and the information cannot be loaded, it is worth entering the media set-top box menu and finding the network settings. The user will need to specify the subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and the DNS server 8.8.8.8.

Note! How good the signal will be depends on the time of day. It is important to take care to use a powerful active antenna with a noise/static filter.

Pros and cons of SberBox based on practical application experience and user reviews

Media prefix SberBox, like any other device, has advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of SberBox include:

• simplicity and user-friendly interface;
• the ability to select the character of the voice assistant;
• the most convenient online shopping, the ability to make payments using a QR code;
• availability of Smotreshka TV channels / SberZvuk music / movies and TV shows Okko / various games.

The disadvantages of SberBox include:

• work exclusively with Sber ID;
• lack of a list with applications that are often used;
• inability to move application icons;
• the need to subscribe for the full use of all the functions of the set-top box;
• the inability to install applications from other developers, in addition to SmartMarket.

A real review-review on Sber Box – how it really is: https://youtu.be/w5aSjar8df8 It is also worth considering that you can make the initial settings after downloading the Salute application.

Buying a SberBox set-top box – price as of the end of 2021

SberBox is a rather interesting novelty in the media set-top box market. However, it is important to remember that in order to fully use the device, you will need a smartphone on which the SberSalut application will be installed. The price of the Sberbox prefix is ​​acceptable for most people, and amounts to 2490 rubles for 2021 with an already built-in subscription to OKKO services and others, the cost of various options can be found on the Sberdevices official website https://sberdevices.ru/tariffs/:

Therefore, we can definitely recommend purchasing a modern media set-top box with such interesting features.