What is an IPTV receiver, how to choose it correctly and connect an IPTV set-top box

In order for the TV to show interactive channels, broadcasting a video signal over the ip protocol without distorting the sound and image, a special set-top box is required. The IPTV receiver has wide functionality and can be connected to TVs of any year of manufacture without any problems. When buying a device, you need to be guided by a number of criteria.

What is an IPTV receiver?

An IPTV receiver is a set-top box that is responsible for decoding the signal that provides an image display on a TV screen or computer monitor. Thanks to the use of such a set-top box, you can watch IP-TV channels on any TV.
The technology of IPTV receivers consists in connecting the receiver to the networks of an interactive television / Internet operator using ADSL, Ethernet or Wi-Fi (just like computers and other IP devices) and playing television broadcasts using a local network or the Internet. To protect broadcasting from unauthorized access, technical means of copyright protection are usually used: traffic encryption technologies, access restrictions by IP address, and others.

Functions and capabilities of interactive set-top boxes

Using IPTV set-top box, you can:

1. Compose a personal TV program using a VoD (video on demand) service as a kind of movie theater where users control viewing.
2. Receive movies on demand  to the VoD video library on the server. If you need to watch a movie in VoD format, it will be provided for viewing for an additional small fee.
3. Postpone viewing content  using the TVoD service. It is possible to pre-select the required channels / programs and make a request to watch them later.
4. Stop the progress of the TV show, rewind it or fast forward . Management is carried out through the use of Time Shifted TV technology.
5. Watch videos from computer media, view photos and access any resources via wi-fi  in the case of a router connected to the set-top box. The video stream can be sent to the screen of any gadget.

Among the main advantages of such devices are:

• affordable price compared to modern TV models;
• availability of access to various global services and resources;
• the ability to record content on the internal drive of the device;
• the ability to deploy local networks to view content from a computer or phone on a TV screen;
• the ability to install games that are written for the operating system installed on the console;
• reliability and durability.

Features of connecting IP TV receiver to TV: universal instruction

An IPTV set-top box is only needed for TVs released more than 3 years ago. On devices with the Smart function, you can watch interactive TV without any additional devices, simply by installing
widgets on the TV .

Connection with a router can be done via a regular Ethernet input or you can choose a wireless setup via a Wi-Fi module.

On the set-top box for interactive television, you can find other connectors:

• AV input is used to connect to older TVs;
• for modern panels, the connection is via an HDMI connector;
• there is also a USB input, which is most often located on the front panel.

If you need to connect the module to a TV, the first two inputs are used, and the third one is for a computer or laptop. If the physical connection of the device is over, you need to proceed to its configuration.
Setting instructions:

1. Turn on the receiver. The menu will appear on the screen.
2. Through the “Advanced settings” section, set the time and date.
3. For a wired connection, find the “Network Configuration” section and select the appropriate connection type.
4. In the next tab, find the AUTO or DHCP mode and activate it.
5. Check the status of the Ethernet connection in the “Network Status” section.
6. Find the menu called “Servers”, and in the NTP field, write the address: pool.ntp.org.
7. In the “Video settings” item, set the characteristics of the screen resolution, select the video output mode, and so on.
8. If all points are passed, save the new configuration and restart the device.

Criterias of choice

There are several standard options for choosing a receiver for a particular level of tasks performed:

• For old (including analog) TVs  , you can choose an IPTV set-top box that broadcasts an image in HD resolution.
• For fans of sports,  a set-top box that can record channels on a timer is suitable.
• Owners of modern TVs  will need a FullHD receiver.
• For combined tasks , using a browser, social networks, watching movies and IPTV channels, a device in a minimum configuration is suitable.
• People collecting movie collections will like a set-top box that supports connecting external drives.

Consider other options:

• The processor must have at least 4 cores. This guarantees operation without any noticeable problems.
• RAM is better to use at least 2 GB of memory. If possible, purchase larger versions. Although the built-in memory is not so important, about 8 GB is recommended – it can be significantly expanded due to the MicroSD card.
• The operating system is also important. Models based on Android are usually cheaper, many useful applications have been created for them, gaming, social and office.

TOP 10 IPTV set-top boxes as of 2020

The table shows the TOP-10 IPTV receivers.

Video reviews of several popular IPTV receivers: Apple TV 4K: https://youtu.be/NKMuo44cN-g Xiaomi Mi Box S: https://youtu.be/4nAYsIpBGSk Google Chromecast Ultra: https://youtu.be/HX_YIc4jsSM The IPTV set-top box will turn an ordinary TV into a whole world of visual entertainment. This device will raise the process of viewing video content to a completely different level of perception and will allow you to adjust it to your personal needs as much as possible.