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

Progress in the world does not stand still, but it is becoming more and more difficult to surprise people with “curiosities”. No sooner had set-top boxes for satellite TV firmly entered the market of multimedia devices, when they had a worthy competitor in the form of set-top boxes that provide Internet TV.
Mecool km1 collective is the most powerful set-top box in terms of resources in the series of Android boxes Mikul KM1 [/ caption]

Android set-top box for TV – what is it

All modern TVs have a Smart TV function in their “arsenal” for a long time. In simple terms, this function to some extent allows you to turn your TV into a miniature computer. With the growth of mobile technologies, independent TV set-top boxes have burst into the market, which work 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 programs at a certain time, adjusting to the TV program. They want to do this at a convenient time for them and spend a minimum of money. All this is in the functionality of the Android console. They are not large and will not take up much shelf space. Operation is no more difficult than a mobile phone, and the connection to the TV goes through a standard HDMI port.
Dynalink Android TV Box [/ caption]

Technical features of consoles running Android

In TV set-top boxes, as in any other hardware, technical characteristics play an important role. The processor performance and the amount of RAM directly affect the smoothness of the image reproduction. After all, it is obvious that a dual-core processor will not be able to boast of the same picture that its quad-core “brother” will give out. Depending on the size, android set-top boxes can have a certain number of ports for connecting auxiliary devices or communication means. These can be audio / video connectors, USB interfaces, or HDMI. The richer the given 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 viewing opportunities. Of course, you can always convert an unsupported format,but this takes some time and leads to quality losses.

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 tight software policy, which does not allow the 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. The Android set-top box is devoid of such drawbacks. It is one of the most popular platforms in the world, receiving regular updates, and for which a huge number of interesting and high-quality applications are developed. You get unlimited access to any content and are free to connect any auxiliary devices. While,as a classic Smart TV in these aspects is clearly inferior.

Potential features of Android multitwboxing

The console does an excellent job of its primary responsibilities, but let’s find out what its potential is.

Connecting external drives and devices

If there is no way to go online, then this functionality will come in handy. You can at any time “connect” an external hard drive or a 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 set, not a personal computer. Your TV is not designed to read a large number of multimedia formats, while the Android set-top box is capable of playing 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 movies and TV series. All this can be deployed on the TV screen in a few simple clicks. https://gogosmart.com/texnika/domashnij-kinoteatr/zachem-nuzhen-iz-chego-sostoit.html

Game console function

Of course, an equivalent replacement for Xbox or Playstation is out of the question, but simpler devices, for example, Segu or Dandy – the Android prefix can replace. This became possible thanks to the work of emulators. You just find the emulator you need through Google Play, install it and you can play. Huge packs of games will already be included in the application and no additional actions will have to be taken. 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 viewing 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 of the simple functions of a personal computer. The keyboard and mouse are easily connected via external interfaces. To work with files, a large number of applications for Android have already been developed, which are in no way inferior to the usual office software suites.

Types of Android set-top boxes

Having generally similar functionality, the distinctive feature of the devices is their design. Not everyone attaches great importance to this aspect, but on the market there are models made both in the style of the classic “brick” and in a more futuristic image that will perfectly fit into modern interiors. There are also devices that are designed in an extremely minimalistic 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 the ports for connecting external devices, for which there is simply no free space. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick – set-top box in the form of a stick [/ caption]

Choosing a device, what should you focus on?

There are a huge number of Android set-top boxes on the market, and in order not to be mistaken when choosing a device for your TV, you need to take into account some factors.

Processor and RAM

This point is more or less clear to everyone. Rule: the more, the better – it works flawlessly here. For the perfect picture and the absence of friezes, choose models with 8-core processors and at least 1 GB of RAM. A lot depends on the budget for the purchase.

Operating system version

Set-top boxes can support two types of OS: android tv and android aosp. Android TV is a specialized OS from Google for TV devices. It has official certification and imposes some restrictions on the user. You will be able to install only those applications that are allowed for your device. Not everyone will like this.
Minix NEO T5 Android TV Box [/ caption] Android AOSP, in turn, is an operating system developed on the Android open source code. Has support for any application that you just want to install on your TV. Aptoide TV will work on such an OS without any problems. This is a popular application that is analogous to the standard Google Play store and has a much larger selection of available applications.

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

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

1. Rombica Smart Box A1

One of the most affordable models on the market. Has 1 GB of RAM, as well as a storage capacity of 8 GB. 4K support is announced, but due to the weak processor, there is a possibility of picture gaps. Many users note a weak Wi-Fi module, which can affect the connection speed. In terms of functional qualities, it has everything you need for comfortable use. The price starts at 2,000 rubles.

2. Sber SberBox

The developer
of the device has prohibited the use of third-party applications and services on it. Internet connection exclusively via the radio module. Despite this, the device looks extremely interesting. Decent level hardware that can handle 4K playback without any problems. There is a voice control function via 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 set-top box starts at 2400 rubles.

3. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 2K HDR

The model is distinguished by its compactness. The device visually resembles a USB flash drive, its length is only 9 cm. The device fits easily in your pocket, so you can take it anywhere. Due to its small dimensions, it is devoid of a battery and receives power through an adapter plugged into the side connector. Internet connection is carried out only via Wi-Fi. There are no restrictions on installing applications. Prices for the device start at 2800 rubles.
Connector on the xiaomi mi tv stick [/ caption]

4. ZTE B866

A solid media player of compact dimensions – its length and width are only 10 cm. Easy to set up, even a child can figure it out. The sound and picture quality is high, as is 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 minor 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. Demonstrates excellent picture and sound quality. Supports 4K and 10-bit color depth. Internet connection is possible only via Wi-Fi, and unlike previous models, the radio module is of excellent quality and the connection speed confirms this. There is only one USB connector on the device and this is its only drawback. The remote control of the device supports voice control and fits well in the hand. The price starts at 4600 rubles.
Xiaomi Mi box S [/ caption] How to choose a Smart TV box running Android in 2022: https://youtu.be/mIGzn8rsaas

Connecting and configuring an Android set-top box

Connecting the device shouldn’t take too long, but there are some nuances. Let’s consider step by step:

1. Turn off the power to the devices so as not to burn the connection connectors when connecting.
2. Take an HDMI cable and plug it into the corresponding 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 HDMI or USB, then you will have to purchase an HDMI-AV converter. Thus, the TV is connected through the “tulips” to the converter, 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 1,500 rubles.
4. Turn on the power of the devices and start setting up.

Setting up a set-top box is reduced to connecting to the Internet on it.

Wi-Fi connection

1. Go to the settings of the set-top box in a way convenient for you. For example, via the menu button on the control panel.
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 using the arrows on the control panel, select it and click “Connect”
5. In the same way, use the arrows to enter your password from the network. Click OK.
6. After the set-top box connects to your wireless network, you can start working.

Ethernet connection

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

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

To buy or not to buy an Android console remains an individual choice of everyone. If you do not need such a wide functionality, then the built-in Smart TV on the TV will do just fine. But if you want a lot more options, then it is definitely worth looking into buying this device.