How to choose a Smart TV set-top box for a TV

Smart TV technology is wonderful, convenient, it opens up many new opportunities for recreation and entertainment. And the most interesting is that in this phrase there is not a drop of sarcasm, so there are more and more people who want to know how to choose a smart TV set-top box for a TV. Technology really offers a lot. However, there is a big difference between buying a device with Smart TV support and purchasing a separate set-top box.

What is an external Smart TV

Today, Smart TV set-top boxes for the TV - a great many. Prices, sizes, possibilities vary. Depending on your needs, you can purchase a device with minimal, medium or extremely high performance. To make it easier to sort out the market for set-top boxes, which are also called Android TV boxes or mini-computers, we will break down the devices for engineering performance.

But first, let's focus on what Smart TV offers its owner in the form of a separate device that connects to the TV.

1. Connection to the Internet is carried out via wireless protocols, a Wi-Fi module is always present.
2. To work with peripheral devices (mouse, keyboard, joysticks), USB ports are designed in full size or microformat, familiar to mobile devices.
3. Depending on the category of the device, the owner of the set-top box may be offered full-fledged interfaces for a wired network, audio outputs, and video.
4. The external power supply voltage is converted to the USB standard for the ability to use alternative connections.

A good Android TV is equipped with an IR signal receiver, a remote control is supplied, some models have very good features.

Miniature consoles - "sticks"

A device the size of a lighter that connects to the TV’s HDMI port is what a small Android TV looks like. Despite its small size, the console has great features. If you give them in a short list, it will look like this:

• a full-fledged Android operating system is supported, depending on the price group of products, these may be the latest versions;
• the console is equipped with a capacious internal drive, today you rarely see a model that would have less than 4 GB of flash memory;
• All applications developed for the Android platform without restrictions are supported.

In this segment of devices, the presence of a remote control is a rarity. But there are no restrictions for connecting wireless mice, keyboards. Considering that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth protocols are supported, there is always a USB port, the number of controls is huge. It is very convenient to purchase remotes specifically designed for Smart TV consoles equipped with gyroscopes.

The main advantage of miniature "sticks" is their size. The smart set-top box does not interfere; you can even hide it directly in the television receiver inside the case by supplying power from the USB port. At the same time, a small device is a full-fledged computer. There is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a card reader, several micro and one or two full-sized USB ports.

Devices with various performance indicators are available today. From single-core, capable of high-quality playback of films, allow surfing the Internet, play simple games, to powerful, up to eight-core platforms on modern processors.

Mid-price segment, classic case

Prefixes are very common, made in the form of a stand-alone device, which is connected by cable to the TV.The main advantage of this format is the presence of a remote control, as well as a large number of various ports for connecting peripherals. At the same time, external devices can offer a wide variety of functions. For example, it is easy to buy a remote control equipped with a gyroscope and offering the use of a full keyboard.

The performance of consoles in this class can also be different. This does not raise the question of how to choose one or another model. Novice users will have more than enough performance of any device from this segment, while more experienced users already know what they want.

Compared with the above-described mini-computers, you can’t do without your own additional power supply. In addition, for the console, you need to find a place, for example, a shelf, although a separate segment of the models allows you to fix them on the wall.

High price segment

The most expensive Smart TVs are devices that take into account all the little things and embody the answer to the question of how to choose a device that does not create difficulties. Here are present:

• external antenna for stable connection with Wi-Fi access points;
• connectors for connecting almost any peripheral;
• remotes that can control the TV and set-top box from one device;
• various special devices that significantly increase comfort in games and facilitate control.

Despite the fact that such a Smart TV format is considered the most expensive, the price of the devices is very attractive to the consumer. And if you consider what is offered in terms of functionality, the prefix is ​​literally given for nothing.

Why is the growing popularity of mini-computers and Android TV BOX

Consider the eternal question, about which literally there is a war of words and a lot of discussion. To tell the truth, Android TV smart consoles confidently win in the eyes of those who soberly assess their needs and offered opportunities. So which is better - smart TV or smart TV set-top box?

Let us dwell on the main difference. The SmartTV system of the TV is designed for a specific platform. It does not always launch applications from the Google Market, designed for mobile platforms (tablets, phones). Therefore, if you like some kind of program, it is not a fact that it will work on TV at all.

The second negative from SmartTV TV is the limitation of control tools. Often you cannot use specialized convenient remote controls, and compatible equipment from the manufacturer is very expensive. Therefore, the user is always limited in possibilities.

And the third, most important reason for losing Smart TVs is the price. For the complexity of the hardware platform you have to give just gigantic money. Sometimes a microcircuit added to the model and a pair of sensors in the remote control cost the user hundreds of dollars. Moreover, nothing new in terms of software products is often not even offered. It is not worth mentioning the fact that a branded TV remote control with an interesting use case from a particular brand can also be very, very expensive.

Briefly dwell on the benefits that smart TV consoles win the hearts of users. In order not to rush, one specific model will be described, which is affordable and belongs to the middle class of devices. And since the goal was not to make direct advertising, the manufacturer of the product will also not be named.

1. In a compact, low cylindrical body housed a hardware platform based on the Cortex A8, equipped with a graphics accelerator, a gigabyte of RAM and four flash memory.
2. Connection interfaces - two full USB, HDMI 1.4 standard, composite video, SPDIF.
3. There is a slot for memory cards up to 32 GB.

The prefix is ​​controlled via infrared, by remote control. Everything is simple and tasteful. The price is low, the device looks presentable, does not take up much space.For his money, the owner gets the familiar interface of the operating system of the tablet, mobile phone. Such smart TV will launch any applications available for download on the Google Market. The only limitation expected is the lack of a touch screen. But it offers an incredible range of features:

• impressed with the advertisement, where they advertise a TV with a SmartTV, which can be used to conduct a remote control like a wand? It is enough to purchase an inexpensive remote control with a gyroscope, connect it to the console and enjoy;
• Does a lot of time go on social networks or searching for information on the Internet? The receiver plugs in the receiver of the wireless keyboard and mouse kit and the system turns into a full-fledged desktop computer with a huge screen;
• like to watch movies online? It is enough to establish a wireless connection, any browser and even ad blockers are at your service;
• too lazy to reach for the TV remote to change the volume? On sale are “cheap” remotes equipped with a gyroscope, basic buttons for controlling the mobile platform and a volume control for the sound, the signal of which is transmitted via the HDMI interface;
• like unusual fixtures? For such people, you can choose a remote control with a keyboard and control buttons.

We will not even mention that universal remotes are offered for smart TV set-top boxes. It is enough to read the control codes of the television remote control - and it can be removed as unnecessary. The control unit of the console fully duplicates the functionality.

The quality and video viewing capabilities are maximum. For example, the considered smart TV set-top box for its low price will offer full support for 3D technology. What is meant here is not passive stereo pair technology, but full-fledged BD3D images. You can also watch content in the BlueRay format, gain access to computer resources on the local network, play games, and have a minimum of restrictions.

Conclusion

Summarizing the above, we note that smart TV set-top boxes offer a rational use of funds. While the TV manufacturer sells a pig in a poke, demanding a huge price without a clear declaration of technological improvements, convenient Android boxes allow you to purchase only what you need.

It took a remote control with a gyroscope to conduct a cursor - you can buy it inexpensively. I wanted to play games with a joystick - there are no problems. For those who need the basic functionality of smart TV, the set-top box will give it for ridiculous money, in addition, offering high application compatibility. And people who want to get more have the opportunity to get anything, and do it rationally, at a reasonable cost.