How to connect a smart set-top box to the Internet
A smart TV set-top box, like any modern gadget, connects to the World Wide Web to access thousands of films and TV channels, as well as other content. After purchasing a set-top box and connecting to a TV, you need to set up an Internet connection. This can be done in two ways – wired and wireless, and each has its own pros and cons. Both connection options will be considered below and you can choose the appropriate one.
How to connect a smart set-top box to the Internet
A smart TV set-top box, like any modern gadget, connects to the World Wide Web to access thousands of films and TV channels, as well as other content. After purchasing a set-top box and connecting to a TV, you need to set up an Internet connection. This can be done in two ways – wired and wireless, and each has its own pros and cons. Both connection options will be considered below and you can choose the appropriate one.
Wired connection
Almost all smart set-top boxes are equipped with a LAN port for connecting to the Internet. Such models are often called the Internet TV set-top box. There are models without this port, which only have the ability to synchronize WiFi with the Internet. The advantages of wired connection are the absence of loss of speed, as well as the loss of file packets, which slow down the operation of the device itself and lead to video slowdown or “gags” in the broadcast of TV channels. To connect the set-top box, it is enough to purchase an RJ45 network cable of the required length with installed standard connectors. One end of the cable is inserted into the corresponding connector of the set-top box, the other into your router (router). In 99% of cases, no additional settings are required anymore – everything works automatically. You can also connect a network cable to the smart tv box, which enters the apartment directly from the provider, but you should take into account the nuance – the provider must register a new device in his equipment. To do this, you need to call the operator and follow the instructions on the phone.
WiFi connection of the set-top box
To connect the set-top box to a WiFi network, go to the “settings” menu, then the “Network and Internet” item, find your WiFi network and click on it with the remote control or the mouse. A dialog box with an input field and an on-screen keyboard appears. Enter the network password and press the green key on the keyboard or the “ok” button on the remote control – the set-top box will connect to the Internet. The WiFi connection of the smart TV box is less reliable than the previous method, but it is more convenient – there is no need to clutter up the apartment or house with unnecessary cables. It should also be borne in mind that the Internet speed on a smart set-top box connected via wi-fi will be lower than on other devices connected to the same network. In consoles, as a rule, in inexpensive models, low-power modules are installed for wireless connection and it is not entirely correct to compare the set-top box with a computer or smartphone. If high speed of a wireless connection is important, you should select a model with an external antenna, or after reading reviews and specifications on various sites on the Internet. Smart consoles are equipped with two types of Wi-Fi modules, standard and familiar 2.4 GHz b / g / n or dual-band 2.4 / 5 Ghz b / g / n / ac. If you have a WiFi router capable of operating at 5 GHz, your Internet connection will be significantly higher. 4 GHz b / g / n or dual band 2.4 / 5 Ghz b / g / n / ac. If you have a WiFi router capable of operating at 5 GHz, your Internet connection will be significantly higher. 4 GHz b / g / n or dual band 2.4 / 5 Ghz b / g / n / ac. If you have a WiFi router capable of operating at 5 GHz, your internet connection will be significantly higher.
Internet speed for a smart set-top box.
Since the main use of an android TV box is to watch videos online, the speed of the Internet is important for the normal operation of the device. The higher the speed on the set-top box itself, the faster videos or movies will be loaded online. To watch ordinary television channels, you need from 20 megabits per second already on the set-top box. To view content in HD or FullHD resolution, it is desirable to have 40 Mbps or higher. 4K movies or videos require even more speed. For comfortable viewing of 4k films in BDremux quality with multichannel sound, it is desirable to have a connection of 200 Mbps or higher.