What is a SMART TV Box and how does it work?

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• What is a SMART TV set-top box?
• Why do you need a TV box?
• Types of smart TV set-top boxes
• Is it worth buying a smart TV box for a modern TV?
• What is needed for the full operation of the Smart TV set-top box?
• How does Smart TV Stick work?
• List of the main functions of a smart set-top box for TV
• Additional media player features
• What can you watch on a SMART TV box?
• Why you need a Smart TV Box: 5 reasons to buy
• 6 Tips for Choosing a Smart TV Box / Stick
• Smart TV boxes from Gelius
• Outcome

Modern innovative technologies bring many benefits to people. They can improve the quality of life, as well as make everyday life more comfortable. Thanks to modern technologies, we can quickly and easily receive information, communicate with people from anywhere in the world, shop online, pay for services, work remotely, and much more. Technology also helps in medicine, science, cinema and other areas by speeding up various processes.

Modern innovations have also been able to expand television media opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Today, there is no need to buy an expensive SMART TV, because to watch your favorite movies and programs, you only need one device - a smart smart TV set-top box.

Such a media player is designed to expand the functionality of the TV to a multimedia center. In addition, modern TV set-top boxes allow you to watch not only movies, series and favorite TV shows, but also install various games and applications directly on your TV.

Smart TV boxes are innovative devices for accessing the Internet, online media services, social networks and other platforms.

The manufacturability of smart TV boxes is manifested in the ability to use voice or gesture commands to control the TV, support for high-quality video and sound, as well as the presence of functions that were previously only available on computers and smartphones. Thanks to these features, TV sticks are a convenient and multifunctional tool for entertainment and work.

Smart TV Box is a compact device for direct connection to a TV, which makes it a SMART TV. Set-top boxes allow users to watch streaming videos on the big screen, play their favorite games, use useful mobile applications (social networks, instant messengers, browsers).

TV smart set-top boxes are designed to work with various operating systems (Apple TV, Android TV, etc.). To connect the set-top box, you only need an HDMI or AV cable. The parameters and characteristics of the TV do not matter when working with the set-top box - the TV actually plays the role of a monitor.

All functionality is incorporated in a compact box, which provides for connection and configuration via the Internet, USB outputs, via Wi-Fi. In addition, the device is equipped with RAM and built-in memory, as well as a full-fledged processor.

An important parameter of the TV, in this case, is only the screen resolution: the higher the resolution, the better the image. High Internet speed allows the user to receive better media content.

A smart set-top box will be a useful device for those who want to receive high-quality content in large volume on their TV. The main advantage of smart TV boxes is their affordability (without having to spend a lot on an expensive TV).

The systematic transition of television channels to digital format has led to the fact that the old TVs (without T2 tuners) are not able to pick up the signal on their own. A TV stick is needed to transmit a digital signal to a TV. The need to purchase a TV set-top box is also argued by its set of functions, mobility and convenience.

Smart TV stick allows you to:

• Receive digital terrestrial television format - DVB-T2.
• Connect satellite and cable broadcasts.
• Play media content from flash drives and other drives.
• Enjoy the latest movies (from an external drive, flash drive).
• Watch video content on YouTube, Megogo, etc.
• Use the Internet, voice control.
• Play video games.
• Work and communicate on the big screen TV.

Modern media players in their design come in two varieties:

1. TV box / box.
2. Stick in the form of a flash drive.

The prefix-box is a kind of independent adapter and can turn the TV into a real cinema. Stationary consoles can be placed on a table, cabinet or on the wall.

TV sticks are more compact in size, making them easy to carry in your pocket. For them, a relatively voluminous remote control is used (comparing with the dimensions of the TV stick itself). The devices are powered from the TV via the USB port.

Most often, when buying a TV, the user wants to get a high-quality image on the screen and a set of interesting features: 3D, SMART TV, and so on. The first smart TVs had minimal performance, which was reflected in freezes when downloading browsers and watching movies.

The need for a set-top box for a TV can be determined by comparing it with a SMART TV system:

Type of system	Advantages	Disadvantages
Smart TV	Intuitive and user-friendly interface. modern screens. Support for basic functions. No extra wires.	Minimal support for audio and video formats. Limited app store. Limited system updates, which affects the limitations of the services over time. Weaker iron parameters.
Smart TV stick	Good performance for watching movies, TV series, games and applications. Network integration even for the oldest TV models. Wide functionality, the possibility of an expanded selection of programs for installation. Affordable price compared to a new TV. Compact dimensions. Suitable for most smart TVs (from 2017 release).	Takes up extra space next to the TV. Not every TV stick model is designed to connect gamepads for games.

As we can see, the presence of a smart set-top box for a TV only expands its functionality, as it has more obvious advantages and fewer disadvantages than a smart TV system.

For the full and productive work of the TV media player, you only need:

• PC monitor or TV with HDMI/AV input.
• Stable Internet with a speed of 3 MB / sec.
• For maximum convenience - a wireless keyboard or mouse.
• Socket.

The TV set-top box includes an integrated processor, motherboard, video adapter, Wi-Fi module, as well as RAM and permanent memory. Some models of media players may have a bluetooth module and other equipment.

These important details affect the performance of the device, the operation of the interface, as well as the speed of launching programs and applications. A high-quality set-top box must have a flashed operating system to work correctly with media services. Operating systems for set-top boxes: Android, Apple, Linux or Windows. The functionality of Android TV boxes is considered one of the best, including the affordable monetary value on them.

A smart TV stick is a small device for a TV with access to the Internet and various applications. The basic principle of the device is to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

After connecting to a TV and the Internet, the user can control the set-top box using a remote control or a smartphone.

Useful features of smart media player on android include:

• Internet access (Wi-Fi / wired network).
• Watch TV shows, movies, talk shows online in 4K resolution (without first saving files on a flash drive).
• View video content on YouTube, Megogo, Netflix and so on.
• Watch 1000+ TV channels online via the Internet.
• Using social networks and chats for communication, video players, karaoke, weather tracking.
• Work with office programs / documents / spreadsheets / presentations.
• Modern games on a large diagonal TV.
• Wirelessly control your TV with a mouse or keyboard.
• The webcam can be connected to the TV for instant messaging, Zoom or Skype.
• Google Play Store.

In addition to the main functions and capabilities, smart TV boxes can provide an additional set of useful options:

• Smart TV Box can be used to listen to music, watch videos and photos from USB drives. For this purpose, the set-top box must have an appropriate USB port.
• Playback of various media files can be output via LAN thanks to DLNA technology.
• Stream content directly from your smartphone, PC, laptop or tablet using a network media player - Chromecast. For example, the Android TV system has official support for this media player.
• Listen to music and radio stations online (Deezer, Spotify, YouTube Music).
• Smart TV stick is also designed to connect to wireless headphones or a portable speaker via Bluetooth (if this function is supported).
• Some models are designed to connect gamepads, joysticks, keyboards and mice (wired and wireless).
• Smart Android TV boxes can have voice control.
• Installing additional programs and applications allows you to expand the functionality of the TV stick.

Set-top boxes have a number of useful features that allow users to watch a variety of content on different platforms. As mentioned above, smart TV sticks open up wide opportunities for viewing various TV channels, new movies and series, cartoons, YouTube videos and much more.

Reason #1. Profitable price

A smart media player is able to connect the TV to the Internet, turning it into an entertainment media center. The cost of good large-screen TVs can seriously go off scale, unlike smart TV set-top boxes, because their price is much lower.

If the TV is old-style and without access to the Internet, you should not rush to acquire a new model. It is enough to look after a high-quality media player at a very competitive price.

Reason #2. Freedom of Opportunity

Set-top boxes for TV provide a grandiose range of diverse content for recreation and entertainment. The device allows you to play video games on a screen with a wide diagonal, watch the latest episodes of your favorite TV shows and new movies in high quality - 4K.

Freedom of choice is also revealed in the possibility of installing entertainment programs and applications. With such a device, only the user decides when and what to watch. Channel broadcasts using the set-top box can also be rewound if an episode was missed last week.

Reason #3. Relevance of technology through time

One of the key advantages of smart TV boxes is their regular updates, including new improvements and functionality. Smart TV does not have frequent updates and bug fixes, which leads to TV freezes.

Reason #4. Compatible with any TV

Given the fact that smart TV boxes transform simple TVs into SMART ones, they can be connected using an affordable HDMI or AV cable (tulips). A smart TV set-top box or box will perfectly complement and expand the functionality of the TV.

Reason #5. No subscription fee

Media players are universal and work via the Internet from convenient providers. Mobile Internet, if necessary, may also be enough. To watch movies and TV programs, it is enough to subscribe to a monthly subscription to the selected media service and enjoy high-quality content.

When buying a smart TV set-top box, you should consider the connection method, operating system, availability of connectors and overall dimensions of the device. A modern media player must have a more recent version of Bluetooth - from 4.2, not lower. To buy a quality device, you should read the recommendations and analyze the main criteria for choosing a device:

Tip #1. Processor selection

The most important criterion for choosing a smart TV set-top box is its performance. The power of the processor affects the efficiency of work and the speed of processing tasks of the device. For high performance TV Box or Stick, 4 to 8 cores will be enough.

For set-top boxes can be used: Allwinner, HiSilicon or Realtek processors. The best processors are considered Amlogic, as they are more productive and faster.

Tip #2. Choice of RAM and built-in memory

Any models of smart TV set-top boxes necessarily have two types of memory - built-in and operational. Their volume directly affects the performance of devices.

For comfortable viewing of video content and playback of media files, it is recommended from 2 GB of RAM for TV sticks and from 4 GB for TV set-top boxes.

Built-in memory should be with a margin for applications and the operating system. It is undesirable to fill the built-in memory completely, as this causes system freezes. For TV set-top boxes and sticks, the amount of internal memory is required - from 16 GB.

It is recommended to choose options with built-in memory from 16 GB. The version of the operating system is best considered from Android 9.0.

For example: Smart TV Box AirMax and Android Smart TV Stick from Gelius brand have enough built-in memory: TV Stick - 2/16 GB, AirMax - 4/32 GB. The AirMax also comes with Android 9.0, while the TV Stick comes with Android 10.0.

Tip #3. Choosing an operating system

Modern smartphones, tablets, laptops, as well as computers operate on certain operating systems for maximum user convenience. Everyone chooses what he likes best: iOS, Android, Windows and so on.

The most common and popular operating systems are:

Android system

It has a number of advantages and advantages, it is affordable, inexpensive, has advanced functionality. Prefixes on android have two types of significantly different interfaces:

1. Android - has a large arsenal of video games, programs and services (Google Play, Chrome). The main feature is the built-in Play Market.
2. Android TV by Google - designed to fully sync with your TV. It has voice control, a variety of interactive icons and an online store (for applications adapted to the parameters of the TV screen) voice control. System updates occur at regular intervals, including the addition of new features.

Apple

More expensive options for smart TV set-top boxes are Apple devices. Such options operate on their own OS base - tvOS and can only work with apple technology.

Windows

This operating system has increased performance requirements for media players, offering a package of certain programs. Control is possible via Bluetooth or USB controllers. Installation of all programs and applications is possible using a browser.

TV smart set-top boxes with Android OS are the best solution for maximum user convenience. The system provides regular support for the Google service. Android set-top boxes are easy to manage, have many useful applications with quick installation.

Tip #4. Resolution selection

Modern TV media players in most cases are designed to support high resolution format - HD 4K. When buying a TV device, you need to consider the resolution and frame rate.

Tip #5. Choosing a connection interface

When choosing a Smart TV set-top box, it is very important to consider the availability of the necessary connectors on the device for a possible connection to the TV. Many models of smart set-top boxes can connect via Wi-Fi, USB ports, or HDMI.

Tip #6. Choice by appearance, design and equipment

As a rule, smart TV boxes have the form of a compact box / box. This is one of the advantages of media players - compactness, discreet design and the presence of the necessary ports on the body.

The weight of smart set-top boxes is light - from 100 to 500 grams. TV sticks are lighter in weight.

The set includes a connection cable / network adapter / adapter, remote control, instruction manual and warranty card.

Since 2018, Gelius, a brand of smart gadgets and various accessories, has been providing well-established, useful products at attractive prices. A wide range of products is presented in the official online store of the brand with a quality guarantee: power banks, wireless headphones, smart watches, portable speakers, gamepads, Smart TV set-top boxes, electric vehicles, etc.

Among the smart gadgets are functional and attractive devices for TV:

Android Smart TV Stick

Smart TV Stick from Gelius is a portable and compact device that has earned a number of good reviews among buyers and brand partners. The device has a stylish design and light weight, allowing you to transport the stick in your pocket or bag.

Smart TV stick has official Android version 10.0 control, voice control, maximum 4K HDR resolution. The wireless media player will turn a simple TV into a SMART TV, provide high quality images when watching your favorite series, movies, cartoons and TV shows.

Wireless TV Accessory Features:

• Official firmware - Android version 10.0.
• The maximum resolution is 4K HDR.
• Voice control.
• Built-in Chromecast.
• Bluetooth version - 4.2.
• RAM - 2 GB.
• Built-in memory - 16 GB.
• Processor - Amlogic S9OSY2 Quad Core Arm Cortex-A53.
• Warranty - 12 months.

The Smart TV Stick comes with: USB and HDTV cables, voice and remote control, instruction manual, warranty card.

In collaboration with our partner, the Megogo media service, a promotion has been launched that is valid until the end of 2023: when buying an Android Smart TV Stick Gelius, the user can get a free subscription for 3 months. To do this, you need to buy a smart TV stick in the official Gelius online store or from partners of the Eldorado, Foxtrot brand.

Smart TV Box

Smart TV box from Gelius is a quality device of small size with the official version of Android 9.0. The prefix works with the Google service, which represents a wide application store.

The media player is suitable for most TVs and perfectly complements the interior with its stylish design. The AirMax model has USB ports and a microSD memory card slot.

A productive processor and good memory of the device will allow you to watch new movies in high quality. Connecting a TV set-top box to TVs is possible using an HDMI / AV cable. The provided Wi-Fi module will provide the user with convenient access to the Internet.

Key Features of the TV Accessory:

• Official firmware - Android version 9.0.
• The maximum resolution is 8K HDR.
• RAM - 4 GB.
• Built-in memory - 32 GB.
• Processor - Amlogic S905X3.
• Warranty - 12 months.

AirMax package includes: TV set-top box, HDMI cable, network cable, remote control, user manual and warranty card.

As we can see, the smart TV box actually transforms a simple TV into an excellent media center and home theater. The advanced functionality and capabilities of the device allow you to get an expensive SMART TV at an affordable budget for everyone.

The devices have unique opportunities for recreation and entertainment, moreover, TV boxes allow you to work remotely on the big screen. The advantages of media players are obvious, and the choice is so wide that everyone can find an option to their liking.