Nowadays, the Smart TV theme is quite popular, because it is a convenient device that turns a standard TV into a full browser, game console, and also provides direct access to video and social networks, but there is one drawback: not everyone knows how to connect “ Smart TV. ” But, despite this, it is unlikely that anyone will argue that televisions with the Smart TV function have a serious future, and even if they can not replace the computer, they are ideal as a device for entertainment.
What does this prefix give?
Many often think about whether to use this device, since connecting a Smart TV (set-top box) is not the cheapest solution. However, in fact, the device provides a lot of features, such as watching online video, all kinds of games, web surfing and much more. Of course, this technology is far from perfect today, and it still has a lot of upgrades, but in fact its advantages completely overshadow any minor flaws.
For a long time, many people dreamed that a set-top box on the Android operating system was released, since connecting a Smart TV of a standard type is one thing, but in fact there are many functions of this OS that TV users really need. In particular, this applies to a huge number of various games and useful programs.
But in fact, such consoles appeared quite quickly, and the traditional Smart TV function has become almost forgotten. That is why we will continue to consider how to connect Smart TV in the form of a set-top box that runs on the Android operating system.
What is an Android prefix?
In the predominant majority of cases, this is a small device that connects to the HDMI connector of the TV. Power supply for the set-top box is provided using a specialized adapter that plugs into an outlet, or can be provided directly from the TV if the set-top box was connected via USB.
The device’s internal device includes a processor, a built-in Wi-Fi module, RAM, Bluetooth and many other useful elements. Thus, we get a kind of tablet in which there is no screen, because instead of it a TV is used.
Customization
Many people are faced with the difficulties of setting up, since it is still possible to connect the Smart TV (set-top box) on their own, but then it’s more difficult to deal with all the characteristics with less convenient control. It is recommended to use a standard mouse and keyboard so that changing configurations is as simple and convenient for you as possible. It is worth noting the fact that you can connect wireless devices, which is the most convenient, since you can connect Smart TV (set-top box) in this case to any place convenient for you. Although in fact, in the predominant majority of cases, only a mouse is enough for standard setup, you can also purchase Air-Mouse, a specialized remote control.
Among other things, in recent years, devices with microphones and built-in cameras designed for convenient communication via Skype have gained quite a lot of popularity. It should be noted that there is a Smart Call HD2 model that can even connect to older TVs that do not have an HDMI connector. You will have to use just such a device, since it is better to connect Smart TV via the Tulip than to completely abandon the new functionality.
Defender Smart Android HD2
This model is one of the most common today, as it represents the optimal ratio of price and number of functions. In the configuration of this console, the following is present:
- the device itself;
- power adapter;
- detailed instructions for installation and configuration;
- HDMI extension cable
- guarantee;
- power cable.
Of course, you do not need such a device if you have Smart TV Samsung. How to connect this device to TVs without an HDMI connector is a serious problem, since here you already need an adapter.
The device is connected directly or through a specialized extension cord. In addition, a power cable with an additional USB connector can be connected to the set-top box, and there is also a microSD connector and another USB. There is also an indicator that glows during the operation of the device.
How to connect?
Initially, the device itself is connected to the TV, after which the power cord is connected. As said, if you do not have a USB-connector for power, then in this case you will need to use a specialized adapter that is included in the set-top box. Again, if you have Smart TV Samsung, how to connect the power, you will not be interested.
A wireless mouse adapter can be connected to the USB connector in the device itself in order to provide convenient control of the console functions with its help. In addition, USB flash drives can be connected to the USB connectors to save the necessary data or to watch various movies recorded on this media.
It is worth noting the fact that you need to choose the right mode after you connect Smart TV. How to connect the Internet, it’s too early for you to think about it since you won’t immediately see the menu of this device. In the settings, first select the HDMI section to which the device was connected, otherwise you will not see the image. On LG TVs, this setting is done by pressing the INPUT button, after which the already active HDMI is selected (you need to choose it only if your TV has several connectors in this category).
Customization
If the set-top box was installed correctly, you will see the home screen, as in the situation when LG Smart TV is connected. How to connect various functions is the next question, since here you will see a non-standard desktop. Here is a separate, specialized shell, which is extremely convenient to use.
Functional
The home screen provides access to six main tabs. Initially, you need, respectively, to go to Settings in order to activate Wi-Fi, set the time settings and other useful functions. It should be noted right away that the same settings as on a tablet or smartphone are present on Smart TV Philips. How to connect the Wi-Fi function, it’s quite simple to understand, since all the basic settings have the corresponding names.
It is worth noting that, according to user reviews, working with a wireless network is carried out without any flaws.
The only problem is the Android operating system itself. Thus, in case of incorrect time and date settings on your device, the gray Wi-Fi icon starts to glow, and in particular, Smart TV Rostelecom is faced with such a problem. How to connect Wi-Fi in this case? Simply set the time and date correctly, or rather check the box next to the "Use network time" function. This is a fairly common problem for almost all devices using the Android operating system.
You can also simply set the time and date correctly, that is, set your time zone. However, you should remember that these parameters may be reset after the set-top box is completely disconnected from the power supply, so automatic tuning is the most reasonable option.
On the “Screen” tab, the optimal screen resolution is selected, as well as the refresh rate. All other settings are the same as on the main devices using the Android operating system.
Media
This section provides you with the basic programs with which you can watch movies directly from the console’s memory or a flash drive connected to it. You can also watch photos and listen to music online.
You can watch the video through the originally installed player. It is worth noting that on the specified console there is already an MX Player, which is considered one of the most optimal players for this operating system. After a memory card is connected or a flash drive that contains movies or other video files, you can immediately launch them through the player, that is, you don’t have to inspect all the folders, as in “Toshiba Smart TV”. How to connect other players, you can see in the section itself.
Tv
In this tab, you can see the folder in which there is a starter package of programs designed to conveniently watch videos online. In particular, there are utilities for more convenient working with the main sites that have a large number of various videos, series and films, such as Zoomby or YouTube.
Browsers
Section with the main programs designed to access the Internet. With the help of them you can freely sit on social networks, download various files and so on.
If you’re not comfortable with standard browsers, then you can find Google Chrome in the Apps section. If necessary, you can also download various official applications designed for more convenient use of social networks (Facebook, VKontakte, Twitter, and others), since connecting Philips Smart TV right away with the necessary functions will not work.
Game
The standard games in this section are Cut the Rop and, of course, Angry Birds is the most famous Android game to date.
Apps
In addition to the above Google Chrome, there is still a whole host of other useful programs that simplify the work of your set-top box and TV. In particular, you will find Explorer for managing files here, as well as various utilities that allow you to conveniently work with mail, map and other useful elements.
At the same time, you have absolutely free access to the Play Store, allowing you to download a ton of other games and applications.
Special attention should be paid to the notification center, located in the lower right part of the screen. There you will see the current time, the status of the connection to the Wi-Fi network, as well as other useful notifications, such as the connection status of a USB flash drive and others.
In the left corner is a panel with basic functions of the operating system, such as shutdown, volume control, etc.
Full shutdown in this device is not provided, because after pressing the shutdown button, the prefix goes into standby mode. If you move the mouse, the device will be activated again.
In the event that the set-top box is powered from the USB port of your TV, it will be activated and turned off in parallel with the main device. If it will be powered from the outlet, then in this case it is quite possible to leave it constantly on.
For example, if you want to watch standard TV, you can simply switch to the appropriate mode by selecting the required input on the TV, and select HDMI again for switching back.
What's better
According to user reviews, the best option is to purchase a TV, in which there are no completely such functions as Smart TV, Wi-Fi and others, which will allow you not to overpay a significant amount for such technologies, but instead purchase a specialized set-top box. In this case, in addition to significant savings, you will also have a ton of new opportunities for work and entertainment. It is likely that over time the situation will change, and TV manufacturers will begin to upgrade the built-in Smart TV, supplying additional applications to their stores, but at the moment a much more optimal solution is to buy a specialized set-top box.
So far, it is unlikely that such a TV can be found that in its functionality is at least approximately similar to the capabilities of the standard Android set-top box, as it provides its owner with a huge number of different actions. In principle, the very ability to get full access to the Android OS on your own TV is a very pleasant option for anyone who uses such devices.
So if you don’t have the Smart TV function on your TV, do not despair, as you can use such a set-top box and at the same time get even more options than with the standard built-in function.