Best Smart TV STB TV ratings in 2019: features, functionality and price

Smart TV set-top box - what is it

In general, the Smart TV set-top box for the TV - is a compact computer is optimized for use with a TV. Usually the prefix is ​​small (for easy placement), a processor, memory, a set of inputs and outputs for connection. On board the gadget own operating system can be installed. It turns out that when connecting the Smart TV set-top boxes together form a full-fledged computer with a large screen.

Smart TV on your TV.In a special publication of our portal, we describe in detail about the Smart TV on your TV. You will learn what it is and the reasons for the need for this technology, which is a smart TV in the TV or what features to expect, how to implement the Smart TV set-up and ranked applications.

The functionality of the Smart TV set-top box to the TV

Functional set-top box can realize the same as a conventional computer. Watch movies online cinema, videos on video hosting sites, use the Internet to surf, chat in chat rooms and messengers, to read data from external media. In general, as mentioned earlier, by using Smart TV set-top boxes TV set turns into a multimedia center.

How to choose a Smart TV set-top box to the TV specifications

Smart TV set-top box - a very sophisticated device. Depending on its functionality, it has different characteristics, both hardware and software. Of the total mass can identify the main criteria for the selection and walk a bit on them.

hardware requirements

The hardware requirements include all hardware devices. That is what provides the computing power. This includes the processor, amount of RAM, the memory, built-in hard disks. Almost all the features you need to choose on the basis of a general rule: The higher the number, the better. Of course, in relation to the CPU is necessary to pay attention not only on the number of cores, but also on its frequency and architecture.

With respect to the memory of everything is simple: the higher the number, the more efficient will be the prefix. Private memory is normally used by the operating system for storing application data files and user data. It is also better to choose the largest volume.

How to connect to the Internet and file formats

In modern devices prevail two types of connection to the internet via Wi-Fi or cable. The cable may be connected either directly from the provider or via an intermediate node: router, hub or switch. Connecting via Wi-Fi, in any case involves intermediaries in the form of a router. It eliminates the use of wires that would have to be somewhere to fix and hide. This connection is the most popular, convenient and practical. Usually, even the cheapest Smart TV set-top box can play many formats of video and audio. Yet before the purchase is advisable to check the list and make sure that the appropriate file types are present.

Operating system and form factor flash and Smart TV box

The choice of the operating system in most cases is based on ease of use. If a person has become accustomed to the family of Windows, you first encounter with Android seem uncomfortable to him. In general, much of a difference, both in performance and optimization, there is between the systems.

The form factor defines the appearance and layout of the machine. Basically there are two types: in the form of a compact flash card and boxing. The first variant has a smaller size, lower productivity and a limited number of technical and functional capabilities. Box allows a large number of ports have a more or less tolerable cooling system and, consequently, better performance.

Additional equipment

Additional means assembly may assume a variety of devices and gadgets. For example, a keyboard, mouse or webcam. There are already have to choose based on personal preferences.

How to connect your console to your TV Smart TV

First, let's consider what the connectors can be equipped with Smart TV set-top box:

• HDMI. The most common by far the type of connection. Versatile, can transmit both video and sound quality. It has one minor flaw: not available on older devices;
• Audio Outputs. Consoles are equipped with separate outputs for audio. It may be an optical or coaxial type;
• analog connector. Devices, in which you can find this connector, it becomes less and less. Is an old-style jack that transmits both video and audio. However, on the side of the TV you will need to use tulips.

The connected TV set-top box is actually no big deal. Especially if both devices have the HDMI connector. If the TV is old, the only difficulty that may arise in the process - is the search for the necessary adapters. For example, with HDMI to RCA.

Rating manufacturers Smart TV set-top boxes in 2019

Market Smart TV set-top boxes for televisions unstable, leaders are the one company, others. To date, the most popular manufacturers of Chinese brands: Xiaomi, IconBIT, Rombica, Dune. Also gaining momentum STB Dexp Company and D-Link. Apple's fans also have plenty to choose from.

Review of the best models of Smart TV set-top boxes for TV in 2019

Over the past two years, the Smart TV set-top boxes market is very much filled with new interesting models. Let's look at what Smart TV set-top box is better, according to the users and provide for them more interest.

Rombica Smart Cast v02

This is a typical representative of the family of compact device the size of a flash drive. And, despite this, the gadget can play videos in Full HD. The device already present h264 codec. Top box connected via connectors HDMI. To connect to the Internet has a built Wi-Fi. And to connect other external devices - USB. An interesting feature of the device is the ability to connect different stationary and mobile platforms. Buy this Smart TV set-top box to the TV can be up to 2 000 rubles.

Zidoo X9S

A full box. Bears the internal memory 16 GB 2 GB. Capable of playing video in Ultra HD format. It has an extensive list of supported audio files, video and graphics.

Of the outputs can be noted stereo, optical (audio), Composite (Video), HDMI 2.0. standard interfaces for such devices: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 USB, Ethernet. As an external storage, you can use the microSD card. Managed device Android 6.0 operating system, and buy the Smart TV set-top box to the TV is a 10 000 rubles.

Apple TV 4K 32Gb

TV set-top box from the well-known electronics manufacturer. Can play 4K video. It is running tvOS operating system. The file format is not as wide as many Chinese counterparts. This is mainly for the video. To connect the gadget to your TV using HDMI 2.0 connector. Wireless interfaces are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Inside the device is installed chipset own Apple A10X Fusion development. Allocated private memory 32 GB RAM - 3. Supported by many online services, including iTunes, Apple Music, Netflix, Showtime. This unit is worth 13 000 rubles.

And another review of this model.

Xiaomi Mi Box International

Given the price and interesting features, this Android set-top box can compete with Apple representative. Firstly, Mi Box supports more video formats, and secondly, it is equipped with a good quad-core Arm Cortex A53 2 GHz. His memory is slightly smaller - 8 GB. Operational too - 2GB. Managed all Android 6.0 system. Buy smart set-top box to the TV can be at a price of 5000 rubles.

Google Chromecast Ultra

Interesting device from a popular search engine. Managed gadget smartphone on Android or iOS based. Play videos can up to Ultra HD. Known codecs supports only 2: H.264 and VC-1. Connected via HDMI 2.0. Has on-board Wi-Fi and USB. Supported online services: Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Chrome. Inside there are three antenna for better signal quality. Buy this prefix can be for 5500 rubles.

Which is better: Smart TV or Android TV, and there is a difference

In fact, the Smart TV - more than an abstract concept. That is, it represents all possible mechanisms and intelligent television system. This includes an Internet connection, control via mouse and keyboard, the possibility of video calls and games, built-in app stores, TV broadcast directly on the Internet channel, etc.

Android TV - it's more The specified version of Smart TV. It is characterized by an already installed on board the Android system and, accordingly, implements all the features of related services, for example, Google Play. Since Android TV more unified and templates, the cost of such prefixes is slightly lower. Implementation of the various Smart TV systems from well-known brands in their own operating systems, usually comes out more expensive.

Review of prices on Smart TV set-top box to the TV

Enough useful gadget with lots of features, of course, has its advantages and quite an extensive range of users. Choose a set-top box with the mind, and then you will get from your TV is more than just a set of channels.

If your home has a Smart TV set-top box, and you have experience with it, you can share it in the comments.