Best Smart TV Box for TV rating 2020: features, functionality and prices

Smart TV box - what is it

In general, a Smart TV Box for TV is a compact computer optimized for working with a TV. Usually the set-top box has a small size (for convenient placement), a processor, RAM, a set of inputs and outputs for connection. Your own operating system can be installed on board the gadget. It turns out that when you connect a Smart TV set-top box to a TV, they together form a full-fledged computer with a large screen.

Smart TV on the TV.In a special publication of our portal, we will tell you in detail about Smart TV on TV. You will find out what it is and the reasons for the need for this technology, what is smart TV on a TV or what functions to expect, how to configure Smart TV and rating applications.

Functionality of the Smart TV set-top box for TV

The functionality of the set-top box can be implemented the same as a regular computer. Watching movies in online cinemas, videos on video hosting, using the Internet for surfing, chatting and instant messengers, reading data from external media. In general, as mentioned earlier, with the help of the Smart TV set-top box, the TV turns into a multimedia center.

How to choose a Smart TV set-top box for TV according to technical parameters

A smart TV box is a very complex device. Depending on its functionality, it has different characteristics, both hardware and software. From the total mass, you can single out the main selection criteria and walk a little through them.

Hardware Requirements

The hardware requirements include all the hardware of the device. That is what provides the computing power. This includes the processor, the amount of RAM, its own memory, and built-in hard drives. Almost all characteristics must be selected based on the basic rule: the more numbers, the better. Naturally, with regard to the processor, you need to pay attention not only to the number of cores, but also to its frequency and architecture.

With regard to memory, everything is simple: the larger the number, the more productive the prefix will be. The operating system usually uses its own memory to store service files and user data. It is also better to choose the largest volume here.

Internet connection method and file formats

In modern devices, two types of Internet connection prevail: via Wi-Fi or cable. The cable can be connected either directly from the provider or through an intermediate node: Router, hub or switch. Connecting via Wi-Fi in any case implies intermediaries in the form of a router. It eliminates the use of wires that would need to be fixed and hidden somewhere. This connection is the most popular, convenient and practical. Usually even the cheapest Smart TV boxes can play a wide variety of video and audio formats. However, before purchasing, it is advisable to check this list and make sure that the required file types are present.

Operating system and form factor flash and smart box for TV

The choice of an operating system is in most cases based on usability. If a person is already accustomed to the Windows family, then the first meeting with Android will seem inconvenient to him. In general, there is not much difference, both in terms of performance and optimization, between the systems.

The form factor determines the look and feel of the device. Basically, there are two types: in the form of a compact flash drive and a box. The first option has a smaller size, lower performance and a limited number of technical capabilities and functionality. The box allows you to use a large number of ports, have a more or less tolerable cooling system and, accordingly, great performance.

Additional equipment

Various devices and gadgets can be considered additional equipment. For example, keyboard, mouse or webcam. Here you already need to choose based on personal preferences.

How to connect a Smart TV set-top box to a TV

To begin with, it is worth considering what connectors a Smart TV box can be equipped with:

• HDMI. The most common type of connection today. Versatile, it can transmit both video and high quality sound. It has one small drawback: it is absent on older devices;
• audio outputs. Set-top boxes are equipped with separate audio outputs. It can be optical or coaxial;
• analog connector. Devices with such a connector are becoming less and less numerous. This is an old-style jack that carries both video and audio. However, tulips will need to be used on the TV side.

In fact, there is nothing difficult in connecting a TV set-top box to a TV. Especially if both devices have an HDMI connector. If the TV is old, then the only difficulty that may arise in the process is finding the necessary adapters. For example, from HDMI to RCA.

Rating of manufacturers of Smart TV set-top boxes for TV in 2019

The market of Smart TV set-top boxes for TVs is unstable, with some companies becoming leaders, then others. Today, the most popular manufacturers of Chinese brands are Xiaomi, IconBIT, Rombica, Dune. TV set-top boxes from Dexp and D-Link are also gaining momentum. Apple fans have plenty to choose from, too.

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

Over the past two years, the Smart TV set-top box market has been greatly replenished with new interesting models. Let's take a look at which Smart TV set-top boxes are better, according to users, and are of greater interest to them.

Rombica Smart Cast v02

This is a typical member of the family of compact devices the size of a USB flash drive. And despite this, the gadget can play videos in Full HD format. The device already contains h264 codecs. The set-top box is connected using HDMI connectors. There is built-in Wi-Fi for internet connection. And for connecting other external devices - USB. An interesting feature of the device is the ability to connect different stationary and mobile platforms. You can buy this Smart TV set-top box for TV for 2,000 rubles.

Rombica Smart Cast v02

Zidoo X9S

Full boxing. It carries 16 GB of internal memory and 2 GB of RAM. Able to play Ultra HD videos. Has an extensive list of supported audio, video and graphics files.

Outputs include stereo, optical (audio), composite (video), HDMI 2.0. The interfaces are standard for this type of device: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 USB, Ethernet. You can use microSD cards as external media. The device is controlled by the Android 6.0 operating system, and you can buy this Smart TV set-top box for your TV for 10,000 rubles.

Media player ZIDOO

Apple TV 4K 32Gb

TV box from a well-known electronics manufacturer. Can play 4K video. Works under the tvOS operating system. The file format is not as wide as many of its Chinese counterparts. This mainly applies to videos. The HDMI 2.0 connector is used to connect the gadget to the TV. Wireless interfaces are represented by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Inside the device is a self-developed Apple A10X Fusion chipset. Own memory is allocated 32 GB, RAM - 3. Many online services are supported, including iTunes, Apple Music, Netflix, Showtime. This unit costs 13,000 rubles.

Apple TV 4K 32Gb

Xiaomi Mi Box International

Taking into account the price and interesting characteristics, this Android TV set-top box can compete with the representative of Apple. Firstly, the Mi Box supports more video formats, and secondly, it is equipped with a decent quad-core Arm Cortex A53 processor with a frequency of 2 GHz. Its memory is slightly less - 8 GB. Operational too - 2 GB. The whole Android 6.0 system is controlled. You can buy a smart TV set-top box at a price of 5,000 rubles.

Xiaomi Mi Box International

Google Chromecast Ultra

An interesting device from a popular search engine. The gadget is controlled by smartphones based on Android or iOS. It can play videos up to Ultra HD. Only 2 known codecs are supported: H.264 and VC-1. Connects using HDMI 2.0. Has on board Wi-Fi and USB. Supported online services: Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Chrome. Three antennas are installed inside for better signal quality. You can buy this console for 5,500 rubles.

Google Chromecast Ultra

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

In fact, Smart TV is a more abstract concept. That is, it embodies all possible mechanisms and systems of smart television. This includes Internet connectivity, mouse and keyboard control, video calling and gaming, built-in app stores, live TV streaming, and more.

Android TV is a more refined version of Smart TV. It is characterized by the Android system already installed on board and, accordingly, implements all the capabilities of related services, for example, Google Play. Since Android TV is more unified and stereotyped, the cost of such set-top boxes is slightly lower. Implementation of various Smart TV systems from well-known brands on their own operating systems usually comes out more expensive.

Review of prices for set-top boxes Smart TV for TV

Photo	Characteristics	price, rub. (as of May 2019)
	Video format: FullHD.	2 000
	Video format: 4K. RAM / own: 2 GB / 16 GB. OS: Android 6.0.	10 000
	Video format: 4K. RAM / own: 3 GB / 32 GB. OS: tvOS.	13 000
	Video format: 4K. RAM / own: 2 GB / 8 GB. OS: Android 6.0.	5 000
	Video format: 4K. OS: smartphone control.	5 500

A fairly useful gadget with many functions, undoubtedly, it has its advantages and a fairly wide range of users. Choose your set-top box wisely, and then you get more from your TV than just a selection of channels.

If you have a Smart TV box at home and you have experience with it, you can share it in the comments.