We turn a dumb TV into a smart one. Review of TV set-top boxes from Rostelecom TV set-top box sml 482 hd base setup

A special attachment is required. As a rule, providers do not give much choice in choosing models, offering specific solutions for different regions. Below is an overview of Rostelecom TV set-top boxes available for purchase in 2019 on the company’s official website.

What is an IPTV set-top box

A receiver for IPTV television is an intermediate stage from the source of information to the TV. To connect interactive television, a fiber optic cable is used, through which the Internet is connected. A set-top box is required to decode the signal.

On a note! In Russia, the overwhelming majority of these devices are produced by SmartLabs, however, you can also find models from other manufacturers.

The most current Rostelecom set-top boxes fromSmartLabsare models from the lineSTB Mini. These include – 5010, 5050, 5041, 5010CT. These are the most modern devices that provide maximum opportunities for watching interactive television.

Users can also come across devices from the older generation - SML-482 HD, SML-282 HD Base, SML-292 HD Premium. Despite their “age”, they are available for sale and in some regions there is basically no alternative.

The oldest models offered by Rostelecom include Infomir MAG-250, MAG-200, IPTV RT STB HD Standart, IPTV HD 101 (103), Yuxing YX-6916A, Motorolla VIP1003. Their purchase is possible, but experts note that, if possible, , it is better to choose something more modern due to outdated parameters of the listed devices. It is impossible to get a full range of features and maximum image quality with these receivers.

Description of IPTV set-top boxes Rostelecom

In 2019, Rostlecom's selection of consoles is not large. Specifications and device capabilities are given below in table form.

	SML-482 HD Base Wi-Fi	IP HDTV Motorola VIP1003G	SML-5050
CPU	Broadcom BCM7230750, 2 cores, frequency – 750 MHz	Not specified	ARM Cortex A7, 4 cores, frequency – 1.5 GHz
RAM	512 MB	Not specified	512 MB
ROM	256 MB	Not specified	256 MB
OS	Linux	Not specified	Linux
Wi-Fi support	Yes, 802.11n	Absent	Absent
Maximum resolution	1080p	1080i	4K
Supported Codecs	MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, H.263, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1, MPEG1/2, MP3, AAC, AC3, WMA	MPEG-2 ISO/IEC 13818 MPEG-4 AVC H.264/H.263, MPEG (Layer 1,2,3), PCM, AC3, AAC	AAC, HE-AAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, MPEG1/2, MP3, UHD H.265, H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, H.263
Connectors	Ethernet, USB 2.0, mini-jack, HDMI, S/PDIF (optional)	Ethernet, USB 2.0, mini-jack, composite (optional), HDMI, SCART (optional).	Ethernet, USB 2.0, mini-jack, HDMI
Possibilities	Pause the broadcast, watch missed programs, video rental, karaoke, install third-party applications	Pause broadcasting, parental control, viewing missed programs, video rental	Pause broadcasting, parental control, viewing missed programs, video rental, karaoke, installing third-party applications
Equipment	Set-top box, power supply, AAA batteries, HDMI cable, composite cable, warranty card, instructions	Set-top box, power supply, AAA batteries, warranty card, instructions, composite cable (or SCART adapter depending on the version of the set-top box), LAN cable	Set-top box, power supply, AAA batteries, warranty card, instructions, HDMI
Manufacturer	SmartLabs	Motorola	SmartLabs
Year of issue	2017	2015	2018

Set-top box SML-5050

From the parameters listed above, we can conclude that the most modern device for connecting Rostelecom interactive TV is the SML-5050 model, but this does not mean that it is the best solution to buy. The main difference between the model is its support 4K, which is not very relevant for Russia at the moment. In addition, it received the most powerful processor of all Rostelecom equipment.

A serious disadvantage of the model is lack of supportWi— Fi. To be more precise, then Wi-Fi support The set-top box has a module with 802.11 ac speed, but in the Rostelecom modification this feature is reduced in order to reduce the cost of the device.

Important! Another option that Rostelecom does not have, but the set-top box in its original modification does have is support for a remote control without infrared control. That is, initially the model comes with a remote control that does not need to be pointed directly at the set-top box, in the Rostelecom version -.

Visually, the device looks more modern than its predecessors; it has a matte finish, which eliminates the appearance of fingerprints. The connection connectors are located at the rear.

Set-top box SML-482 HD Base Wi-Fi

The second oldest is the SML-482 HD Base Wi-Fi digital TV set-top box. This TV tuner has a weaker processor, but is the only option for wireless connection IPTV. The tuner supports the only Wi-Fi standard – 802.11n, that is, it only works in the 2.4 GHz band, which is the busiest, especially in apartment buildings, which may cause problems. However, when high speed connection no problems observed.

According to user reviews, the receiver has the same set of functions as the 5050, the only significant difference is no support 4K. The model is released in a classic rectangular case with a glossy finish. All connectors are located on the back of the device.

Advice! According to experts, this set-top box is a more logical option for purchase, since it fully complies with modern requirements and has already been tested by time, while the new SML-5050 model is cut down in places and “not tested”. It is too early to draw conclusions about its performance and ease of use.

Motorola VIP1003G set-top box

The oldest version is not relevant for 2019. The console manufacturer released it in several modifications, the difference lies in the outputs. There are models that do not have an HDMI connector, and the connection is made only via SCART or composite cable.

The vast majority of modern TVs are not equipped with the first of the two proposed connectors; moreover, both of them are not designed to transmit a full FHD signal. Watch on this interactive consoleHDchannels is not possible. Visually, the model resembles the SML-482 - a rectangular box in a glossy design with all connectors located at the rear.

Important! When choosing a receiver, it is important to understand that under one name there may be different modifications that differ in outputs and even hardware components. Before purchasing, it is recommended to visually familiarize yourself with the device and its characteristics to ensure that it is the right option with the capabilities the user needs.

The set-top box from Rostelecom SML 482 HD Base is a modern device for gaining access to IPTV services and additional services that provide interactive television. High-performance components can easily cope with Full HD video materials, and will also ensure smooth operation in the software shell of the equipment. This approach allows for maximum comfort for the viewer, since the set-top box will not allow the appearance of graphic distortions and bugs during viewing.

Features of the SML 482 HD Base media player

TV set-top box from Rostelecom SML 482 HD Base has compact dimensions. Its width and depth are only 10 cm, and its height is 3.2 cm. The body is made of high-quality matte black plastic with translucent inserts.

Inside, the device has an updated processor compared to the previous line. It is based on two powerful cores with a frequency of 750 MHz, the performance of which is sufficient to spare. Volume random access memory DDR3 512 MB fully satisfies all functions of the set-top box.

Such characteristics allow you to maintain smooth animation and interaction with the graphical interface, even when superimposed on Full HD video.

Software component capabilities

The software part of the SML 482HD from Rostelecom uses OpenGL technology. Resource-intensive graphic applications, in particular games, have long been created on its basis. Coping with the complex, multi-layered and colorful interface of the set-top box using OpenGL is not difficult. The main difference, in comparison with other interfaces, when using this technology is the ability to interact with 3D elements. Thanks to this feature, the device can compete in terms of ease of menu navigation even with the leaders of the gaming industry - XBOX and Playstation.

The maximum compatible video frame resolution for the Rostelecom SML 482 HD set-top box is 1080p, and the supported number of its updates per second is 60. These characteristics allow you to get not only a clear, but also a smooth image on your TV screen. When the communication channel (Internet connection) is overloaded, the equipment is equipped with a special software add-on that allows you to dynamically change the quality of the image downloaded from the server. Even if your connection is busy with many other tasks, it will continue to work anyway.

Thanks to its hardware and software, the set-top box supports third-party applications. This made it possible to integrate many additional functions. For example, weather forecasts, calendars, social applications, games and much more. In the version from Rostelecom you can easily verify many of these capabilities.

Software from Rostelecom

SML 482 HD Base has special software that supports many additional settings and services from Rostelecom. The system has a delayed playback function for TV shows. It will allow you to access your favorite show for 48 hours after the broadcast. There is also an option to record content on a schedule.

The video-on-demand (VoD) service turns a set-top box into an online home theater player. In the extensive library of films from the provider, you can watch both films that have become classics and new releases in the film industry.

Another interesting feature is the ability to view additional information about players taking part in various sporting events, or movie actors.

Unpacking and Installation

Purchasing a Smartlab SML 482 set-top box from Rostelecom will be an excellent upgrade for owners of high-resolution screens, but without a Smart TV system on board. Thanks to this tandem, boring television will be replaced by your favorite movies, TV series and programs. Now the answer to the question “What to watch in the evening?” It depends only on you and your mood.

In order to start using the set-top box, the first thing you need to do is unpack it, not forgetting to check the package contents. The box with the Smartlab SML 482 device from Rostelecom comes with:

power unit;
remote control for remote control;
two AAA batteries;
HDMI cable;
composite cable;
warranty card;
user manual.

Since the kit includes two cords for image output, choosing the appropriate option will not be difficult.

Attention! The device does not have a composite output for connecting a TV. Instead, a special AV adapter cable is used.

Most set-top boxes from Rostelecom do not support SML 482 HD Base WiFi connection, connection to the network is made using the Ethernet connector on the rear panel. It also contains ports:

nutrition;
AV (for connecting a composite adapter);
S/PDIF (audio output);
HDMI (audio video output supporting 1080p);
USB (connecting external drives).

If it is not possible to lay an additional LAN cable for the set-top box, you can purchase one. It will allow you to transmit an Internet signal over the electrical network.

Attention! If you are the owner of a version with a Wi-Fi module, then you can connect to the Internet after turning on the set-top box in its settings.

SML 482 HD Base has very compact dimensions, so it does not require much space for installation. However, do not forget that such equipment generates heat during operation. In order to ensure normal heat exchange, you must leave at least 30 cm of free space above the device. It is also not recommended to install in areas exposed to direct sunlight. Other devices located in close proximity can also cause excessive heat generation.

When the location for the console is chosen, you need to connect all the cords. Having familiarized yourself with the connectors on the rear panel, connect the network cable (Ethernet) from the router, power supply, HDMI or AV-composite adapter. When using external speakers, sound can be output via a separate cord using the S/PDIF connector (optical port).

What you need to get started with the console

After inserting the batteries into the remote control, you need to press the power button.

Upon first activation, the SML 482HD will contact the Rostelecom server in root mode to check for the availability of new firmware, and immediately after that it will be prompted to enter the user's login and password. This data is contained on the card received at the provider's office. Having erased the protective coating with a coin, the login and password are entered using the remote control from the set-top box.
Immediately after verifying the user data, you can start working with the device without setting any parameters.

The SML 482HD set-top box from Rostelecom will become excellent option to create a home theater based on it. Thanks to a large number of options, the device is able to provide the user with interactive television exactly the way it should be.

Now you don’t have to rack your brains about what to give to your granny who lives in the village. In two minutes, her old ELT device can easily be turned into a sophisticated SmartTV with a bunch of channels, a film library, an archive of TV shows and karaoke. All you need is internet and...

... black box of "Interactive TV 2.0" from Rostelecom!

The new TV set-top box allows you to watch more than 120 digital and HD channels, more than 2000 films and TV series, control viewing (pause, rewind, archive), duplicate images from the TV to tablets and computers for free (multi-screen function), watch 3D films, sing in karaoke, set parental controls, use interactive services, watch photos and videos from a flash drive. And all this for a price of 320 rubles. per month. But even if you don’t pay, you will still have access to about 20 federal news and entertainment channels. This is in addition to all of the above.

The main feature of this new boxed product is that you don't need.... Internet from Rostelecom! The box connects to the Internet of any provider, even mobile. The main thing is that the speed is not lower than 0.9 Mbit/s. And you don’t need to go to Rostelecom to buy the device - it is sold in both Svyaznoy and Euroset. The price is 3990 rubles, but with a promotion that will last until December 31, you can grab the console for 1990 rubles!

Another cool feature of the new device is the presence of built-in Wi-Fi, a module that will save you from unnecessary wires - the set-top box connects perfectly to a Wi-Fi router over the air at any speed. The box will be useful not only for the grandmother in the village, but also for travelers who suddenly feel sad watching Russian TV channels in distant enemy countries. Not to mention business travelers - for them this device is a real godsend! You connect it to any TV in a provincial hotel and brighten up your life with the hotel Wi-Fi.

The rich package includes everything you need for independent connection. Even a teapot can figure it out.
Actually, this is:

The IPTV STB set-top box itself Smartlabs SML-482 HD Base with Wi-Fi module, branded for Rostelecom (BCM7230 750MHz dual-core chipset, DDR3 512 MB RAM, Flash NAND 256 MB).

Power adapter 220 V.

A cool remote control in the form of a proprietary Rostelecom ear, which can be programmed for any TV in order to control it also as a TV.

HDMI cable.

"Tulips".

Ethernet cable.

Adapter from tulips to SCART.

They didn't even forget about the batteries for the remote control.

Instructions and completed warranties with stamps.

At the hardware level, the set-top box supports the following codecs: audio codecs - MPEG1/2, MP3, AAC, AC3, WMA, video codecs - MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, H.263, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 .

Set-top box interfaces:

power supply 12 V,

audio/video output for "tulips",

HDMI connector 1.4a with HDCP,

Ethernet 10/100Mbit Base T,

USB 2.0 for connecting flash media and wireless keyboard (!).

The connection and setup process is very simple and intuitive. You need to plug the device into a power outlet, connect an HDMI cable (or “tulips”) to the TV, insert batteries into the remote control and press the “Power” button. The set-top box turns on and offers to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi if you have not previously connected it with an Ethernet cable.

This is where difficulties can arise if you don’t have a wireless keyboard at hand, and this is the main “jamb” of the set-top box. I still don’t understand how to blindly enter a password using buttons from the remote control - the scheme with several presses of buttons with letters does not work, not to mention symbols and upper case. But the keyboard connects via a USB radio module with a bang!

After the set-top box sees the Internet, it will update its software itself.

The process is quite long, the first startup took me about 10 minutes - the set-top box rebooted 4 times.

Finally, the shell loaded and the set-top box announced a 30-day promotional period, when you can watch 120 channels included in the starter package for free.

This is what the main menu looks like, in which you can select either a TV channel or a movie.

Unfortunately, I didn’t find any free films - you can watch all of them for money, or purchase them for your collection. Watching one film costs about 50 rubles.

Rostelecom's film library is quite rich - it contains about 2,000 films. Available in 3D and HD.

Having selected a TV channel, you can either watch the program from the current position, or from the very beginning, in the recording - very convenient if you missed the beginning.

Of course, this set-top box will be useless for SmartTV owners - all the functions described and even more are already included in the TV itself. However, if you have a regular TV, or several of them in the house, then this is a very interesting solution. In my opinion, other than Rostelecom, no other Russian provider offers such a service yet.

Useful gizmo or flashlight?

For several years now, the largest Internet provider in our country, Rostelecom, has been providing IPTV service, the so-called “Interactive TV”. We will look at the process of connecting and setting up the service using the example of the latest this moment Set-Top-Box (STB) set-top box without a built-in hard drive “Standard”, also known as MAG-250 from the Ukrainian company Infomir, under the Rostelecom brand.

Connectors and cables

So, you have received a Rostelecom interactive television kit, which consists of:

the console itself;
power supply;
remote control;
network cable to connect the set-top box to the Internet via a switch, router or router;
Mini Jack – RCA cable (audio/video, tulip) for connecting STB to a TV in standard definition (SD) format.

Additionally, to view high-definition HD images, you must purchase an HDMI cable. But make sure your TV has this input ( appearance The connector can be seen on the console). More detailed equipment in the video:

The rear panel of the device consists of the following connectors:

Power connector;
AV output, where the cable from the kit is inserted, the quality will be SD;
Optical audio output S/PDIF (not needed);
HDMI output for transmission high-quality image HD;
LAN network input for access to the Internet;
RC output for external IR receiver (not needed);
USB input.

There is also an additional USB port on the front panel. We are unlikely to need connectors 3 and 6. To connect the set-top box to the Internet via WiFi, you must additionally purchase a WiFi adapter, which is inserted into one of the USB ports of the set-top box. We will consider this type of setup in the following articles.

So, we connect the power supply to connector 1, insert one end of the network cable into connector 5 “LAN”, connect the other to the switch (hub) or router (router).

Further actions depend on what type of connection to the TV you have chosen:

Cable included, SD quality

In this case, insert the black plug of the miniJack cable from the kit into connector 2 “AV”, on the other side of the cable insert the yellow plug into the video input of the TV (Video Input), the white plug into the left audio channel (Audio Left), the red plug into the right audio channel ( Audio Right). Tulip connectors on a TV should usually be the same color as the plugs.

HDMI cable, HD quality

If you need a high-definition image, and your TV has the same HDMI connector as the set-top box, then using a cable purchased separately, we connect these 2 connectors.

Turn on the set-top box

All connectors are connected, insert the power supply of the set-top box into the socket, the blue indicator on the front panel should light up. We turn on the TV and use the remote control to select the image source (usually the Input, AV or Video Input buttons): in the case of SD, the item is called “AV Video Input”, in the case of HD – the HDMI item. If your TV has several HDMI connectors, you need to select the exact number into which the cable from the set-top box is inserted.

The signal for a successful connection to IPTV from Rostelecom will be the appearance of a login and password entry window on the screen; they are written on the bottom of the set-top box. We rewrite them and click Confirm.

There are times when, after entering your login, the set-top box asks for a PIN code. This means that Parental Controls have been enabled on the device. In this case, you need to try entering 0000 or 1111. If these codes do not work, then the only option is to call the service technical support, toll-free number 8-800 for your region, check the instructions for the set-top box or on the Internet.

Upon successful activation, you will see the “What to watch” start screen. If a PIN code was requested, you need to set Parental Controls to 18+ in the settings so that this will not happen again.

Setting up STB

The console has a few useful settings, which are divided into “System” and “My”. The first ones can be safely left as default. In my settings, you should pay attention to the parental controls hidden under the Access Level item. Here you can select an age limit. The “Social networks” and “Weather forecast” items will also be useful for setting the parameters of these services.

Feature overview

We suggest you first watch a video review of IPTV capabilities from Rostelecom.

The main functions of interactive television include the ability to see the channel program schedule at any time. We will talk in more detail about other functions that you can use.

TimeShift

This is perhaps the coolest feature of the console. Using it, you can pause the TV channel at any time, and then continue watching from the same place. You can do this by pressing the Pause button on the remote control while viewing a channel, or the Down button and select the pause icon in the panel. You can also rewind the broadcast at any time if you missed something, or fast forward if you are already watching the recording.

They began to be actively used relatively recently. Initially, many people started by connecting to IPTV from some companies, the most acceptable of which could only be called Beeline. After many of these companies were reorganized and turned into part of Rostelecom, the entire service was completely rebooted, in particular, they invited many new specialists, acquired the Smartlabs platform, and also developed software that has a single interface for all currently used models of IPTV set-top boxes. In other words, in order to launch truly high-quality set-top boxes, Rostelecom did quite a lot of work, although the service was being fine-tuned to an ideal state and continues to this day.

At the moment, the company is making a big bet on developing its digital television service, and at the same time is trying in almost every way to ensure that new users constantly connect to it. That is why Rostelecom set-top boxes are becoming increasingly widespread. People try to learn as much as possible about the main features of the service from this company.

SML-482 HD

Technically, such devices can be called the most modern and advanced among all those used by Rostelecom. A powerful processor, a maximum amount of RAM and a fairly compact body - these are the main advantages of the SML-482 HD, which set the device apart from the rest. Users did not find any special problems during the use of this set-top box, and they are extremely rarely returned with various malfunctions or defects. It is worth noting that with the release of this SML-482 HD, the company began to gradually introduce a service to support 3D television and other more modern services.

SML-282 HD Base

This set-top box is practically no different from the SML-292 Premium model, and the differences between them are quite minor. Externally, they are approximately the same - the premium model, which provides digital TV, has two USB connectors versus one for the standard one, it is worth noting that it has slightly more powerful hardware and is distinguished by support for USB-Wi-Fi modules. A good set-top box with excellent hardware potential. There is also no information that these Rostelecom set-top boxes are characterized by frequent defects or insufficient build quality.

Infomir MAG-250

The console of this model has been widely used for quite a long time. It is worth noting that many people connected digital TV from those companies that later merged with Rostelecom, but at the same time they already had such set-top boxes installed. If we consider the device from a hardware point of view, it has definitely not exhausted itself yet, and the only complaint that has not been corrected to this day is the relatively weak fastening of the power connector, as well as the connector through which the cable is connected to the TV. In this regard, quite often this TV set-top box is simply returned by many users, since subscribers can accidentally break the connector out of the mount.

One of the most significant software features of this device is that it can be flashed using standard firmware from Infomir, and then used as a standard media player with the ability to download a playlist and watch any digital television channels without any restrictions. It is worth noting that initially this equipment was supplied only with software and a remote control from Infomir, but over time, MAG-250 TV set-top boxes began to be supplied with a proprietary Rostelecom remote control.

Infomir MAG-200

This model began to spread quite widely during the rise of the Rostelecom company and its distribution of digital television throughout the country, but it is worth noting that the model itself is already obsolete, so the described devices are practically not issued to subscribers. At the same time, the set-top box for television can be used to this day, especially since using native firmware from Infomir, it allows you to watch any channels of modern digital TV without any restrictions using a pre-loaded playlist. The supply of such equipment was carried out exclusively with the proprietary remote control of the Infomir company, as well as with factory firmware. Further migration to the Smartlabs platform was carried out separately.

IPTV RT STB HD

If you remember the Infomir MAG-250 device, then you can almost immediately see absolutely identical characteristics to those offered by this Rostelecom set-top box. The instructions, software and remote control included in the package were used from Smartlabs, while Lately A rather interesting feature of this equipment began to appear - when interacting with certain models of routers from Rostelecom, the device works at least strangely. In this regard, the set-top box must first be pre-flashed, and only then connected to the device. Otherwise, the Ethernet link on the router to which this device is connected constantly begins to disappear. It is worth noting that, for example, the standard Sagemcom router does not have this problem at all, while the rev.1 model is not showing its best side.

IPTV HD 101

This is the first Rostelecom 2.0 set-top box, which began to be supplied in a branded box with headphones. The packaging of this device includes an HDMI cable, but users often note that it does not always work correctly and appropriately. If we consider the hardware characteristics of this equipment, they are almost identical to the MAG-250 model, since it has exactly the same processor, but it has almost twice as much RAM.

Prefixes can be classified as middle group in quality, and from time to time they are delivered to service centers with various power problems. It is also worth noting that they completely lack an internal portal, as a result of which the company almost immediately switched to connecting the Rostelecom set-top box model IPTV HD 103, which had not only a standard version of the configuration, but also an additional Wi-Fi and mini option.

Yuxing YX-6916A

Model made in China. These set-top boxes can be called the first of their kind, which were supplied with an additional HDMI cable, and they were used even before Rostelecom acquired most of the companies in this area. It is worth noting the fact that the quality of such equipment is quite high, as reliably evidenced by the almost complete absence of returns of such devices with defects, and they themselves have been working for several years without any complaints or complaints from users.

The only problem with these devices can be called the transition to software from Smartlabs, since because of this it was necessary to carry out a complete flashing of the devices manually. Another well-known problem is watching videos using a USB connector, since there are a number of codecs that this Rostelecom set-top box does not support. The standard for her with such a disadvantage is the absence of sound when trying to watch.

Motorola VIP1003

This model is supplied in small quantities. Over time, the company decided that this interactive Rostelecom set-top box would not be used, so it is currently provided to users exclusively from old stock. It is worth noting that consumers almost never speak badly about the operation of this equipment - it functions clearly and without any problems.

Standard connection option

In the vast majority of cases, the set-top box is connected via an Ethernet cable, which the installer runs through the apartment to the TV from the router. The only drawback of this scheme is that the LAN cable will need to be hidden somewhere, since otherwise people living in this room will regularly trip over it, but at the same time, the Rostelecom digital set-top box is connected much more reliably via Compared to other methods, and is also a device that is not so sensitive to all kinds of electromagnetic interference.

Connect via Wi-Fi

Several different options can be used here.

The first involves the use of specialized wireless media bridges of the Motorolla 2400 model, which are supplied by Rostelecom itself. The set-top box, the password for which can be found on its box, is connected wirelessly, which greatly simplifies operation and makes using the device more convenient.

The main advantage here is that to ensure multicast transmission using such a media bridge, the 5 GHz band is used, which is practically not used anywhere today. It is also worth noting that this model of equipment ensures the transfer of information over fairly large distances, by Wi-Fi standards. There are also some disadvantages.

The first disadvantage is the considerable cost, which is approximately five thousand rubles for a set of two devices. Users say that the second disadvantage is that the equipment is not so easy to set up, because you need to perform a fairly large number of steps to ensure the adhesion of the two adapters.

As an alternative to such a device, you can use cheaper analogs that are produced under the TP-Link and D-Link brands, which will save you a total of up to one and a half thousand rubles.

The second connection option is to use a standard Wi-Fi module of the router, as well as an adapter from the side of the set-top box itself. The main difficulty here is that the router must have the function of logical separation of LAN ports from Wi-Fi. In addition, you will need to try to choose an adapter model with which your chosen Rostelecom HD set-top box can interact normally. Although here you can use a little trick and instead of a standard USB adapter, use a specialized access point that can operate in Wi-Fi client mode.

How to do it?

After you are done with all the settings of the router you are using, you can start connecting your set-top box through it. First, connect your set-top box and router using a special patch cord. If you have previously specified the port that will be used as a bridge, then in this case you will need to connect the cable to it.

Also connect your TV to the HDMI port on your set-top box. If you have previously tried connecting through any other interfaces, then in this case you will need to additionally configure the TV itself to switch it to use HDMI. Ultimately, just connect the device to power and then activate it.

The device's login window will begin to appear on the TV screen. After this, you need to specify the username and key, which the provider itself provides you with during the contract process. If you have forgotten this information, you can always find a copy of the contract, look at the information in personal account or check with your technical support operator.

After entering all personal data, you will be able to use the IP-TV service. It is worth noting that any special settings of the set-top box you purchased are not required to ensure normal operation of this service. It is noteworthy that you almost immediately have the opportunity to use a special parental control system and integrate all kinds of services social networks, adding a variety of weather widgets and a number of other interesting features.

Connection via electrical network with PowerLine PLC adapters

Such adapters allow the user to throw a full local network via electrical. The cost of a pair of devices in a set will be approximately two and a half to three thousand rubles. The main advantage of using this option is that it ensures reliable data transmission comparable to the quality of a cable connection. The disadvantage of this design is that if strong voltage surges occur in the electrical network, the adapters can simply burn out, and as a result, the risk of burning out the LAN port on the router or the set-top box used increases.

Is it possible to connect IPTV without a set-top box?

Indeed, such a possibility is currently envisaged. Recently, the Rostelecom company has begun to actively promote a new service, which involves subscribing to several packages of TV channels at once, and also allows you to view digital television directly via laptop, computer, smartphone or tablet.

It is also worth noting that the Zabava application is being actively implemented by the company as pre-installed on many TVs from LG, and in the near future it is also planned to additionally integrate it into equipment from manufacturers Philips and Samsung. However, you need to correctly understand that you will not be able to connect digital TV services if you do not rent a TV set-top box, because the activation certificate for this service requires the mandatory provision of such a device to the subscriber for rent or full purchase.

Is it possible to watch video from a flash drive through a set-top box?

For quite a long time, it was customary to save user files contained on a flash drive in the cloud, and each subscriber had the opportunity to place files there up to 7 GB or expand it up to 30 GB for a certain amount. Ultimately, the company was faced with the problem that after downloading the video, it required additional processing in order to then transfer it to the subscriber’s screen. At the same time, transcoders could not cope with such a load, as a result of which the video was processed over several months. For this reason, the service quickly lost its popularity, and many negative reviews appeared about it. That is why, starting in 2013, set-top boxes allow you to view video files directly from USB drives without any problems.

Today, all set-top boxes can play video from USB drives, but there are some restrictions on the video and audio codecs used. So if you encounter a problem where you have no sound when trying to play a movie, you can simply try to compress it with some other codec.

How else can such prefixes be used?

This question is often asked by those subscribers who have already disconnected from the services of Rostelecom, but at the same time bought a set-top box and do not understand how it can be used profitably. In fact, it is unlikely that it will be possible to use it anywhere else, and the only exception here is perhaps devices from the Infomir company, as well as RT HD Standart, which, if desired, can be easily reflashed using a standard software, so that you can later use them as a standard media player.

It is also worth noting that from time to time you come across some models SML-282 and SML-482 that have the MTS logo, and, quite likely, it will be possible to use such set-top boxes in the future as devices from this operator, while other models will remain in any case you have dead weight.

Where can I download the firmware and how to use it?

Set-top boxes from Rostelecom are configured in such a way that after connecting to the provider’s network, special Smartlabs firmware is automatically downloaded and installed. At the same time, there is no way for subscribers to download this firmware on their own, and even if you have it on hand, it is unlikely that you will be able to upload it to the device yourself.

In order for your Wi-Fi TV set-top box to receive the necessary firmware, you just need to reboot it. When you turn it on again, the device will automatically check for new available software versions, and if there are any, the automatic update procedure will be activated. That is why, if you have any problems during the operation of such equipment, first of all try to simply reboot it, since in many cases a standard firmware update to a newer version is required.

How to use the hard drive?

On a fairly large number of models of the proposed set-top boxes, it is possible to use a hard drive in the HDD format, but many users do not know how it can be usefully used. First of all, it is worth noting the fact that only 2.5” form factor drives can be installed in the devices, but even if you put them in the set-top box, many of them actually cannot work, since the recording of the transmission is automatically sent to the cloud, and The console can only play files from USB drives.

MAC address

To find out the MAC address of your set-top box, just look at the sticker located on the bottom panel of the device from Rostelecom. The 2.0 box also often has a sticker with the serial number and this address on the box. Another option: after the operator menu loads, you can go to the “Settings” item and go to the “System Information” section.

Thus, you can independently connect and configure the purchased equipment without resorting to any assistance from qualified specialists. Often, the setup and connection procedure does not cause any difficulties, and in addition, you can always check the instructions that come with each model of set-top box or router.

If you are unable to cope with this problem on your own, then you can contact the specialists of Rostelecom. In the vast majority of cases, service centers are present in almost every major city, and at the same time provide subscribers with the opportunity to order paid services connection of such devices. Among other things, there are a lot of private craftsmen who perform similar work.