Turning a dumb TV into a smart one. Overview of set-top boxes from Rostelecom TV set-top box sml 482 hd base setting

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

What is an IPTV set-top box

The 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 vast majority of these devices are manufactured by SmartLabs, however, you can also find models from other manufacturers.

The most relevant set-top boxes Rostelecom fromSmartLabsare models from the lineSTB Mini. This includes - 5010, 5050, 5041, 5010CT. These are the most modern devices that provide maximum opportunities for viewing interactive television.

Users can also find devices from the older generation - SML-482 HD, SML-282 HD Base, SML-292 HD Premium. Despite the "age", they are commercially available and in some regions, in principle, have 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 Their purchase is possible, but experts note that, if possible, , it is better to choose something more modern due to outdated parameters of the listed devices.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 the full range of features and maximum image quality with these receivers.

Description of IPTV set-top boxes Rostelecom

In 2019, the choice of set-top boxes from Rostelecom is not great. Specifications and device capabilities are listed below in table form.

	SML-482 HD Base WiFi	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
WiFi support	Yes, 802.11n	Missing	Missing
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
Opportunities	Pause broadcast, watch missed programs, video rental, karaoke, install third-party applications	On-air pause, parental controls, watch missed shows, video rental	Pause broadcast, parental control, watch missed programs, video rental, karaoke, install third-party applications
Equipment	Set-top box, power supply, AAA batteries, HDMI cable, composite cable, warranty card, manual	Set-top box, power supply, AAA batteries, warranty card, manual, composite cable (or SCART adapter depending on the set-top box version), LAN cable	Set-top box, power supply, AAA batteries, warranty card, manual, HDMI
Manufacturer	SmartLabs	Motorola	SmartLabs
Year of issue	2017	2015	2018

Attachment SML-5050

From the above parameters, 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 for a purchase. The main difference of the model is the support of 4K, which is not very relevant for Russia at the moment. In addition, she received the most powerful processor of all Rostelecom equipment.

A serious disadvantage of the model is lack of supportWi— fi. More precisely, then WiFi support The set-top box has a module with a speed of 802.11 ac, but in the modification of Rostelecom this feature is cut down in order to reduce the cost of the device.

Important! Another option that Rostelecom does not have, but the set-top box in the original modification has is support for a remote control without infrared control. That is, initially, a remote control is supplied with the model, which 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, has a matte finish, which eliminates the appearance of fingerprints. Connectors for connection are located on the back.

SML-482 HD Base Wi-Fi

The second “age” is the set-top box for digital TV SML-482 HD Base Wi-Fi. 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 conditions apartment buildings, which can cause crashes. However, at high speed connection no problems are 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 case in the form of a rectangle 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 buying, since it fully meets modern requirements and has already been tested by time, while the new SML-5050 model has been cut down in places and “not run-in”. 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 either. 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 a 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 SML-482 - a rectangular box in a glossy design with a rear location of all connectors.

Important! When choosing a receiver, it is important to understand that different modifications can be hidden under the same name, differing in outputs and even in the hardware component. Before buying, it is recommended to visually familiarize yourself with the device and its characteristics to make sure that this 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 are able to easily handle Full HD video materials, as well as ensure smooth operation in the software shell of the equipment. This approach allows you to get maximum comfort for the viewer, since the set-top box will not allow the appearance of graphic distortions and bugs when viewing.

SML 482 HD Base Media Player Features

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 case 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 more than enough. Volume random access memory DDR3 in 512 MB fully satisfies the operation of all the functions of the set-top box.

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

Features of the software component

The software part of the SML 482HD from Rostelecom uses OpenGL technology. On its basis, resource-intensive graphic applications, in particular, games, have long been created. Cope 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 the comfort of navigating the menu even with the leaders of the gaming industry - XBOX and Playstation.

The maximum compatible video frame resolution for the set-top box from Rostelecom SML 482 HD is 1080p, and the supported number of 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 has 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 the hardware and software basis, the set-top box supports third-party applications. This made it possible to embed many additional features. For example, weather forecasts, calendars, social applications, games and more. In the version from Rostelecom, you can easily see many of these features.

Software from Rostelecom

SML 482 HD Base has special software that supports many additional settings and services from Rostelecom. The system has a function of delayed playback of TV programs. 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.

Video on Demand (VoD) service turns a set-top box into an online home theater player. In the provider's extensive movie library, you can view classics as well as new releases from the film industry.

Another interesting feature is the ability to view additional information about players participating in various sports events or movie actors.

Unpacking and installation

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

In order to start using the set-top box, the first thing you need to do is unpack it, remembering to check the package contents. The box with the Smartlab SML 482 device from Rostelecom comes with:

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

Since there are two cords for displaying the image in the kit, it will not be difficult to choose the right option.

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 SML 482 HD Base do not support WiFi connection, network connection is made using the Ethernet connector on the rear panel. It also has ports:

• nutrition;
• AV (for connecting a composite adapter);
• S/PDIF (audio output);
• HDMI (AV out with 1080p support);
• USB (connection of external drives).

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

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

The SML 482 HD Base is very compact and 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, it is necessary to leave at least 30 cm of free space above the device. It is also not recommended to install in places where direct sunlight falls. Other devices in close proximity can also cause excessive heat generation.

When the place for the set-top box is selected, you need to connect all the cords. After reviewing the connectors on the rear panel, we connect the network cable (Ethernet) from the router, power supply, HDMI or AV-composite adapter. When using external acoustics, the sound can be output by 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, SML 482HD will contact the Rostelecom server in root mode to check for new firmware, and immediately after that you will be prompted to enter the username and password of the user. This data is contained on a card obtained from 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, it will be possible to start working with the device without configuring any parameters.

The SML 482HD set-top box from Rostelecom will become great 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 TV exactly as it should be.

Now you don’t have to puzzle over what to give to a granny who lives in the village. In two minutes, her old CLT 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...

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

The new set-top box allows you to watch more than 120 digital and HD channels, more than 2000 movies and TV shows, control viewing (pause, rewind, archive), duplicate the picture from the TV to tablets and computers for free (multi-screen function), view 3D movies, 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 do not 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 do not need at all .... Internet from Rostelecom! The box clings to the Internet of any provider, even mobile. The main thing is that the speed should not be lower than 0.9 Mbps. And you don’t need to go to Rostelecom for a device - it is sold both in Svyaznoy and Euroset. The price is 3990 rubles, but according to the promotion, which will last until December 31, you can snatch the prefix 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 perfectly connects to a Wi-Fi router over the air at any speed. The box will be useful not only for a grandmother in the village, but also for travelers who suddenly become sad on Russian TV channels in distant enemy countries. Not to mention business travelers - for them this device is generally a real find! You connect it to any TV in a provincial hotel and brighten up your life at the expense of the hotel Wi-Fi.

The rich package includes everything you need for self-connection. Even the kettle will be sorted out.
Actually, it is:

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


• Power adapter 220 V.


• A cool remote in the form of a branded "Rostelecom" ear, which can be programmed for any TV in order to control it as well as a telecom.


• HDMI cable.


• "Tulips".


• Ethernet cable.


• Adapter from tulips to SCART.


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


• Instructions and completed guarantees with seals.

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 it with 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 connected it before with an Ethernet cable.

This is where difficulties can arise if there is no wireless keyboard at hand, and this is the main “jamb” of the set-top box. I did not understand how to blindly enter the password with the buttons from the remote control - the scheme with several button presses with letters does not work, not to mention symbols and upper case. But the keyboard is connected via 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, my first inclusion takes about 10 minutes - the set-top box rebooted 4 times.

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

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

Unfortunately, I did not find free films - all of them can be watched for money, or purchased for a collection. Watching one movie costs about 50 rubles.

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

By selecting 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 described functions and even more are already included in the TV itself. However, if you have a regular TV, or there are several in the house, then this is a very interesting solution. In my opinion, apart from Rostelecom, no other Russian provider offers such a service yet.

Useful contraption or a gimmick?

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

Connectors and cables

So, you got your hands on 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 through a switch, router or router;
• cable Mini Jack - RCA (audio / video, tulip) for connecting STB to a TV in standard definition (SD) format.

Additionally, to view high-definition HD pictures, you need to purchase an HDMI cable. But make sure your TV has this input ( appearance connector can be seen on the console). More details on the video:

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

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

There is also an additional USB port on the front panel. We hardly need connectors 3 and 6. To access the set-top box to the Internet via WiFi, you must additionally purchase a WiFi adapter, which is inserted into one of the set-top box's USB ports. We will consider this type of setting 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:

Included cable, SD quality

In this case, we insert the black miniJack plug of the cable from the kit into connector 2 “AV”, on the other side of the cable we insert the yellow plug into the TV’s video input (Video Input), the white one into the left audio channel (Audio Left), the red one into the right audio channel ( audio right). Tulip connectors on the 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 use a separately purchased cable to connect these 2 connectors.

Turn on the prefix

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 on the screen of the login and password entry window, they are written on the bottom of the set-top box. We rewrite them and click Confirm.

There are cases when, after entering the login, the prefix asks for a PIN code. This means that Parental Control has 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 way out is to call the technical support service, check the free number 8-800 for your region in the instructions for the set-top box or on the Internet.

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

Setting up STB

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

Feature overview

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

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

TimeShift

This is perhaps the coolest feature of the console. With 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 watching a channel, or the Down button and select the pause icon in the panel. Also, at any time, the broadcast can be rewound 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 IPTV of 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 of Rostelecom, they did quite a lot of work, although the service was fine-tuned to an ideal state and has not stopped to this day.

At the moment, the company is making a big bet on developing the digital television service, and at the same time, in almost every way, it is trying to fight to ensure that new users are constantly connected to it. That is why Rostelecom set-top boxes are becoming more and more popular. 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. The most powerful processor, the maximum amount of RAM and a fairly compact body - these are the main advantages of the SML-482 HD, which distinguish the device from the rest. No special problems were found in the process of using this set-top box by users, 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 the support service for 3D TV and other more advanced services.

SML-282 HD Base

This set-top box practically does not differ from the SML-292 Premium model, and the differences between them are quite minor. Outwardly, they are approximately the same - the premium model, which provides digital TV, has two USB connectors versus one for the standard one, while it is worth noting that it represents slightly more powerful hardware and differs in 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 often defective or of poor build quality.

Infomir MAG-250

For quite a long time, the prefix of this model has been widely used. It is worth noting that many people connected digital TV from those companies that later joined Rostelecom, but at the same time they had already installed such set-top boxes. If we consider the device from a hardware point of view, then it has definitely not yet exhausted itself, and the only gripe 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 should be noted that initially the supply of this equipment was carried out 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 remote control from Rostelecom.

Infomir MAG-200

This model began to spread quite widely during the rise of Rostelecom and its distribution of digital television throughout the country, but it should be noted 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, moreover, using native firmware from Infomir, it allows you to watch any channels of modern digital TV without any restrictions using a preloaded playlist. The supply of such equipment was carried out exclusively with the branded 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 recall the Infomir MAG-250 device, then almost immediately you can see absolutely identical characteristics with those offered by this Rostelecom prefix. The instruction, software and remote control included in the package were used from Smartlabs, while in 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 constantly starts to disappear on the port to which this device is connected. At the same time, it is worth noting that, for example, the standard Sagemcom router does not have such a problem at all, while the rev.1 model is already not showing its best side.

IPTV HD 101

This is the first set-top box of Rostelecom 2.0, which began to be delivered in a branded box with headphones. The bundle 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 with the MAG-250 model, since there is absolutely the same processor, but at the same time there is almost twice as much RAM.

Attachments can be classified as middle group quality, and periodically they are delivered to service centers with various nutritional 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 of the IPTV HD 103 model, which had not only the standard version of the configuration, but also an additional option Wi-Fi and mini.

Yuxing YX-6916A

Model made in China. These set-top boxes can be called the first of their kind, which came with an additional HDMI cable, and they were used even when Rostelecom did not acquire most companies in this area. It is worth noting the fact that the quality of such equipment is quite high, as evidenced by the almost complete absence of returns of such devices with defects, while 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, because of this it was necessary to carry out a complete flashing of the devices manually. Another well-known nuisance is watching video 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 drawback is the lack of sound when trying to view.

Motorola VIP1003

This model is supplied in small quantities. Over time, the company decided that this Rostelecom interactive set-top box would not be used, so it is currently provided to users exclusively from old stocks. At the same time, it is worth noting that consumers almost never respond 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 such a scheme is that the LAN cable will need to be hidden somewhere, because otherwise the people living in this room will regularly stumble on it, but at the same time, the Rostelecom digital set-top box connects much more reliably via compared with other methods, and is also not so sensitive to all kinds of electromagnetic interference device.

Connecting via Wi-Fi

Several different options can be used here at once.

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 the device more convenient to use.

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 transmission of information over fairly large distances, by the standards of Wi-Fi. However, 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 call the second disadvantage that the equipment is not so easy to set up, because you need to perform a sufficiently large number of actions to ensure the coupling of two adapters.

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

The second connection option is the use of a standard Wi-Fi module of the router, as well as an adapter from the set-top box itself. The main difficulty here is that the router must have the function of logically separating LAN ports from Wi-Fi. In addition, you will need to try to choose an adapter model that the Rostelecom HD set-top box of your choice can interact with normally. Although here you can go for some trick, and instead of a standard USB adapter, use a specialized access point that can work 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 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 the set-top box. If you have previously tried to connect through any other interfaces, then in this case you will need to additionally configure the TV itself in order to switch it to using HDMI. Ultimately, just connect the device to the mains, and then activate it.

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

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

Electrical connection with PowerLine PLC adapters

Such adapters allow the user to stream a full local network through electrical. The cost of a pair of devices in the kit will be approximately two and a half to three thousand rubles. The main advantage of using this option is that the data transfer reliability is comparable to the quality of a cable connection. The downside of this design is that if there are strong power surges in the mains, 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 is already increased.

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

Indeed, at the moment such a possibility is envisaged. Recently, the Rostelecom company has begun to actively promote a new service that provides for subscribing to several TV channel packages 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 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 passport for this service provides for the mandatory provision of such a device to the subscriber for rent or full redemption.

Can I watch videos from a flash drive through the console?

For quite a long time, it was customary to save user files contained on a flash drive in the cloud, while each subscriber had the opportunity to place files up to 7 GB there or expand it up to 30 GB for a certain amount. Ultimately, the company faced such a problem that after downloading the video, it needed 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 for several months. For this reason, the service quickly lost its popularity, and a lot of 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 such a problem that you have no sound when you try to play a movie, you can simply try to compress it with some other codec.

How else is it possible to use such prefixes?

This question is often asked by those subscribers who have already disconnected from the services of the Rostelecom company, but at the same time bought the set-top box and do not understand how it can be used with benefit. In fact, it is unlikely that it will be possible to apply it anywhere else, and the only exception here is perhaps devices from the Infomir company, as well as RT HD Standard, 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 some SML-282 and SML-482 models that have the MTS logo come across from time to time, and it is likely that it will be possible to use such set-top boxes as devices from this operator in the future, while the rest of the 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, automatic download and installation of special Smartlabs firmware takes place. 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 on your own.

In order for your Wi-Fi set-top box to receive the necessary firmware, you just need to reboot it. When the device is turned on again, it 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 an HDD format hard disk, but at the same time, many users do not know how it can be usefully used. First of all, it is worth noting the fact that only 2.5 ″ disks can be installed in devices, but even if you put them in a set-top box, many of them really don’t know how to work, since the transmission recording is automatically sent to the cloud, and Set-top boxes 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 prefix 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 boxes or routers.

If you are unable to cope with this problem on your own, then you can already 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.