The Wifire TV family of STB set-top boxes is small, but covers all form factors

The home pay television market has been waiting for such a solution for a long time. Combination of IPTV advantages ( Feedback), cable (number of channels) and satellite (no connection to the operator’s terrestrial infrastructure) made WiFire TV the most innovative solution available to mere mortals. The service, tied to a WiFi set-top box, allows you to literally take television with you when moving to a new place of residence, and in new buildings, where a monopolist often reigns supreme, it becomes the cheapest way to get more channels than free digital broadcasting provides.

Content Review continues testing three options home television, not associated with slightly clumsy satellite and cable operators:

• Internet TV without wires (Dune HD TV-102 set-top box, WiFire/NetByNet operator)
• interactive IPTV (Cisco CIS430 set-top box, Beeline operator)

The hero of today's review is the Dune HD TV-102 set-top box with special WiFire TV firmware

The WiFire brand has become a real testing ground for testing new tariff offers and services launched at the junction of the spheres of influence of MegaFon and its Internet provider NetByNet. Pay TV almost completely duplicates the long-running MegaFon TV service in terms of the set of channels, and the expertise of NetByNet made it possible to bring to life a set-top box, which was the first of its kind in Russia to not only connect to a home Internet network via WiFi, but also work on the network of any operator.


Adaptive technology adjusts picture quality to the level WiFi signal
Interactive television in Russia is represented mainly by IPTV technology. It works quite simply - the subscriber purchases (or rents) a specialized set-top box from the operator (you won’t be able to choose and purchase an STB on your own), connects it to the Internet of the same operator and receives television with unlimited capabilities and additional services, for example, a cinema. Attempts to implement something similar by cable and satellite operators only cause laughter through tears. For example, one of the cable operators launched special TV channels where certain time shows more or less new movies, and called them “cinema halls.” Considering that the range of these “cinema halls” is not very different from the mature TV channels “Kino HD” and “Kino 2 HD”, they themselves look like an anachronism. At one time, the mobile phone standard twitched in approximately the same death convulsions. CDMA communications, and he hasn’t completely died yet. Yes and cable operators will remain, because the audience, which has never eaten anything sweeter than a carrot, is inert, and in order to force a person to change TV operator you need to try very hard.


The menu is displayed on top of the broadcast channel
WiFire TV cannot be called an IPTV operator, if only because it does not yet have interactive services. However, the potential of the service is enormous, and a constant connection to the Internet makes it possible to periodically update the device’s firmware and, accordingly, the interface. Dune HD TV-102, which was tested, comes without hard drive, but the specifics of WiFire TV are such that even if you are late for the start of the program, you can start watching it again, just select the appropriate item from the menu.


The selection of channels is quite large and is displayed as a list of logos
The WiFire TV interface differs from the usual IPTV services. Perhaps this is due to a certain freedom from the platforms on which Beeline, Rostelecom and other operators deploy their services interactive television. IPTV is more about picture stability, while WiFire TV, being a true OTT service, practically cannot influence the quality of data transmission. Yes, the set-top box supports WiFi work at a frequency of 5 gigahertz, which is not so littered in modern homes, but, firstly, you still need to purchase an appropriate WiFi router, and secondly, hope that home internet provider provides a real speed of at least 10 megabits per second (this is exactly how much the most voracious of TV channels, First HD, consumes). As a result, WiFire TV can compete only in user experience, and here the specialists from NetByNet and MegaFon did their best. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t “hang” the console; the system works very stably. The program guide looks unusual, but its control is quite intuitive. This is not to say that the interface is simple and understandable to anyone, however, as in the case of iOS, any more or less experienced user will understand it quickly enough. The only bottleneck is authorization as account(you need to register first, then pay), and setting up the WiFi connection itself (if your password home network not 11111, then you will be tortured to enter it). Fortunately, once you set up the set-top box (it took about 15 minutes), you can immediately start using it.


Rewind does not work, but you can start watching the current program again
WiFire TV has as many disadvantages as advantages. The Dune HD TV-102 set-top box itself does not have built-in memory, and connecting anything to the USB connector located on the front side of the device is useless. At the same time, the interface itself provides the ability to rewind a program broadcast on this moment, but in reality you can only start watching it from the very beginning. In the absence of a storage device, the function of recording the selected program using a timer is also implemented in a unique way. Having selected the desired episode in the program guide, you can “order” its recording, and only then gain access to it in the “My” section. Not the most elegant solution, but better than no solution.


No built-in HDD means no recording, but you can order it and it will wait in the wings in the cloud
The dependence on the quality of the WiFi connection is felt almost immediately. Switching channels even with perfect wireless connection takes a few seconds, and the picture itself in adaptive mode adapts to the quality of the connection. Anything can affect it - after all, there are problems on the airwaves, and even the Internet provider can fail. As a result, at the very inopportune moment the picture may simply freeze, as happens in mobile television. Nothing can be done about this - the peculiarities of the technology. Similar satellite operator highly dependent on weather conditions, and in thunderstorms, blizzards and other natural disasters satellite television may show squares and static instead of your favorite show.


All ordered recordings are stored in a separate menu item “My”
Having polished the interface of the set-top box, the creators of WiFire TV did not even bother to brand the remote control, let alone optimize it. A large number of Nice buttons like record or rewind don't work, and all control is concentrated in the central part of the remote. Obviously, at the start, NetByNet could not provide a volume sufficient for Dune to include in the delivery set a special remote control optimized specifically for WiFire TV.


The “Weather” service looks a little strange, as if it was installed only because it was possible
The number of channels is decent, but their composition is puzzling. On the one hand, there is Lifenews HD, on the other hand, there is no Moscow TV channel “Moscow 24”. Dial required package easy enough, but the prices for TV and set-top box are not that low. The only outlet is the full cross-platform nature of the service. In addition to the TV itself, the subscriber can watch TV channels from the paid package on his mobile devices ah (you won’t be able to watch it from a computer or laptop). Interface mobile applications WiFire TV completely replicates the main one, so the service can be called truly universal. Even if other operators provide such an opportunity, the interface and application management are significantly different from what the subscriber sees on the TV screen.

The cost of WiFire TV TV channel packages starts from 190 rubles per month (44 TV channels), the most expensive is 950 rubles (116 channels). The Dune HD TV-102 set-top box can be purchased at a price of 3,700 rubles (which is unlikely to be possible; at the moment, only its more expensive variation with the W prefix is ​​available for 5,200 rubles), but there is an opportunity to save and pay 140 per month for rent, and in this case, a WiFi router (2.4 gigahertz) is also required for rent. The equipment is delivered and set up free of charge.


The WiFire family of devices includes not only STB set-top boxes, but also WiFi routers
WiFire TV can be safely recommended to those television lovers for whom it is important not to be tied to a specific location and who prefer to watch programs from mobile devices. Similar mobile TV services from the Big Four operators, frankly speaking, leave much to be desired both in terms of content/number of TV channels and technical performance (all of them work on the Spb TV platform). The only things that confuse me are the relatively high price of the set-top box itself and the less flexible policy in creating TV channel packages. But you can get a substantial discount when connecting additional WiFire services in the package.

For new residents and often moving from apartment to apartment, this is the best option.

You can connect digital home TV quickly and at a minimal cost by contacting the OnLime company. We offer our clients two connection options: digital and interactive. Interactive or digital TV via the Internet is the newest thing in telecommunications. In addition to the quality characteristic of digital format, interactive television gives full control above viewing and the ability to access the Internet directly from the TV screen. To install digital TV, you must have a powerful Internet channel, modern TV and a console.

What additional options does iptv digital television provide?

If you decide to connect iptv, then you will have access to many additional options, namely:

• You can control the process of watching your favorite movie or TV show yourself. Pause if you need a break or rewind if you missed something important in the plot.
• If necessary, you can record a movie, new release educational program or a football match, and then watch them when you have free time.
• You can use the archive to find programs that you haven't watched or recorded.
• Using iptv through a set-top box, you will get access to a huge library of the most popular films. Choose and watch whatever you like.
• You can access the Internet directly from the TV screen to communicate with your friends on social networks, check the weather forecast or watch a TV program.
• You can control the content your children watch by setting limits on certain topics.
• Using a set-top box for watching digital TV, you can arrange karaoke at home and entertain your guests, having fun with it to the fullest.
• Another interesting feature is combining the screens of several devices to view a particular program.

How to connect interactive digital TV in Moscow?

Taking advantage of the offer of such a well-known provider as OnLime, you can connect your home digital television at a competitive price.

To do this, you need to purchase a set-top box from us or rent it.

Our technician will come to you at a convenient time to install and configure your interactive television. If you need digital TV for two TVs, you will have to purchase two set-top boxes and install them on each of them.

OnLime offers installation of digital TV set-top boxes in Moscow, regardless of your area of ​​residence. Both in the center and in remote locations, we provide high quality connections and excellent service.

From us you can also buy digital television via the Internet by filling out simple form order on our website. You will not need to waste your time coming to our office.

You can learn how to set up digital TV from our instructions and do it yourself. The procedure is very simple and anyone can do it.

The cost of wireless digital TV service will depend on which package you take. You can choose by the number of channels included in it, or you can focus only on topics that interest you, for example, sports, movies or adult channels. OnLime offers several pricing options, among which you are sure to find the optimal one for yourself.

Interactive television is the future of telecommunications. Use new technologies, and your life will become more diverse and brighter.

Many people know that for a number of reasons, almost a year on weekdays normal internet I'm only at work. In the evenings there is a TV, but there is no cable television, much less a satellite dish.
I was tormented and upset, missing Champions League matches and other goodies. And just recently I resolved the issue. As it turns out, almost any of us can watch television channels in very good quality. Now I'll tell you how.

Via cable and plug with strong interference I was shown “First”, “Russia 1” and “Ren TV”. And everything would be fine. I hardly watch TV (only sports, “What? Where? When?” and sometimes the news). In addition, you can always insert a flash drive with some good TV series into your TV.
But I would still like to see football when it is shown on public TV. One day I saw an encouraging message on Twitter. Having found out what was what, I eventually solved my problem.
In fact, it is enough to catch digital television from the nearest tower. True, a short survey of friends and acquaintances showed that few people know about this.
So.
Step one. In any digital supermarket or electronics store we buy a digital TV receiver (with DVB-T2 technology). I’ll make a reservation: many modern LCD TVs already have them, and in this case you can skip the first point. But I will return to personal experience.
Small boxes with remote controls cost from 1200 to 2500 rubles. I took this one for 1890 krona.

Receivers at this price have teletext functions, video recording to a flash drive, and, what’s nice, they also have a delayed recording function. I returned from work and watched the afternoon match. Also, such receivers play video from a flash drive.

Step two. We purchase hdmi cable. Cost me 416 rubles. As far as I understand, any will do, they only differ in length.
This step can also be skipped - the receivers are equipped with ordinary wires, but, as I understand it, they convert digital signal to analog, so HDMI still rules. For truly.

Step three. We purchase indoor antenna. Here, I admit, I played it safe. Someone said you could just use wire. Others insisted that the simplest antenna would do.
In the store they began to actively convince me that with the simplest indoor (not outdoor) antennas it may or may not catch - it all depends on the nuances, the location of the windows, etc. But with this antenna for 1000 rubles, they say, it will catch 100 percent. This was my last purchase, and I bought the antenna for 990 rubles. Maybe he overpaid. But, you must admit, the whole set is still quite budget-friendly.

That's all. All that remains is to connect the antenna to the receiver at home, and the receiver to the TV. After 10 minutes you will receive either ten channels and three radios (1st digital multiplex terrestrial television), or as many as 20 channels (if you catch both the 1st and 2nd multiplex). In large cities and regional centers there are definitely twenty channels.
Out of my dozen, I watch channel 4 at most (by the way, Public Television of Russia is very distant, just a little, but it resembles the Dozhd channel, now paid).
I may not watch many channels, but they are of great quality, which is not available even in my parents’ house, where there has been cable for a hundred years. And, I note, all this without any subscription fee. Cable for parents costs 250 rubles a month, and they only watch 5-7 channels. I'm not talking about kits with satellite dishes- there one equipment costs 9-15 thousand. This is beneficial when you actually have your own home, and when you watch TV all day long.
I don't need to pay anything now. At all. Now I understand that the state is investing significant funds in this. I understand what officials mean when they talk about “affordable television.” Why didn’t I know all this confusion a year ago - who will figure it out...
Probably, now there are such TVs and such technologies that many of you are well aware of digital TV via an antenna. But I hope this post is useful to someone.

02.03.2017

TV WITHOUT WIRE

Modern technologies allow you to make a person’s life much more comfortable and safer, and also open up almost unlimited possibilities in expanding and modifying various means of communication with the outside world.

Television now is no longer the same tube TVs and bulky antenna installations. Wireless digital TV is actively gaining popularity among residents of private houses and apartments. Connect Digital TV, which does not require wires to watch, is one of the best options.

Today there are three ways to connect wireless network digital television

TeleCardROSTELECOM

This special card access, which is installed in your TV and receives a signal from the common house TV antenna.

WITH detailed information You can find information about connecting TeleCARD to Rostelecom on the website ()

Please note that connecting to television using TeleCARD is only possible in Moscow (within the Moscow Ring Road)

TV BOX with Wi-Fi MODULE

The third type of wireless TV connection is the most democratic and most widely used.

The new Rostelecom TV set-top box is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module and allows you to watch Interactive TV anywhere there is Internet. The TV set-top box works with any Internet provider (MGTS, Beeline, Net-By-Net and many others.

Detailed description operation of a TV set-top box with a Wi-Fi module ()

HOW AND WHAT IS WIRELESS TV USED FOR?

In many apartment situations, the owners do not have the opportunity to drill concrete walls to carry out tv cable to another room.

Wireless TV solves this problem and thanks to this technology, you can connect several TVs, in different rooms and without annoying cords getting tangled under your feet.

Your signal source is your Wi-Fi router. Regardless of your provider, you are connected to a set-top box, which will broadcast high-quality television after simple settings in semi-automatic mode. No wires, minimum fuss and maximum results.

HOW MANY TVS CAN YOU CONNECT TO YOUR NEW TV SETUP?

To connect each TV, you need a separate TV set-top box. And here subscription fee will not increase even if you connect 5 TVs (to one personal account). Connecting wireless TV with this technology is possible even to old tube TVs. No restrictions and maximum availability.

HOW MANY TV CHANNELS DOES ROSTELECOM TV SHOW?

The standard wireless TV package with set-top box includes more than 100 television channels(in total more than 200 channels are available, half of which are in HD quality). By supplementing this system with the video library from Rostelecom, you receive over 2000 films and TV series in high quality. Quite enough for daily leisure with the whole family.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE NEW ROSTELECOM TV SETUP

Low price and ease of connection. Immediately after purchasing a TV set-top box, you can start watching TV and video library
High quality television channels
The ability to place the TV in any place convenient for you, without grueling installation work on laying wires.
Creating and connecting a whole network of TVs located in different parts of the house
Additional services. Video library, karaoke, social media– all this will diversify and improve the process of using wireless TV