No need to get smart: how to look for a simple TV without Smart-TV. "Android set-top box": smartphones and tablets

To the question of how to make a “Smart TV” from a regular TV, there is an answer that is quite accessible and understandable to most users. The bottom line is that buyers of fashionable devices transmitting television broadcasting and having an Internet connection, often have no idea what can be done similar system much cheaper. This will require some devices (game console or tablet), a little skill and suitable adapters. As a result, you will be able to enjoy your favorite movies or games online without delays.

How to make a “Smart TV” from a regular TV?

Many people have a TV at home that is not the most modern, but still works. A dilemma often arises: to replace the TV with a new model or to upgrade an existing device. The latter option has many preferences using mobile or gaming gadgets.

You can do this simply through the HMDI port of the TV, but in the end you will get a kind of monitor, the image quality on which leaves much to be desired, and managing the functionality is not very convenient (especially with a mouse). This procedure is much more effective if there is an interface adapted for the TV screen. We should also not forget that standard computer Quite noisy and not always appropriate next to the TV.

As an alternative - various mini-devices and gaming consoles. With their help, it is possible to reorganize a regular TV into the “Smart” format. One of optimal options is considered an “Android whistle”, the production of which is well established in China. There are several series of them, but the principle of operation of each is approximately the same.

Options

Modern television repeaters are real multimedia centers, having access to the Internet with support for a variety of services. However, with maximum functions, such a thing will be very expensive. It is much easier and cheaper to build a “Smart” with your own hands from improvised devices and wires.

You can do this in one of the following ways:

• Using a compact and inexpensive media player.
• Via a smartphone or tablet computer.
• Using a universal Blue-Ray player system.
• Using the game

What can a network media player do?

Owners network media player can read the device's characteristics in the instruction manual and see that it has a lot in common with the Smart function. If previously such devices were a player with a USB port, now they are an effective and multifunctional class of equipment. In fact, using a media player greatly expands the capabilities of the TV both in functional terms and in terms of sound reproduction quality.

The player has the ability to play movies from a PC in HD format. This opens up access to music, entertainment and other files, not to mention online stores. The main media is an old TV displaying full-fledged websites and additional files.

Pros and cons of media players

To figure out how to make a “Smart TV” from a regular TV with your own hands using a network media player, you need to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages this method. At the right approach the set-top box used will make it possible to make a real competitor to modern “sophisticated” devices at minimal cost. The advantages of using a media player include:

• compact overall dimensions;
• acceptable price;
• interaction with all common modules and formats;
• built-in WLAN option;
• availability for connection external devices including hard drive.

In addition, the modification in question has convenient operation and works with most interactive services, including online stores and social networks. The disadvantages of this method include the fact that some media players do not interact with Blue-Ray disc images.

Criteria for selecting a media player for the Smart option

Most of the latest media players are equipped with connectors for connecting a keyboard or mouse via the USB ports of the TV. In the variety of models, you can choose an option with a Russified interface and access to proprietary applications.

You should also be aware of supported connections. In any case, it must be there. A digital audio input S/PDIF and a built-in card reader would also be useful. Modern media players are increasingly being released without built-in hard drive, but with the ability to connect external media or a memory card.

If your TV is so old that it does not support an HDMI connection, then you will need to select analog composite connectors with corresponding inputs and outputs. Those who are not used to storing information on interactive services will need to make sure that the player is functionally able to play files in the desired format. Fortunately, the choice in this area is very wide.

"Android set-top box": smartphones and tablets

Modern tablet computers and smartphones are equipped with all sorts of interactive services and applications that allow you to perform a lot of operations, including watching movies in high quality and listen to music files. Most of these gadgets can be easily connected to your TV. To do this, you will need to select the appropriate adapters, which are not included with the device.

The disadvantages of such a transformation include limited memory mobile devices, which does not allow storing the entire media set, but gives a regular TV the functions of a computer. To extract maximum benefit it is recommended to use a special software. An Android set-top box in the form of a tablet or smartphone has a significant advantage: compactness and the ability to download the necessary content. Negative aspects include limited memory capacity, the need to use various adapters and the difficulty of watching video in high definition.

How to display an image using mobile devices on a TV screen?

Smartphones or tablets are often equipped with a mini-HDMI or MHL connector. This makes it possible to connect the device to TVs of various modifications. Otherwise, you will need to use adapters, which are selected individually, since they are not unified with each other.

For example, to connect Apple, you will need a special adapter. To avoid fast discharge It is advisable to additionally connect the power cable to the device. On the Android platform, you can select several types of resolutions (from 480 to 1080 pixels). Unfortunately, iPad gadgets And iPhone similar have no functions. In this regard, the image in interactive games may be slightly distorted and have black stripes on the side. In this case, videos from YouTube will be formatted across the entire width of the screen.

Gaming consoles

One of the options for making “Smart TV” from a regular TV is to use a video console. Compared to full-fledged media players, game consoles are less functional, and some applications are paid. To get the maximum performance, users of the Microsoft Xbox 360 console must register in the system Xbox Live with payment for a “gold” account.

The Microsoft Xbox 360 service does not allow you to copy movies to your HDD, but plays them from DVDs, CDs and flash cards. In addition, connection is available external drive. All popular video and audio formats are also supported. To receive the full option, you must constantly be in touch with the updated Windows media center (DLNA format).

Sony PS-3

Next, let's look at how to make a “Smart TV” from a regular TV using In this case, the user is provided with two free resources oriented towards video playback, as well as the ability to store media information on internal storage HDD format.

The console does not allow you to play files that weigh more than four gigabytes due to disabilities devices. "Play Station - 3" launches video from Blue-Ray, as well as from memory cards and external media various formats within the permissible volume. Using the PS-3 console, you can listen to music, watch videos with a resolution of up to 1080 pixels, view photos and use several free online services.

Blue-Ray players

One of the options for making a “Smart TV” from a regular TV with USB is to use a Blue-Ray player. Such devices have a fairly high price, but also have great functionality. When using them, the consumer receives the following opportunities:

• support for almost all video formats and codecs, as well as audio;
• built-in WLAN module;
• connection external drives and DLNA options;
• full set of Smart and Wi-Fi functions;
• additional applications and access to all kinds of interactive resources.

You can watch movies without any problems good quality, not to mention the videos from YouTube. Some models are equipped with additional functionality that makes it possible to download branded programs from online stores.

How to connect Blue-Ray?

All Blue-Ray players have an HDMI interface. If included with the player suitable cable was not, you can easily buy it at any electronics store. You can also use adapters for SCART or RCA (“tulip”) connectors.

Often such connectors are provided in standard set. It is worth considering that when connecting the player via the SCART or RCA interface, the image will not be as high quality as via HDMI. But if we make “Smart TV” from a regular TV, this point is not critical. To connect a Blue-Ray player to a device, you may need an RCA-SCART or HDMI-SCART adapter. When interacting with RCA, you will have to independently switch the television receiver to AV mode, since this connection does not provide autonomous transition to decoder, as opposed to SCART mode. You should also choose an adapter carefully: too cheap copies may cause interference when playing files.

What should you pay attention to?

Before you buy a Blue-Ray player, you should make sure that your TV has the appropriate connectors. If additional acoustic system, you need to check that it is compatible with the device you are purchasing.

To make the most of networking opportunities, you need to make sure there are ports and connectors, without which the modes will not function (LAN, HD, HDMI and others). If using the TV involves frequent communication on social networks or interactive surfing, it is advisable to choose a media player with a convenient remote control. As a last resort you can use Tablet PC or smartphone.

Those who have already been lucky enough to use it certainly appreciated its capabilities. We also noticed some disadvantages. The technology itself is just beginning to develop, so there are some problems. They can be expressed in different ways. In some cases, the video constantly slows down and loads, in others it does not play at all, and sometimes the connection to the Internet is lost. In general, there is something for developers to work on.

And then thoughts began to come to bright minds: what if we use mobile system Android? After all, it is many times more stable than all systems developed for Smart TV. Even in terms of the number of applications available for this operating system, Android surpasses everyone. Agree, this is a pretty good idea for TVs!

It seems that the developers for . And soon a variety of set-top boxes were created, based on this operating system, which can be connected to a regular TV and turn it into a Smart TV.

In today's article we will look at how, using one of these set-top boxes, you can turn a regular TV into a Smart TV. The Defender device will be used as a test subject. Smart Android HD2.

What is a Smart TV set-top box on Android?

The set-top box is a compact device, somewhat similar in appearance to a flash drive, only larger. Connection to the TV occurs via the HDMI interface. And of course, Android is used as the operating system. For such a console you need extra food, which occurs through a special adapter, or via USB on the TV itself.

Structurally, it's so-so small computer, which has a processor, RAM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapter. Everything you need for a comfortable pastime.

To control such a device, you will need a keyboard or mouse. It's better to use wireless devices input (Bluetooth), it will be more convenient. But in general, just one mouse is enough to control it. If you wish, you can buy a special remote control, sometimes these remote controls already included.

Often, set-top boxes are already equipped with additional equipment, in the form of remote controls, web cameras and microphones. Those who have old TVs, without HDMI interface and they can also experience the capabilities of such a set-top box, because it can be connected through a regular “tulip”, which is found on almost all TVs.

To carry out our experiment, you need to have the following components:

• Android console. Perhaps the most important element.
• A TV with an HDMI interface (although you can do without it by connecting via an adapter).
• Mouse, keyboard, or console remote control. Using one of these devices we will control the set-top box.

Let's take a closer look at Defender Smart Android HD2

Now we will open the box and look at this miracle of engineering with our own eyes. At the same time we will connect it to the TV.

The console was purchased in an online store from its own company, Defender. But now there are a lot of similar consoles, so you don’t have to limit your choice and explore everything possible options, from different manufacturers. Such consoles can also be found in regular stores. So it’s everyone’s personal choice where to buy. 😉

As often happens, it clearly shows the main capabilities that the device has. You can see from behind specifications. In our case they look like this:

• CPU Dual Core Rockchip RK3066, with clock frequency 1.6 GHz
• Mali 400MP graphics accelerator
• Operating system Android 4.2
• 1 GB RAM
• Built-in memory of 4 GB
• Memory card slot up to 32 GB
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• USB interface, two pieces.

If you want to see more detailed characteristics, then you can always view them on the manufacturer’s official website. The console itself is quite responsive and instantly carries out any “orders”. It reproduces movies and even games with a bang.

What's included?

In addition to the set-top box itself, in the box you can find: a power adapter, an HDMI extension cord, an instruction manual, a warranty and a USB cord for power.

We have already noted earlier that the set-top box is connected via an HDMI interface. It can also be connected via an extension cord. Power is connected via a USB cable, leaving one more USB port. Memory cards are suitable in microSD format with a capacity of up to 32 GB. When the device is working, the LED indicator on it lights up.

In principle, everything is of quite high quality and even the cables are quite normal in length.

Connect the Defender Smart Android HD2 set-top box to your TV

Let's try to connect this Android devices o to several of your televisions. In this case, the power for the set-top box was connected to the USB port on the TV itself. But this is not necessary; the set-top box can also be connected to the power adapter that it also comes with.

We connected an adapter to one of the ports for wireless mouse, and in the second a flash drive was connected to check the playback of films from it.

Everything worked quite well. But I wanted to try this technology on a TV more. Therefore, the set-top box was connected to a 32-inch LG TV.

We make the connection in the same way. After turning it on, select the HDMI port on the TV as the input source. If you have the same TV, then press the INPUT button. And then you choose required interface to which the device is connected.

After turning it on and loading successfully, something like this appears: main screen.

It is different from the usual Android desktop. This is a special shell for working with TVs, which is quite convenient to use.

Defender in action

Of the six main tabs on the main screen, it is recommended that you first visit the Settings tab. Here you will need to set up a Wi-Fi wireless network, set the time, sound, and the like. Everything is done exactly the same as on any smartphone running Android.

The connection to the network is quite stable. But a classic problem was noticed for all Android devices. It lies in the fact that if it is established wrong time and date, it is impossible to get into Google Play, and the icon wireless network will have . To avoid such a problem, we install right time. To do this, in the settings, check the box next to the “Network date and time” item.

On the tab in the “Display” section of the device parameters, we can select the appropriate screen resolution and its refresh rate. In general, the settings are exactly the same as in others mobile devices. For those who have already encountered Android systems before, everything will be completely elementary.

Now let's see what's hidden behind the other tabs on the main screen.

Here you can view videos, photos and listen to music from removable media connected to the set-top box.

After connecting a flash drive with video content, MX Player will immediately open, displaying all the videos that are on the media. You don’t even have to look through catalogs to find the desired video. By the way, it’s quite a convenient and high-quality player, one of the best for Android. As we can see, films are reproduced quite well.

No shortcomings were noticed here.

The next tab allows you to watch movies online and watch videos on YouTube. In the Zoomby section you can find great amount films and TV series for every taste.

And this is how YouTube is displayed.

Browsers

What about without browsers? In this section you can find the main programs for working on the Internet: browsers, for browsing websites, applications social networks, Skype and much more.

If you look at the TVs that are on the market now, most of them support the Smart TV function. LG has webOS, Samsung has its own Smart system, Philips and Sony run Android TV. There are, of course, other manufacturers, but they are less popular. What I mean is that Smart TVs themselves are primarily additional source income for producers (due to the sale additional accessories) and a good marketing move.

There are also cool features for the user. You can go online, watch videos on YouTube, read the news, watch the weather, etc. But here you still need to calculate what is more profitable: buy a TV without Smart TV and an attachment to it, or pay more for Smart functions. Because regular Android The set-top box can make your TV more SMART than a built-in system. But today is not about that.

Of all the TVs that have Smart TV features, many models come without a built-in Wi-Fi receiver. True, in 2017 almost all models already have a built-in receiver. And if you don’t connect the Internet to the TV, then all these Smart functions on it are simply useless. Yes, all models definitely have a LAN port that allows you to connect to the Internet via cable. But you must admit, this is very inconvenient. You need to lay a network cable from the router to the TV.

And all these Smart TVs that I don’t have Wi-Fi module, this is another insidious plan of the manufacturers. After all, you could insert this wireless module and make the TV a couple of dollars more expensive. What for? If we can then sell branded Wi-Fi adapters for $100 each :) And even now these branded Wi-Fi adapters for Samsung, LG, Philips TVs are very difficult to find. They are simply not on sale. But there are TVs, and their users want to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

If you have a Smart TV without built-in Wi-Fi, and you want to connect it to the Internet via a wireless network, then there are the following options:

• First, I advise you to look at the characteristics of your TV on the official website. Perhaps your TV still has Wi-Fi and can be connected to a wireless network. It might be useful: , and a separate one. If there is no built-in receiver, then you can search and buy a branded external USB adapter.
• The second way is to buy a regular Wi-Fi adapter from D-Link, TP-Link, etc., and its firmware for working with the TV. Honestly, I can’t even imagine how all this is stitched and works, but I saw such information on the Internet. This is a method for those who are not looking for easy ways.
• Well, the third option, which I will talk about in more detail below in the article, is to buy a regular, inexpensive Wi-Fi router or a repeater and setting it up as an adapter for a TV without Wi-Fi.

Let's look at the third option in more detail.

Wi-Fi adapter from a router for a Smart TV without a built-in Wi-Fi module

Everything is very simple. Almost all modern routers can operate in different modes: amplifier (repeater), access point, adapter, wireless bridge. I wrote about this in more detail in the article:. This scheme works something like this:

• We buy a router. Perhaps you have some old one. You can even inexpensive model. good and budget options Totolink and Netis have them. Other manufacturers will also be suitable.
• We set it up in adapter mode. If there is such a mode, then the router will receive the Internet from your main Wi-Fi network and transmit it to the TV via network cable. Bridge or network amplifier mode is also suitable. True, in this case the router will further strengthen your wireless network.
• We connect our Smart TV to the router via a network cable.
• The Internet on the TV works via Wi-Fi.

It looks something like this:

You can also use a regular adapter that has at least one LAN port. And it is available on almost all models.

What's the result: A router or repeater can be bought in almost every store. Compared to branded Wi-Fi receivers for LG, Samsung TVs, etc. And it will be cheaper this way (though it depends on which router you choose), since the price of original adapters is very high.

About setup different modes I wrote about working on different routers in the article: . If you have a model from some other manufacturer, then you can look for setup instructions through the search on our website. Or ask in the comments.

Here is a solution for Smart TVs without built-in Wi-Fi. Without a doubt that The best decision This is the original receiver. But since they are practically not on sale and their prices are very high, you can use such a scheme. What do you think about it? Write in the comments!

Most of those who have a Smart TV still use cable TV, without even knowing what they can connect free channels on Smart TV using the IPTV application.

IPTV is a great solution with which you can watch TV in excellent quality and, most importantly, completely free. There are two options:

• SS IPTV application;
• Vintera TV program.

Both methods make it possible to view channels without subscription fee, so the choice is yours.

Smart TV watch free TV channels, what do you need?

So, you have a Smart TV and want to watch channels for free. Wondering what is needed to make everything work without purchasing a separate package from providers? A little is required, namely:

• so that the TV can connect to the Internet;
• computer or laptop to change access settings;
• basic knowledge in using LG Store;
• playlist with a list of channels.

The most difficult task is to decide on the list of channels. IPTV is always full of offers, so give it a try various options, there is something for everyone.

Smart TV free channels set up IPTV

First you need to connect your TV to Wi-Fi. The application supports connection via cable TV and Wi-Fi, there is no difference in connection. Now you can start setting up IPTV.

It is possible to watch channels using an Internet connection thanks to the SS IPTV application. This requires a playlist with a list of channels and access parameters, as well as easy setup TV. First you need to create your account, you will be sent an email to email, in which you need to confirm registration, and then enter the received data in the TV connection parameters. Thanks to authorization, the user opens full access to all the features of the application.

After the work has been done, access to the LG Store will open, where the SS IPTV application is located. You should launch the program and click on the button to load the add-on. After a short wait, the package will be downloaded and installed, all that remains is to launch the application.

When you first launch the application, you won't immediately find a playlist, since you need to create it yourself. A menu will appear in front of the user, then you need to:

1. Follow to "Settings".
2. Select "Download playlist".
3. Click on “Create playlist”.

As for creating a list of suitable channels, there are two options:

• find and enter the address yourself in the TV menu;
• synchronize via Wi-Fi with a computer or laptop and manage the list of channels through it.

Addresses for playlists are on the websites IPTV providers or downloaded from the SS IPTV website using the code, but it changes every time. The number of external directories has no limit, but the internal one is only 1. To download external channel directories, it is recommended:

1. Open the “Content” submenu.
2. Select "External".
3. Click “Add”.
4. Specify the name of the created directory and the link.

To add an internal list you need to:

1. Open the “General” category in the application settings.
2. Click "Get".

The list will be valid for a day or until another code is created. You need to copy it on the SS IPTV website in the section for editing the playlist and click “Add”.

Lg Smart TV free channels with Vintera TV application

Smart TV, watching free channels from Vintera TV is much easier to set up and use than the application described above, since this program already has a ready-made list of channels, there is no need to download the playlist. The choice here is small, but many users are satisfied.

A user with any skill level can install the application.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Go to the LG Store.
2. Find Vintera TV.
3. Download the application.
4. Wait until it is installed.

After this, you can freely start watching, the main thing is to never forget that the TV must always be connected to the Internet.

View public channels

Smart TV Samsung free channels it is possible to set up multi-channel television universal method, which works for all TVs.

On the remote, you must press the Settings button to open the settings. Depending on the model, the button may have a different name. Next you need:

1. Find the “Channels” item.
2. Click on automatic search.
3. Designate the source of reception as “Cable TV” or “Antenna”.
4. In the “Supplier” field, select “Others”.
5. Set the desired frequency range.
6. Select to search for channels with analogue or digital signal.
7. Click “Run” and wait for the search to complete.

Now you can watch numerous channels without a subscription fee that any TV can pick up. IP TV has enough big choice, and in it you can watch similar channels only in HD resolution. Don't be afraid to experiment with Smart functions TV and find out what else your smart TV is capable of.

If you still have questions on the topic “How to set up free channels on Smart TV?”, you can ask them in the comments

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I keep an eye on articles on the site that are somehow related to Smart TVs TV, and I understand that the topic is more popular than ever. Convenient: turn on the TV - and here is a browser for visiting sites, online videos, games, social networks. It’s unlikely that anyone will argue that Smart TVs have a future. They, of course, will not replace a computer, but they are excellent as an entertainment device.

The ability to watch online videos, play games and visit websites is available in modern Smart TVs. But, if you have already used Smart TV, no matter which manufacturer: LG, Samsung, Sony, or others, then you will agree that the technology is still crude. Something freezes all the time, disconnects from the Internet, online videos do not play, etc. You can use it, but not everything is as smooth as it seems at first glance, and as they might tell you in the store.

Another thing is the functionality of the Android mobile operating system. It would be nice if the Smart TV functionality was made on this system. Is it true? For example, the number of Android programs and games that can be installed from Google Play will never compare with the store that LG Smart TV has. Well, anyone who has an Android phone or tablet understands what I mean.

It was unreasonable to think that everything Android features cannot be used on TVs. Companies involved in development probably thought the same thing. digital technology, and created Smart TV set-top boxes. In this article, we will look at one of these consoles from Defender. It's called Defender Smart Android HD2. The article should be of interest primarily to those who have TVs without Smart TV. Or, who is not satisfied with the capabilities and functionality of Smart TV. But you really want to watch a movie on the Internet or from a flash drive, go to social networks, play games - and all this on the TV screen.

What is a Smart TV set-top box on Android?

Typically this is small device, which connects to the HDMI connector of the TV and works on the operating Android system. The set-top box is powered either from an adapter that can be plugged into a power outlet, or from the USB connector of the TV. The console itself, like, for example, a tablet, has a processor installed, RAM, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. This is quite a tablet, only without a screen. The screen is a TV.

The set-top box can be controlled using regular keyboard and mice. You can connect wireless devices, which is much more convenient, or via Bluetooth. For example, I connected wireless headset. I can say that to manage such Android set-top box One mouse is enough. There are also special remote controls remote control Air-Mouse.

There are even models with built-in cameras and microphones for communicating via Skype. For example, Defender Smart Call HD2. By the way, Smart Call HD2 can connect to older TVs that do not have HDMI. And it connects via the so-called “tulip” (composite AV output). The Air-Mouse remote control is included.

What will you need to connect a Smart TV set-top box to your TV?

• The console itself. You can’t go anywhere without her :)
• TV with HDMI connector
• Regular PC mouse, and/or keyboard for Android control prefix (if the kit does not include a remote control).

Review of Defender Smart Android HD2

Let's take a closer look at everything using the Defender Smart Android HD2 as an example.

You can buy the console at official internet Defender store at the link http://www.defender.ru/products/multimedia/smarttvaccessory/smart-android-hd2/. Defender Smart Android HD2 is sold in such a small and beautiful box:

On the box you can see the main features, and on the back are the technical specifications. Here are the main ones:

• Dual Core Rockchip RK3066 processor, which operates at a frequency of 1.6 Ghz
• Mali 400MP graphics accelerator
• Android 4.2
• 1 GB RAM
• 4 GB internal memory
• It is possible to connect microSD up to 32 GB
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth
• 2 full USB connectors for connecting flash drives and other peripherals.

Other characteristics can be found on the official website. The console works very quickly, movies and games run without problems. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to test any powerful game, like Asphalt 8, but I'll definitely try it.

Equipment

In the kit you will find the Defender Smart Android HD2 set-top box, power adapter, HDMI extender, small instructions, warranty and power cable with an additional USB connector.

As I already wrote, the set-top box is connected to the HDMI connector of the TV. It can be connected either directly or through an extension cord. Also connected to the set-top box is a power cable (microUSB connector), which has another full-fledged USB connector. There is a connector for connecting microSD cards and another full USB (in total, two USB connectors for connecting flash drives, keyboards, mice, external HDDs etc.). An indicator that lights up while the device is operating is also present.

Everything is assembled well, the cables are of normal length.

Connecting the Defender Smart Android HD2 set-top box

I first connected this TV box to a small 24-inch LG TV. Power was connected to the USB connector of the TV. Let me remind you that if your TV does not have USB, then the set-top box can be plugged into an outlet using the power adapter that is included.

I connected a wireless mouse adapter to one of the USB connectors so that I could control the Android set-top box. And in the second I connected a flash drive to check how the movies were playing.

I sat for a while and realized that a 32-inch TV would be more comfortable. I moved to the LG 32LN575U TV.

We connect everything, turn on the power of the console (if the power is from USB, it will turn on along with the TV). On your TV you need to select HDMI to which you connected the set-top box. Otherwise the image will not appear. On LG TVs this is done by pressing a button INPUT. Next you just need to select active HDMI (if there are several of them on TV).

If the console has already loaded, you will see the main screen. No, this is not an ordinary worker Android desk 4.2. There is a special shell, which, by the way, is very convenient to use. She looks like this:

Let's look at the functionality and capabilities.

Functionality of Android TV set-top box from Defender

There are 6 tabs on the main screen. I advise you to first go to Setting(settings) to connect to Wi-Fi (if you have Wi-Fi network) , set the time, etc. The settings are no different from those on a tablet or smartphone.

I connected to the wireless network without problems (you can connect according to the instructions). The set-top box maintains the network well and stable.

I noticed only one problem, however, this problem is more likely Android. If the time and date are set incorrectly, the light will turn gray. wifi icon (as in my photo above, in the lower right corner), and the Internet will not work on Google Play. This is a popular problem with all Android devices, which I recently wrote about in a separate article:.

Therefore, set the date and time correctly. Set your time zone. And since these parameters, as far as I understand, are reset after complete shutdown power supply from the set-top box, it is better to install automatic setup from the network.

In the settings, on the tab Screen, you can select the screen resolution and refresh rate. The rest of the settings are almost the same as on other Android devices.

Let's look at the other 5 sections that you can select from the main screen.

Media

In this section you will find programs with which you can watch movies from the device’s memory, memory card or flash drive, watch photos or listen to music from the Internet.

You can watch the video using installed player MX Player. I believe this best player for Android. I used it on my phone all the time. As soon as you connect a flash drive or memory card that has video on it, it will immediately appear in MX Player. No need to search for it in folders.

The films are going great.

TV

If you open the TV folder on the main screen, you will already see installed programs to watch online videos, YouTube and Zoomby, where you will find many movies and TV series.

YouTube looks like this:

Go ahead.

Browsers

Here there are programs with which you can access the Internet, surf social networks, download files, etc.

Of course we go to the site :)

If you don't like it standard browser, then in the section Apps There is Google Chrome‎. For social networks you can set official applications With Play Store. VKontakte, Twitter, Facebook, it’s all there.

Game

There you will find two installed games: Angry Birds and Cut the Rop.

Played a little Angry Birds.

Apps

Well in last section you will find many installed useful programs, among which there is ES Explorer and Explorer for managing files, as well as programs for working with mail, maps, calendar, Play Store, etc.

Of course, don't forget about the hundreds of thousands of apps and games you can install from the Play Store.

You also need to pay attention to the notification center in the lower right corner. It displays the clock, Wi-Fi connection status and other notifications. For example, about connecting a USB flash drive.

And in the left corner you can see a panel on which there are buttons “back”, “home”, “view” running applications", "volume control", "turn off the set-top box" (go to standby mode), and a button that allows you to collapse this panel.

As far as I understand, it is impossible to completely turn off Defender Smart Android HD2. Press the power button and put the set-top box into standby mode. It will “wake up” as soon as you move your mouse.

If the set-top box is powered by USB TV, then it will turn off and on also with the TV. If it's plugged in, I think it's ok to leave it plugged in.

For example, you are using Defender Smart Android HD2 and want to watch TV: just switch to TV mode by selecting the desired video input on the TV. When you want to switch to the set-top box again, select the desired HDMI.

Afterword

I really liked the Defender Smart Android HD2 console itself. In general, the very opportunity to get all the functionality of Android on a TV is very cool. I can say with confidence that no Smart TV, from any manufacturer, can compare with the capabilities of the Defender Smart Android HD2.

If you want my opinion: it's better to buy good TV without Smart TV and do not overpay for the technology itself, built-in Wi-Fi and other functions, and in addition buy an Android set-top box. Believe me, this way you will get much more opportunities for entertainment and even work. Perhaps something will change over time, and TV manufacturers will bring Smart TV to fruition, there will be more apps in their stores, but on this moment buying a device like Defender Smart Android HD2 seems to me the best option.

Also on the site:

We transform regular TV in Smart TV. Smart TV Review Defender consoles Smart Android HD2 updated: October 13, 2014 by: admin