Digital TV set-top box sml 482. Turning a dumb TV into a smart one

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

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

SML-482 HD

Technically, such devices can be called the most modern and advanced among all those used by Rostelecom. A powerful processor, a maximum amount of RAM and a fairly compact body - these are the main advantages of the SML-482 HD, which set the device apart from the rest. Any special problems During the use of this set-top box, it was not detected 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 a service to support 3D television and other more modern services.

SML-282 HD Base

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

Infomir MAG-250

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

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

Infomir MAG-200

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

IPTV RT STB HD

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

IPTV HD 101

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

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

Yuxing YX-6916A

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

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

Motorola VIP1003

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

Standard connection option

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

Connect via Wi-Fi

Several different options can be used here.

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

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

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

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

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

How to do this?

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

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

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

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

Connection via electrical network with PowerLine PLC adapters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How else can such prefixes be used?

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

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

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

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

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

How to use the hard drive?

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

MAC address

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

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

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

To access the IPTV offer, as well as other additional options, you need a set-top box Rostelecom SML 482. Thanks to it you can watch interactive television. The equipment itself can easily cope with FullHd quality. The viewer receives a high level of comfort, since there will be no distortion or buggy images.

Media player features

The Rostelecom SML 482 HD Base set-top box has compact dimensions, with a width of 100 mm (similar to depth), and a height of 32 mm. The body is made of rough plastic with a matte finish. There are minor transparent inserts.

Inside, the media player is equipped with a fairly powerful processor, which is based on 2 cores, each with 750 MHz. Their performance is definitely enough to demonstrate high quality broadcasting. The RAM is 512 MB, which is enough to implement all available functionality in practice.

Thanks to the presence of such parameters, smooth animation is always supported, and interaction is also performed when overlaying a graphical interface on FullHD quality video.

Possibilities

The Rostelecom SML 482 HD Base set-top box has Open GL technology in its software, on the basis of which graphical applications with high resource consumption, such as games, have been created for many years. They cope with the colorful interface with ease. The main difference is the ability to interact with 3D components. Due to this quality, the media center competes with the leaders Play station or Xbox.

The maximum screen resolution is 1080p, and the frame refresh rate is 60 per second. This results in not only a clear but also smooth image on the screen. Even if the Internet connection is rebooted, the quality will be adjusted dynamically due to a special software add-on. Consequently, IPTV will still work further and fully.

The set-top box can also support other applications, which opens up some additional possibilities. These include checking the weather, opening calendars, games, social programs and much more.

Software

The SML 482 model has special software that supports almost all settings and options from the provider. One need only mention the delayed viewing of a TV program. It will be possible to watch it within 48 hours after the end. You can record content periodically. The set-top box can become an online player through the video-on-demand function. In addition to the classics of the genre, the archive also presents new films from the film industry.

A special feature is also receiving information about each player participating in a football or other sports event, as well as a movie actor. Also the settings are social media.

Unpacking and Installation

Purchasing this device is suitable for those users who have a TV with a wide screen resolution, even if there is no Smart TV. This will fully replace classic and boring television. After purchase, the kit should be unpacked and all contents checked. This includes:

• Power unit.
• HDMI cable.
• AAA batteries.
• Warranty card.
• User's Guide.

Two cords are required so that the client can choose the most suitable option for himself. It is worth noting that most devices are not capable of supporting a wireless Wi-Fi connection. An Ethernet connector located on the rear is used for connection. In addition, this part contains:

1. Power connector.
2. Audio output
3. AV, which is necessary to connect the composite adapter.

As an alternative to a LAN cable, so as not to lay it throughout the apartment, you can buy one, through which the signal is transmitted through the electrical network.

You won’t need a lot of space to install the console due to its compact dimensions. But during operation it produces a certain level of heat. This indicates the need to leave a space of 30 cm to objects. In this way, the required level of heat exchange will be achieved. Places with direct sunlight should be excluded as an installation location.

What do you need for work?

After inserting batteries into the remote control remote control the power button is pressed. Initially, a connection will be made with the provider's server, which is caused by checking for the availability of new firmware. Next, you will need to enter a login and password to authorize on the resource. All data will be available upon concluding an agreement for the provision of communication services. You should first erase the protective coating on the card and enter all the data on the screen field. Any additional parameters you won't have to do it.

The device architecture is built on a new, more powerful chipset. In addition, the SML-482 device is equipped with a modern dual-core processor and twice the amount of RAM (512 MB).

The new generation console is 3 times faster than its predecessors in terms of performance.

Increased processing power ensures smoother and faster interface operation even “on top” of high-bitrate HD content, as well as almost instantaneous loading of images due to increased decompression speed.

Improved interface

A new level of performance and the use of OpenGL technology make it possible to support a more advanced and resource-intensive, including three-dimensional, user interface. Now users will be able to enjoy more detailed and interesting graphics, which can include fully three-dimensional interface components, while overall increasing the speed of the set-top box.

The improved interface will help improve the overall quality of the service and offer subscribers a level of convenience and visual appeal no less than that of the world leaders in this field - Sony Playstation, AppleTV, Microsoft xBox.

Full HD image

The set-top box supports the highest image quality up to Full HD, while it is capable of flexibly monitoring Internet channel bandwidth for instant

Many users of Rostelecom digital interactive television using TV set-top boxes Rostelecom IPTV STB RT-HD Standard, they know that this prefix is copy of MAG-250 micro TV set-top box from Informir. A MAG-250- this is already a full-fledged home media center, with a bunch of goodies,

How to flash the Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD set-top box in Infomir MAG-250.

Procedure firmware for Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD set-top box in Infomir MAG-250 not complicated, but there are several pitfalls, which I think should be mentioned right away:

1. Before STB RT HD firmware You will need to find playlist of Rostelecom channels for your Rostelecom branch. For example, here are Rostelecom playlists. Otherwise you won't be able to watch digital television Rostelecom.

2. If you have Rostelecom remote control, like this:

That's what you need flash the Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD set-top box with modified firmware, since this remote control will not be able to work with standard firmware from Infomir, since it does not have some of the necessary buttons.

3. If you want Internet and digital television on Rostelecom IPTV STB RT-HD set-top box at the same time, then in most cases you will not be able to do this due to the technical implementation of the connection. This feature is available on routers that can UDP-to-HTTP Proxy.

4. You will not be able to use interactive services digital television Rostelecom , because they are available only on Rostelecom firmware.

Firmware for TV set-top box Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD

Standard firmware for MAG-250 (regular remote control)- link . Modified firmware for MAG-250 (Rostelecom remote control)- link .

Resetting the Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD set-top box to factory settings.

Before the shift STB RT HD firmware With Rostelecom on Infoworld It is advisable to reset the set-top box settings to factory settings. To do this, turn on the console and press the button Menu on the remote control. Will open BIOS of STB RT HD set-top box:

Select an item Def. Settings and press the right button (>

Press the right button (>). The following message should appear:

Press the button OK and wait for the reboot Rostelecom STB RT HD set-top boxes.

Firmware for Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD TV set-top box:

1. Download MAG250 firmware files — Bootstrap And imageupdate and put them in one folder - let it be a folder mag250 on the C:\ drive. You should also put the file mcast.exe and DualServer there.

1. Turn on TV set-top box IPTV STB RT-HD Standart, press and hold down the button Menu on the control panel.

2. We get into Set-top box BIOS STB RT-HD:

Select a section Upgrade Tools.

3. Connect the computer to the set-top box using a LAN cable. Cable crimping is normal, straight.

4. On network card Enter your computer's IP address 192.168.1.1 and a mask 255.255.255.0 .

5. Launch the program dualserver.exe. To do this you need to run the command line ( Win+R and you line Open enter cmd, press OK).

6. On the Windows command line write a command C:\mag250\dualserver -v . The server should be up and running. Minimize (not close) the command line window.

7. Launch the program mcast.exe double click the mouse. She will ask you to select the network interface through which we will flash IPTV STB RT-HD :

Choose 192.168.1.1, Connection via local network . Press the button Select. The following window will open:

Here you need to change the broadcast address of the first stream ( Stream 1) to the one who listens STB RT-HD — 224.50.0.70:9000 . Second stream address ( Stream 2) we do not change. Press both buttons Start.

7. On attachment MAG-250 you need to select an item MC Upgrade and press the > button (right):

After that Rostelecom prefix STB RT-HD should reboot with new firmware .

Attention! Reflash via USB with Rostelecom STB RT-HD on MAG-250 most likely it won’t work - you will constantly get an error File mag250/imageupdate not present, even though the file is in the folder, the flash drive is formatted in FAT32 and its size is no more than 8GB. That's why flash Rostelecom STB RT-HD via Multicast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


• Power adapter 220 V.


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


• HDMI cable.


• "Tulips".


• Ethernet cable.


• Adapter from tulips to SCART.


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


• Instructions and completed warranties with stamps.

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

Set-top box interfaces:

• power supply 12 V,


• audio/video output for "tulips",


• HDMI connector 1.4a with HDCP,


• Ethernet 10/100Mbit Base T,


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful gizmo or ftop?