Prefix "Android" for the TV. Prefix "Smart TV": features and functions

It is very convenient when your TV, in addition to broadcasting channels, can provide other, no less interesting entertainment, like games, social networks and other online charms. Computers, of course, they will not replace, but as a tool for more or less full-fledged leisure is quite fit.

Such functionality is available in modern models of TVs with the prefix "Smart", but what producer you take, whether it's Sony, LG, Samsung or another brand - usability, and the technology itself is still damp. Very often, many owners complain about some hang-ups, communication disruptions, conflict of formats and other unpleasant moments. Of course, you can use it, but the sediment remains unpleasant anyway.

It's another matter when all these wonders work on the Android platform. "Smart TV" - a prefix to the TV in this case significantly expands the possibilities and eliminates many of the problems that are inherent in the original branded firmware. Here you also work with Google Play, where the number of programs is simply amazing, in comparison with the same LG World and Game World, and solving problems with conflict formats, and much more.

That is, it turns out that the smart set-top box on the "Androide" for the TV is not just some kind of addition to the main functionality, but a full-fledged entertainment platform with many features. Sometimes there is simply no need to buy an expensive smart device, but just a conventional TV that will work fine in a tandem with such a prefix. This nuance, maybe, will not affect premium models, where everything is considered and included, but for TV gadgets of the middle class - it is quite actual.

What is the "Android" set-top box for a TV?

The review should begin with the fact that equipment of this kind does not differ much from similar counterparts on other platforms in terms of usability. That is, you do not need to be afraid of migration from one device to another. There are not any wise demands, nor anything that ordinary average consumer can not handle.

"Android" - the prefix for the TV is a small "box" that connects to your device, usually through the HDMI-interface. Power is either through the usual network of 220 watts, or from the TV itself, it all depends on the specific model. The "Android" for the TV (set-top box), by analogy with tablets and smartphones, has a processor, some amount of RAM, modules of wireless protocols "bluetooth" or "Wi-Fi", etc. That is, in essence - this is the same tablet, but only without a screen.

Features of use

You can control the prefix using the mouse and / or keyboard. If the TV set-top box on the "Android" for the TV is equipped with the above-mentioned modules, then the wireless peripherals are at your service. In addition, for such devices are provided special manipulators, such as Air-Mouse or similar. So to choose a suitable headset is from what.

Also, it should be noted separately that on the shelves of shops you can find more expensive models of such devices, that is it will be significantly expanded in terms of functionality "Android" -start for the TV. Reviews for such models are diverse, but the advantages are obvious. Here you also have a camera with a microphone for communicating via Skype, and the possibility of synergy with other home appliances of your home, etc. Some people like this multifunctionality, but someone prefers to buy a gadget for each case, considering that one device can not take everything in a row, and this affects the result qualitatively.

Denote the list of models, which included smart devices, distinguished themselves by a quality assembly, good functionality and having the concept of universality.

MXQ Pro TV Box

This "Android" for the TV (set-top box) works on the 5.1 platform and features a good set of features, as well as an attractive price tag. The model works on a well-proven set of Amlogic S905 (64 bit) chipsets with a Cortex A53 processor on 4 cores with a clock frequency of 2 GHz.

There is not much RAM - only 1 GB, but it is enough for comfortable viewing of video in ultra-high resolution (Ultra) -HD) and for not very "heavy" games. The users will obviously not have enough internal memory - 8 GB. The benefit is that there are interfaces for connecting external hard drives and third-party SD cards. So there should not be problems with data storage.

Features devaysa

In addition, there is a LAN port so that the set-top box for the TV (Internet up to 1000 Mbps) has full access to the World Wide Web. For the operation of wireless protocols, the "wifi" and "bluetooth" modules are responsible. The gadget supports work with files on HTPS-channel and digital broadcasting of class IPTV. Connection to the TV is via the HDMI-interface version 2.0.

IconBIT XDS1003DW

This model is not just some ordinary "Android" for a TV set (a prefix), but a real media center. The device costs accordingly, but the money spent on it pays off with interest. One of the main "chips" of the device is the ability to work with 3D content. Moreover, the model supports such standards as "Dolby Digital" and DTS, that is, the system handles the channel sound of class 5.1.

The "android" for the TV (prefix) of the iconBIT brand has its own distinctive feature - these are two operating systems. That is, on the one hand, we see a familiar shell for these gadgets from Realtek RTD 4.5 series, and on the other hand, the Android platform. Therefore, the device can be called utterly universal. Although some believe that such a set of operating systems is not entirely successful, they indicate some conflict of basic protocols. But an ordinary user is unlikely to notice any critical flaws, because this tandem works quite tolerably and does not "swear" at trifles.

Distinctive features of the device

In addition, the model supports work with external 3.5-inch drives, which is also encouraging. The user just needs to lift the lid, snap the hard drive into the SATA interface and work quietly. If there is such a need, then you can connect non-standard media, like 2.5-inch drives, which are usually put on laptops. Also, the console has access to the Internet via a LAN port, with a speed of no more than 1000 Mbps.

Enybox EKB368

This model is characterized by a very smart and high-performance set of chipsets. The prefix can be called a kind of mini-computer that will make from your TV a very good similarity of a multimedia station. The gadget works on a fresh version of "Android" 5.1. This version has very good user ratings and features a multifunctionality, a clear interface and convenience.

For the speed response is a powerful processor Rockchip RK3368, running on eight cores of the Cortex-A53 series at 1.5 GHz each. The characteristics of the chip allow you to calmly watch videos in ultra-high resolution, which is sure to appreciate the owners of large screens, as well as play "heavy" games. RAM for this kind of technology is quite enough - 2 GB, so problems with friezes, brakes and other lags are not observed.

The built-in 16 GB drive is not particularly impressive, but most owners do not use it, because the device can receive a pair of hard drives and any SD-card. There are wireless "wifi" and "bluetooth" modules, as well as a LAN-type Internet port with a 1000 Mbps stream limit. The device is connected via HDMI-interface, so there will not be any problems with the adaptation either.

ZIDOO X5

This is an interesting representative of its segment comes from China. The device has a memorable and very attractive appearance, as well as a good stuffing. The system works on the "Android" platform 5.1.

One of the most attractive features of the console - the ability to work with ultra-high resolution format 4K. Not every gadget of this price category can boast such a distinctive feature.

The performance is answered by a relatively bright processor Amlogic S905, running on four cores of the Cortex A53 architecture with a frequency of 2 GHz per core. The amount of RAM is not enough to run a powerful application (1 GB), so you will have to settle for medium toys and undemanding software.

Features of the model

The internal drive also has a modest performance - only 8 GB, but you can significantly expand the volume if you connect an external device via a USB port. On board there are modules of wireless protocols "wifi" and "bluetooth", there is also the possibility of accessing the network via a LAN port with a speed limit of 1000 Mbps. In general, this is quite a good prefix, which will appeal to undemanding users, especially since the price tag for the model is very democratic.