The new IPTV technology is based on the transmission of digital television signals via computer IP networks. For this purpose, the signal is encrypted and transmitted to a playback device, which can be a home computer or special equipment - an IPTV set-top box or STB (IP Set-Top-Box). Broadcasting of the image and decoding of the signal on the computer is carried out by means of IPTV players. The STB set-top box for this purpose uses decoder electronic circuits that convert the digital signal into analog video for the TV.
Advantages of IPTV technology
The main advantage of this technology is open access to digital resources like IP-telephony and IP-TV.
Reliability of data transmission is guaranteed by the similar principle of operation of both technologies and the use of fiber optic cable to transmit a television or telephone signal. Excellent broadcast quality allows you to watch high-definition broadcasts with multi-channel audio and excellent color reproduction.
Interactivity is another advantage of the technology: the IP connection works in both directions - from the server to the client and vice versa. Thanks to this, the consumer can control the service from the set-top boxSTB or computer.
STB functionality
The RT STB HD IPTV set-top box connected to TV has the following functions:
- Receive videos on demand. The server hosts a library of VoD video materials, accessing which allows you to access a particular movie. Often video materials are provided on a paid basis.
- Viewing control with Time Shifted TV technology. Software for a computer or STB HD set-top box for a TV allows you to rewind a TV program in any direction and temporarily pause its broadcast.
- An alternative version of the VoD service - the nVoD service - allows you to create a personal TV program. The public cinema allows a group of users to coordinate their viewings with each other.
- TVoD service allows you to postpone watching a movie or video. The user just needs to select the necessary TV shows and TV channels in advance and send a request for viewing in the future.
Set-top box features
The main advantage of STB-set-top boxes is a large number of interactive services and the ability to directly manage content. The set-top box provides access to most Internet services: Picasa, YouTube and others, plus such devices are equipped with USB ports that allow you to connect external devices. Through the RT STB HD IPTV set-top boxes, it is possible to play video files from external media, view photos and images, and when connected toWi-Fi router device – access to network video resources. The video stream can be redirected to a computer or laptop.
Setting box set
Delivery package may vary depending on the specific model: some items may be present, others may be missing.
Approximate configuration of STB set-top box from Rostelecom includes:
- Universal USB ports, one of which is located on the front of the set-top box, the second on the back.
- An RC connector can be placed for an infrared remote receiver. Its presence is determined by the specific model of the STB set-top box.
- Ethernet connector with a maximum connection speed of 100 Mbps. It allows you to connect the set-top box to the network of an Internet service provider.
- HDMI connector for connecting a set-top box to a TV.
- HDMI cable. It rarely comes with an STB set-top box, most often the user has to purchase it on their own.
- The cable with three connectors connects to the analog AV connector. One of the connectors is for video transmission, the other two are for audio.
- Connector for AA batteries.
The connectors listed are located on the back of the set-top box.
Connecting a device
The set-top box for old TVs is connected via the AV connector using a cable with three connectors. Modern TVs equipped with an HDMI input are connected via an HDMI cable. Accordingly, inThe latest version has much better sound and picture quality.
The set-top box is connected to the network through a router. Some users connect the provider's cable directly to the network connector of the set-top box, however, such a move is not always advisable, since various additional devices are most often connected to the set-top box. Accordingly, the LAN connector is connected to the same connector on the router. After the set-top box is correctly connected, the corresponding image is displayed on the TV screen.
In the menu of the device, navigation is carried out by the corresponding keys on the control panel of the set-top box.
STB software setup
On the control panel there is a SETUP key, with which the set-top box is configured. The device is configured as follows:
- In the menu item "Advanced settings" set the date, time and time zone. To fully use the interactive capabilities of the set-top box, this must be done, since the data is synchronized with the IPTV server.
- If the set-top box is connected via a router, then you need to configure it as a network device. This is done through the "Network Configuration" menu item: in the window that opens, a specific type of network is selected - for example, a wired Ethernet connection.
- In the next window that opens, DHCP mode is activated by pressing the button labeled "Auto (DHCP)". In the window that appears, click on OK.
- The readiness of the network for operation is checked in the "Status of networks" menu. An Ethernet connection is selected, and then a request is sent. In response, a window with a list of TCP / IP settings should open: the user must make sure that all configurations are correct.
- The next step is setting up the servers. In the menu of the same name, enter the following data in the NTP server field: pool.ntp.org. All data is entered through the electronic keyboard, which is controlled through the keys on the remote control.
- In the "Video settings" menu item, video playback is corrected. It is advisable to disable options such as auto frame rate switching and DVI forcing. Next, the required monitor resolution is set, similar to setting up a computer monitor. The video output mode is assigned last. You can set this item according to the instructions for the console. Older models equipped with AV input use PAL mode.
In the "Reboot" menu, all the settings are saved, after which the set-top box is rebooted. With the correct connection and subsequent configuration, it will be possible to use the set-top box immediately after it is restarted.
Results
STB-set-top boxes of modern models are full-fledged analogues of media players and have full functionality for playing multimedia content.
