Rostelecom's interactive television service gives the user access to not just hundreds of TV broadcasts in ideal quality. The subscriber is offered games, videos, films, and a variety of entertainment content. All you need to enjoy this luxury is to have Internet access in your apartment or house and set up a Rostelecom set-top box. The equipment kit includes everything to quickly make the necessary network switching. The TV set-top box can be connected to both an old TV and the most modern models of image forming devices.
What is included in the kit for connecting TV from Rostelecom
The box with the equipment set that the user receives contains:
- Rostelecom prefix;
- external power supply;
- universal remote control;
- operating instructions for the Rostelecom set-top box;
- set of cables for several types of connections;
- batteries for the remote control.
The cable set includes everything you need to both connect the set-top box to a Samsung TV or another model, and to organize a digital network inside the house. This is a twisted pair Ethernet cable 3 m long with crimped ends, an adapter from RCA analog tulips to SCART. There are also standard AV RCA and HDMI cables, one and a half meters long.
Interactive TV menu overview
IPTV allows you to open the channel program at any time. And these are not all the functions of the service.
Clients also use other services:
- Image management. The function allows you to stop any broadcast program and start it again, as well as watch a program from the archive for the last few days.
- Parental control. It is acceptable to block access to TV and the Internet for a child.
- Video rental. A large database of films and a search function allow you to quickly select the desired film. True, this service is paid.
- Services. This includes the exchange rate, communication networks, Yandex map, weather forecast.
You can find out about all these possibilities on the provider’s main website. Anyone who wants to give the device new functionality will need to update the firmware of the console. It improves quality indicators and is carried out after a complete reset.
How to connect the set-top box to the Internet
How exactly to connect Rostelecom television, or more precisely, to provide data traffic to the set-top box, depends on the desires and capabilities of the subscriber. Some methods may require purchasing, crimping, or laying a twisted pair cable through the apartment. When using others, the subscriber will need a special adapter to organize a wireless channel. There is also the option of using the apartment’s 220V network to transmit data to the set-top box.
Cable
A twisted pair Ethernet cable is a classic option for organizing a data channel. In this case, the set-top box is connected via a router. If the distance between devices does not exceed 3 meters, you can use the wire supplied with the equipment. One end of the cable is plugged into a free LAN port of the router, the other into the socket of the set-top box.
If there is a need to lay wires throughout the apartment or organize a line longer than 3 meters, a cable of the required length will have to be purchased separately. It can be done independently if the user has experience in crimping twisted pair cables with RJ-45 connectors and special pliers. An Ethernet cable of the required length can be ordered or purchased at computer hardware stores.
IPTV technology requires that the router be configured for the TV set-top box.
- Connect your smartphone to the router’s Wi-Fi access point or launch a browser on your computer.
- Write 192.168.0.1 in the browser line. If the router has a different address for its main gateway, you can find it on a sticker on the bottom of its case.
- When prompted for a username and password, enter admin/admin (default data) or user-specified values.
- Go to the Network tab on the left side of the screen.
- Find the IPTV section.
- Enable IGMP Proxy.
- Set the mode value to Bridge.
- Specify the port number to which the set-top box cable is connected.
Important!
Setting up Rostelecom TV ends with a mandatory reboot of the router. After this, you can turn on the set-top box and, using the menu, configure channels or get acquainted with the offered capabilities of the equipment.
Via Wi-Fi
Running an Ethernet cable across an apartment can be problematic. Especially if expensive repairs have already been made. A Rostelecom set-top box with a Wi-Fi communication channel will eliminate all the difficulties. The user will have to solve the only problem: finding a suitable wireless adapter. To work with the Rostelecom set-top box via Wi-Fi, it must function in client mode.
Advice! The recommended course of action is to contact the provider's office. The user can only purchase a wireless adapter; this equipment is not available for rent.
If the provider’s office is unavailable, or the subscriber wants to solve the problem on his own, it is recommended to pay attention to products from TP-Link, ASUS. Adapters from these manufacturers usually have the required operating mode. If you don’t want to make a useless purchase, you can get advice from Rostelecom specialists in the office or support service.
To install a communication channel, you need to configure the adapter. For this:
- the device connects to the computer;
- hardware drivers are installed;
- the browser starts;
- in the address line the address indicated on the sticker on the adapter body is written (usually 192.168.0.1);
- enter the username and password, default admin/admin;
- in the adapter settings there is a network section (LAN, Network);
- The DHCP dynamic address allocation service is disabled.
To transmit data over a wireless network, you need to configure your router. By default, some options regarding IPTV over WLAN are disabled. The problem is that for different devices they are in different settings sections. Therefore, to complete the work, it is recommended to contact Rostelecom technical support.
Via PLC
PLC devices allow you to broadcast digital data directly over a 220V network laid inside the apartment. The bridge does not need to be configured.
One of the devices is plugged into one socket near the router, the second into another, near the set-top box. They find each other automatically. After this, settings are made corresponding to the cable connection. To connect via PLC, just plug the wire from the router (to one) and to the set-top box (to the other).
Set-top box SML-482 HD Base Wi-Fi
The second oldest is the SML-482 HD Base Wi-Fi digital TV set-top box. This TV tuner has a weaker processor, but is the only option for wireless IPTV . The tuner supports the only Wi-Fi standard - 802.11n, that is, it only works in the 2.4 GHz band, which is the busiest, especially in apartment buildings, which can cause glitches. However, with a high-speed connection there are no problems.
According to user reviews, the receiver has the same set of functions as the 5050, the only significant difference is that it does not support 4K. The model is released in a classic rectangular case with a glossy finish. All connectors are located on the back of the device.
Advice! According to experts, this set-top box is a more logical option for purchase, since it fully complies with modern requirements and has already been tested by time, while the new SML-5050 model is cut down in places and “not tested.” It is too early to draw conclusions about its performance and ease of use.
First start: how to start watching TV channels
After the settings of the Rostelecom set-top box on the router and pairing devices (if used) are made, you can check the correctness of the connection. To do this, select the desired signal source on the TV. According to the type of cable used, you need to switch the remote control to HDMI, AV or SCART.
If a picture appears on the screen, it means that all connections have been made correctly. The set-top box automatically starts downloading after detecting the TV connection. This lasts no more than a minute. The system will then require you to enter the username and password specified in the contract. To do this, the user needs to connect and synchronize the universal remote control.
After identification, the subscriber gets access to the set-top box menu. Here, using the operating instructions, you can configure channels and set device parameters at your discretion.
TV setup
You can watch Rostelecom television without a set-top box. You can choose any convenient device with a screen and access to the global network. Rostelecom's interactive television is connected through its online multimedia platform. This service is paid, but not too expensive (from 99 rubles per month). And you won’t need to buy or rent any additional equipment.
When you conclude an agreement, the operator will provide you with a special promotional code, which will activate full access to the platform. But you can get acquainted with the service without a promotional code, just enter the address itv.rt.ru in the address bar of any browser (you can also use it on SMART TV).
Remote control synchronization
The remote control included in the package is universal, which means that it must be forcibly initialized for use . This is done with the set-top box turned on as follows:
- You must simultaneously hold down the OK and TV buttons until the latter blinks twice;
- enter code 991 on the numeric keypad;
- it is necessary to press the channel switching buttons with pauses;
- Once the synchronization code is detected, the image on the screen will disappear.
When the remote control has picked up the control code for the set-top box, you need to save the found settings. To do this, press the OK and TV buttons again until the latter blinks twice. Read about possible problems with the remote control and how to solve them here.
FAQ
Reset
To reset the remote control settings, you need to hold down POWER and OK for 2 seconds, putting the remote control into programming mode, and enter code 977. The POWER button LED should blink 4 times.
Before replacing the device or transferring it to another user, you must reset all settings. To do this, open the “Management” section and press the RIGHT button. Then select “Deactivate this device.” This device feature is only available for the “Master” profile, which is available on every set-top box by default.
To have access to content that will be deleted, you must register (using a computer) and log in to the Zabava portal. Then your content will be available on another set-top box upon authorization. A window on the TV will warn you that you need to transfer your purchases, and a form will appear for entering your login and password for your account on the Zabava portal.
Where does the new Rostelecom TV set-top box work?
Works with any provider. You can use it anywhere in Russia where there is Internet access.
How many channels does the new Rostelecom TV set-top box show?
The number of channels included in the package from Rostelecom “Your Maximum 2.0” is 197. There are also packages for 110, 137, 163 channels. Channels that are not included in your package can be purchased in addition, and before that you can use them in trial viewing mode.
What Internet speed is required for the TV set-top box to work?
The image quality depends on the speed and congestion of the Internet connection. After setting up a connection to the network, you can check the speed and get a report to see if it is sufficient for comfortable viewing. The minimum required speed for stable operation is 0.9 Mbit/s.
How many TVs can be connected to one TV set-top box?
Only two TVs can be connected. If you connect them to the same Rostelecom user account, keep in mind that both will show the same channel. Since the HDMI port on the device will already be occupied, you will have to use a PCA cable, connecting it using an adapter.
What is the viewing control service?
“Viewing Control” allows you to pause programs, rewind them to the beginning or any other point, record them and add them to the archive.
Possible connection problems
Most of the problems that arise are related to incorrect user actions. For example, he forgot to disable the DHCP dynamic addressing service on the wireless adapter. Problems occur if the settings are lost due to resetting the router parameters.
Important! A common problem is that there is a delay in subscription activation. At least 24 hours must pass between the connection period and the start of use.
Problems arise even more often due to financial issues. For example, the subscriber has not paid for the current month. Then you just need to make payment in any convenient way. It happens that when you turn on the set-top box for the first time, the username and password are entered incorrectly.
More complex problems are associated with settings errors on both the subscriber and provider side. In this case, you should contact technical support. Rostelecom specialists will find the best way out of the subscriber’s situation and suggest a sequence of actions to troubleshoot.
Functional
IPTV HD Mini set-top box is a device designed to provide reception, decryption and display of a signal. This is the main purpose of the receiver. Let us briefly list the main functionality of the set-top box of this model:
- playback of content in video format;
- subscribing to view paid content;
- recording content to various memory storage devices;
- electronic guide;
- information and entertainment widgets.
The functionality of the device is not limited to this. The console has quite a lot of useful parameters. All settings are divided into two groups: “System” and “My”. Experts strongly do not recommend changing system parameters, since incorrect values can lead to malfunctions in the operation of the set-top box.
Special attention should be paid to the parental control option. It can be accessed through the “Access Level” section. The user will be able to configure age restrictions in this section. The “Social Networks” and “Weather Forecast” widgets will also be useful. All these features can be customized.
We've sorted out the functionality. It's time to briefly list the main advantages of the console in question:
- small and compact body, the device takes up minimal free space;
- intuitive and simple interface;
- playback of content in Full HD format;
- elegant and original design of the console;
- loyal price.
There are indeed many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. The main flaw is the lack of an internal portal. This means that the set-top box will not function without firmware from the provider. Therefore, users will not be able to use the device as a media player. If in the future you refuse the services of the operator, the set-top box will lie idle.
Another drawback is compatibility problems when connecting Wi-Fi adapters. For example, currently the firmware from Rostelecom does not support devices manufactured by Smartlabs. Of course, this may create additional inconvenience. Today, the set-top box in question is also actively used by the operator Bashtel.
Possible problems
Even a new device can fail. Customers often complain that the device freezes when loading, or that the set-top box takes too long to load. You can deal with some situations on your own. In other cases, you will have to call technical support to fix the problem.
- For your information
- Telephone 88001811830 is intended for technical questions of existing subscribers.
