Science does not stand still, and now in order to watch your favorite show, you don’t have to install a dish on the roof. As, for example, in digital or analog TV. Now all this can be done with the help of one small set-top box and good Internet. They will allow you to enjoy TV without annoying advertising, and the picture quality will also be reproduced in Full HD resolution. This technology is called IPTV.
You can purchase such an interactive console yourself. Or borrow it from your provider for a small fee. One of the companies providing the rental option is Rostelecom. The advantages of this company are that they initially configure the device so that getting started with it is completely easy. Let's look at how to connect a TV to Rostelecom.
Features of consoles
Digital television is supplied based on technical solutions from SmartLabs. This is a leading manufacturer of equipment for interactive TV in our country. The consoles have a good reputation. They are bought in many countries around the world under different brands.
Today there are about a dozen models of the Rostelecom set-top box. The company reserves the right to decide what equipment to use in different regions of the country. Usually clients don't have to choose. But that's not scary. No matter where you live, ITV will work consistently. The only condition for this is good bandwidth and a stable Internet connection.
Modern Rostelecom iptv set-top boxes are high-performance devices with which customers have the opportunity to use all the latest developments in the field of interactive TV.
As a rule, the company supplies equipment from the STB Mini series. Four models are current: SML-5010, SML-5050, SML-5041, SML-5010CT.
Most often, the junior model 5010 is supplied to the market, the capabilities of which are more than enough for all services of a digital TV provider.
There are other SmartLabs devices on the market under the Rostelecom brand. They were produced earlier and are still actively used in many Russian homes. In some regions, these slightly outdated but still functional set-top boxes are being delivered to customers. Some of them: SML-482 HD, SML-282 HD Base, SML-292 HD Premium.
Expert opinion
Telekom Telekomych
Telecommunications expert and just a nice guy
It is better to avoid the following models: Infomir MAG-250, Infomir MAG-200, IPTV RT STB HD Standart, IPTV HD 101 (103), Yuxing YX-6916A, Motorolla VIP1003. They are hopelessly outdated. The technical characteristics of the “old guys” are not good enough to “pull” modern content and services.
Comparison table of technical characteristics for some models
| Model | CPU | RAM | Flash memory | Dimensions, mm | Weight, g. |
| SML-5010 | Broadcom BCM7230 | DDR3 512 MB | 256 MB | 110x107x33 | 130 |
| SML-5050 | Quad-Core ARM Cortex A7 @ 1.5GHz | DDR3 512 MB | NAND 256 MB | 110x107x33 | 130 |
| SML-5041 | 64-bit Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 with a frequency of 2.0GHz | DDR3 2GB | eMMC 8GB | 110x107x33 | 130 |
| SML-5010CT | Broadcom BCM7230 | DDR3 512 MB | 256 MB | 110x107x33 | 130 |
| SML-482 HD | BCM7230750MHz dual-core | DDR3 512 MB | 256 MB | 100x100x32 | 140 |
| SML-282 HD Base | STi7105 | 256 MB | 128 MB | 150x150x55 | 470 |
| SML-292 HD Premium | STi7105 | 256 MB | 128 MB | 150x150x55 | 470 |
| Infomir MAG-250 | STi7105 | 256 MB | 256 MB | 125x86x28 | 156 |
| IPTV RT STB HD Standard | STi7105 | 256 MB | 256 MB | 125x86x28 | 156 |
| Yuxing YX-6916A | Broadcom BCM7413(800Mhz) | 512 MB DDR | 200x160x38 | ||
| Motorola VIP1003 | STi705 | 256 MB | 64 MB | 160x130x35 | 300 |
READ Wink promotional code as a gift: instructions for use
Standard TV connection scheme via set-top box
- A cable is installed into the apartment, through which the router gains access to the Internet.
- The router distributes network access via Wi-Fi to mobile devices.
- An Ethernet cable runs to the computer.
- The same cable goes to the TV set-top box from Rostelecom.
- It, in turn, is connected to the TV with an HDMI, RCA or S-Video cable.
The diagram is shown more clearly in the figure below.
You can connect the set-top box in other ways:
- Wi-Fi connection. This method is rarely used. You will have to purchase a media bridge from Motorola. It is not cheap, and finding it today is not so easy. The advantage of this approach is operation in the rare 5 GHz band. Wireless connectivity goes further than usual. You can get by with an additional Wi-Fi adapter. But not all consoles will work with it. And the router must be able to separate the adapter from the LAN ports.
- You can also use the electrical connection method using PLC adapters. But for this you will need to purchase additional equipment and configure all devices to work together. Data is transmitted securely. But voltage surges can harm the system.
Additional equipment for interactive TV
It is impossible not to note the additional equipment that may be needed when using the Wink interactive console. Let's look at the available options using a visual table.
| Device | Purpose | Price |
| Smart speaker “Capsule” | Voice assistant in your home. Can perform both its tasks and control the Wink console | 8990 rubles |
| Wink remote control | It is already included in the set of consoles. However, if the remote control breaks, you can buy a new one separately. | 385 rubles |
| PLC-RT500-2 adapter kit | Allows you to connect all devices through electrical outlets without laying cables throughout the apartment | 3300 rubles |
| Additional adapter PLC-RT500-1 | If one of the adapters fails, you can purchase an additional one. This is also relevant for those who want to expand their network | 1700 rubles |
Will it be possible to watch IPTV on TV without a set-top box?
Recently, Rostelecom has been developing the Wink service, which allows you to watch digital television from computers, mobile devices and on TVs with Smart TV, Android TV or Apple TV. To access, you need to install the Wink application and enter authorization data for an account with a paid subscription.
However, when concluding a contract, you cannot ignore the need to purchase equipment. After all, the service is activated only if the client purchases or leases the device.
How to disable Wink Rostelecom
For those who want to remove wink from the set-top box or smart TV and return to the standard settings of the Rostelecom television menu, you can disable it altogether, for which you need to do the following.
- Go to the main menu and on the very right side of the screen find the My tab, which is probably already close to you;
- Next, go to the My Settings window and then Software Update;
- Now select the old interface tab and press ok on the remote;
- You will be prompted to reboot, to which you agree and click Yes;
- Wait a few seconds and the system will return to the previous view.
The main thing is not to forget to disable monthly subscriptions on the online service wink, otherwise bills will continue to arrive until you do this.
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Possible problems and troubleshooting
Even a new set-top box from Rostelecom can sometimes malfunction. Most problems are non-critical and can be easily fixed. In some cases, you will have to call technical support.
But in most cases, our guide will help you.
How to reboot
To do this, press the POWER button on the remote control. When pressed, the button must be held for 10 seconds. Don't forget to point the remote control at the console itself. Some people out of habit point it at the TV, which causes the signal to become unstable.
When turned on, it shows a cartoon
When you first connect the device to the TV, sometimes a table is displayed on the screen, and then a cartoon. Don't be afraid of this. This is a signal that the device is connected to the wrong port. Plug the cable into the LAN port that is configured for TV equipment.
READ How to install and configure the Rostelecom application on Smart TV (Samsung, LG, etc.)
"No IP address" error
This error indicates that there is no signal. The router may have been configured incorrectly. Sometimes the signal disappears due to the fault of the provider. This can be clarified by calling the support service.
If the device worked fine before, the settings are fine. Try reconnecting all the plugs to make sure the contact is secure. If the Internet works and the signal from the provider is received properly, the cable is damaged. Sometimes he rubs against furniture legs. You need to check the wires for integrity or replace them with new ones.
"Server not found" error
Typically, this malfunction appears due to a breakdown of network equipment. As a rule, it is not possible to eliminate it on your own. You'll have to call technical support.
Login and password do not match
During the initial setup, this error appears if you have entered the activation data carelessly.
Double-check them in your contract. They usually consist of numbers only. They do not contain special characters or letters. If the problem arose as a result of changing equipment, you need to call your provider. The fact is that each device is tied to specific authorization data. And apparently, the binding process is simply not completed yet. You need to find out how long it will take for your login and password to work.
Error "Wired interface unavailable"
This problem occurs when the Internet connection is poor. Make sure you can access it from your computer or phone. If the network is really unstable, try rebooting the router. Sometimes rebooting the console itself or reconnecting the wires helps.
Rostelecom set-top box does not respond to the remote control
This issue occurs because a control conflict has occurred. Sometimes the TV control code is the same as the equipment control code. In this case, you need to configure the remote control on the set-top box using another suitable code. The process is described in detail in the step-by-step guide on TelecomDom.
Popular questions
How to reset settings
To reset the settings on the remote control, you need to hold two buttons simultaneously (OK + POWER) for two seconds. After this, you need to enter the numbers 977, which will reset the settings to factory settings.
If you plan to replace the equipment or transfer it to another person, then you also need to reset it to factory settings. Enter the “Management” menu item and go to the right. Here select the “Deactivation” function.
Don't forget to pre-register for the Wink service. Log in there with your username and password for the Rostelecom set-top box. This will allow you to maintain access to all content and use it on other equipment.
Is it necessary to be connected to the Internet from Rostelecom?
No, television from Rostelecom will work if your Internet speed is good. In this case, the provider does not matter.
How many channels are available to set-top box users?
Rostelecom is constantly working to increase the number of channels available for viewing. Your limit is limited only by the paid package. Most users have access to 100 - 200 channels.
There are exclusive packages that allow you to view content in very high quality or under special conditions. It is always better to find out the latest information on the official website.
At what speed should the Internet work?
The quality of video and sound media content directly depends on the speed of the Internet. Theoretically, you can watch television in low quality even with a low Internet speed. But for comfortable viewing, the network must operate with a throughput of at least 0.9 megabits per second.
How many TVs does one set-top box serve?
The device can serve a maximum of two TVs. To connect a second screen you will have to use a PCA cable, because the HDMI port is already occupied. The content on their screens will be shown synchronously.
To view different channels separately on different devices, you need to connect a paid one.
How to set up television
Immediately after connecting to the Internet, a window will appear on the TV screen requiring you to enter your login and password - your registration information specified in the contract for connecting digital TV from Rostelecom.
Once you have access to your user account, you can customize your TV experience. Following the instructions of the system, you can easily set up the Rostelecom TV set-top box.
First of all, while in your profile, go to the “Settings” - “My Settings” menu. In this section of the menu, you can create separate profiles, for example, parent and child, specify how content is sorted in the menu, refuse to receive advertising messages, and manually adjust the quality of the TV channel. The “System Settings” section allows you to check the connection speed, manually update the firmware, change the screen and video proportions, the size of the dead zone (indentation from the screen borders) and the menu font.
