Product functions
Basic functions
(1) It can indicate the status of the user’s indoor equipment, CATV network and program resources; it can use the user’s TV screen to display the service company and Messages and menus from information providers.
(2) Transmit the user's selection information to the service center or information provider.
(3) It can provide users with basic terminal control functions, such as fast forwarding, fast rewinding, pausing and recording when choosing to watch video on demand (VOD) programs.
(4) With two-way communication capability, it can realize TV shopping, distance education and VOD.
(5) It can be connected to a home computer.
(6) Signal transmission, modulation and demodulation can be carried out, and ATM protocol can be processed.
(7) It can monitor public equipment and conduct remote measurement and feedback of signal transmission performance.
Screen transfer function
The screen transfer function is one of the important functions of the network set-top box. The screen transfer technology includes DLNA, AirPlay, Miracast and some private screen transfer protocols. The screen transfer function is in the home Entertainment, business office and other fields have extremely wide application prospects. (For example, the Lemin V3 screener is completed using DLNA, AirPlay, and Miracast protocols.)
DLNA is the full name of the Digital Living Network Alliance. Sony, Intel, Microsoft, Google, etc. were initiated and established to solve smart devices The interconnection and intercommunication of digital media files can be transmitted and shared between different devices at will.
AirPlay is a wireless sharing protocol developed by Apple. Through AirPlay technology, it is convenient to wirelessly transfer files between different iOS devices.
Miracast is a wireless transmission protocol initiated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Miracast users can browse the photos taken by smartphones on large-screen TVs, share the laptop screen in real time through the projector in the meeting room, or on the tablet. Watch the live program of the home network TV set-top box on the computer. Many companies are working on the research and development of the screen switch function of network set-top boxes. A good switch screen experience requires not only hardware support, but also application software support from mobile phones, network set-top boxes, and smart TVs. ShowKey is the founder and first player in the screen switch industry. One brand. ShowKey is like a magic key to turn on the smart TV function. It can be plugged into any large-screen terminal such as a TV or projector with an HDMI interface. It is simple and straightforward in 3 steps to easily turn an ordinary HD TV at home into a high-definition smart TV; It is also like a master key to turn on the screen. It can transfer the video, photos, and music screens on the mobile phone to the TV screen through WIFI or AP mode. When the screen is turned, the mobile phone can answer the phone normally and send text messages and entertainment functions. Not affected. You can also use the remote control or MINI USB mouse remote control, so that you can fully enjoy the "wireless control" when watching TV at home. ShowKey also has "rich connotation". The video content resource network is open to capture, rich in content, the fastest update, and it is basically synchronized with the current network or theater consultation.
Principle structure
The ITV set-top box with an open structure is a device with a simple structure and low cost. It is controlled by a cheap microprocessor with a special VLSI chip that provides the above-mentioned functions and completes various tasks such as query, response routing, decoding, decompression, and processing and control. It is mainly composed of microprocessor, digital modulator, ATM processing unit (ADSL interface), image decompressor, audio decompressor, NTSC/PAL/SECAM decoder, RGB encoder, remote control interface, read-only memory (ROM ), random access memory (RAM) and expansion interface.
The set-top box is not only a tuner, but also a remote control unit of the video server. Through the ATM network system, the set-top box is connected to the video server, and performs two-way, full-duplex digital communication with the video server.
(1) The control system or system microprocessor is the core of the set-top box. It reads the bootloader required for startup from the read-only memory, and stores the program and data in the random access memory. Through the transmission of the system bus, the microprocessor can organically combine related functional modules to complete the functions of the entire system.
(2) The digital tuner receives instructions from the microprocessor to obtain the frequency, bandwidth, modulation method and digital information required for decoding. The resulting digital digital stream includes multiple programs or threads, which are sent to the ATM processing device after primary processing.
(3) When the ATM processor receives multiple sets of data from the digital tuner, it can control these data information and select the corresponding data packet. For example, the microprocessor can instruct the ATM processor to select only one data packet with a certain virtual or real address, and discard all other data packets. A specific virtual or real address will be connected to a specific program.
The ATM processor divides the selected data into three types: video stream, audio stream and data stream. The video stream is sent to the image decompressor for processing, the audio stream is sent to the audio decompressor for processing, and the data stream is sent to the control system. At the same time, the ATM processor also collects the relevant error status in the transmission, and when necessary, transmits this information to the control system so that it can communicate with the terminal to modify the items.
(4) The open image decompressor is a specially designed programmable digital image processing chip. It loads some basic fixed algorithms for image processing, and can receive special image decompression algorithms from the control system. When the digital information from the ATM processor enters the image decompressor, the firmware can be used to decompress the previously compressed video.
Then, transfer the decompressed video data to the NTSC/PAL/SECAM decoder. In the same way, the audio decompressor can also receive the decompression algorithm from the control system. After being decompressed, the compressed sound data received from the ATM processor can be turned into a modulated or unmodulated stereo signal and then transmitted to the TV.
Product features
Advantages
1. Whether it supports the built-in hard disk, the high-definition video has a huge capacity, and the hard disk is used regardless of the convenience of transmission, the size of the capacity and the smoothness of playback All have unparalleled advantages. The hard disk is best built-in, because the external hard disk can only be transmitted by USB, and the speed is affected by the USB rate. Generally, it can only transmit about 20M per second. When playing scenes with rich and fierce pictures, there will be stuttering. The built-in The hard disk uses SATA interface, the speed is 5 times that of USB, in order to fully meet the needs of high-quality HD movie playback.
2. It depends on its decoding chip. The latest professional high-definition players mainly use four brands of decoding chips, namely Sigmal designs, Realtek, MSTAR, and Amlogic.
3. Network functions, whether you can connect to the Internet wirelessly and wirelessly, also emphasize that it must not be a good feeling for cables to leap forward and backward at home. If you want wireless, hehe, and high-speed wireless, remember to pay attention The speed parameter of wireless network, the highest wireless network card is 802.11ac, the bandwidth exceeds 1Gbps.
4. The operation is simple. This should be mentioned. After all, it is intended to cooperate with the daily use of the TV. If the operation is too complicated, the elderly at home will not be able to use it. Isn't it boring? The operation is not complicated. You can see from the remote control. Don’t choose the densely packed N buttons, and don’t choose the English one. Simple is easy to use.
5. Expansion functions, whether there is an expansion interface, whether you can share files, usually digital cameras, DV shots are shared with family members on TV, and mobile hard disks are used to exchange movies, etc., all rely on the expansion interface. There must be at least two extended USB ports, otherwise one will not be enough after connecting to the wireless network card.
As long as you have mastered the knowledge of these five points for buying a network TV set-top box, you will not worry about not being able to buy a good product in the future purchase process!
Disadvantages
1. The video is not as clear as digital TV.
2. The network requirements are higher. If the network is not good, it will directly affect the buffer time of the set-top box.
Related comparison
Compared with ordinary set-top boxes, network set-top boxes are mainly different in the following points:
Network access:
Simply put, a "network set-top box" can be regarded as a "set-top box" that obtains video programs through the Internet. That is to say, the ordinary set-top box is connected to the coaxial cable and takes the cable TV network; while the network set-top box is connected to the network cable and takes the Internet.
Main function:
The programs watched by traditional TV are fixed, and cannot be connected to the Internet, nor can they control the TV according to their own preferences. The program does not have content and applications that can be loaded. And connect to the network set-top box, connect to the Internet through a network cable or wireless WIFI, and realize web browsing, video and film playback, online QQ chat, game entertainment, online movie and TV, etc. on the TV. You can control the TV programs according to your own preferences, and you can also install applications at will Procedures.
Program content:
From the perspective of program content, ordinary set-top boxes receive various TV channels, while network set-top boxes are connected to the computer through the Internet. The same function and you can watch various TV channels, such as: online watching movies and TV, game entertainment, web browsing, Weibo, blog, sending and receiving emails, online chat and other content.
Product features
Watching TV
Live webcast
Watching live web TV is a primary function to Yes, TV box manufacturers cooperate with authorized institutions to provide live TV programs on the Internet, so that everyone can watch live TV on the Internet.
Cloud Watch
The concept of cloud is already popular, how can I watch the video? ? In fact, it is to use cloud-based video applications to install a Baidu Cloud or 360 TV Manager on the TV box on Baidu Cloud Disk or 360 Cloud Network Disk. You can log in to your own network disk account on your computer to collect movies and watch them through cloud applications on TV.
Portal Video
Download the video website application, and then save it through your account. You can watch the videos and movies saved in your account on your computer and watch on TV.
Games
Since the TV box is an Android system, you can definitely install Android games. But after all, it’s playing on TV, so it’s no better in operation than tablets and mobile phones. Some modified versions need to be installed. But the gaming experience is still inferior to tablets and mobile phones.
Various applications
We can install various application software on our mobile phones, watch videos, play Weibo, WeChat, etc., of course, as a TV box with an operating system. , It can be used as a magnifying mobile phone directly.
Support protocol
As a network set-top box, for the convenience of application, general products will support the following two network protocols:
1. The full name of DLNA is DIGITAL LIVING NETWORK ALLIANCE, whose purpose is to Enjoy your music, photos and videos, anywhere anytime, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) was established by Sony, Intel, Microsoft, etc., and aims to solve the wireless network of personal PCs, consumer appliances, and mobile devices. The interconnection and intercommunication with the wired network makes it possible for the unlimited sharing and growth of digital media and content services. There are more than 280 member companies.
2. AirPlay is a wireless technology protocol launched by Apple in the United States. In addition to the official Apple TV supporting AirPlay, more and more third-party devices support AirPlay.
Product selection
Hardware configuration:
The choice of network set-top box hardware configuration is the same as the choice of mobile phone and Pad. Point, that is, what is the main frequency, whether it is dual-core, how much memory, and how much storage. In principle, the larger the configuration, the better, because there will be more and more applications in the future, and the requirements for configuration will become higher and higher. This process is the same as the development process of computers, mobile phones, and broadband, and there needs to be room for development. Of course, we must also consider cost performance, and excessively advanced configuration is not necessary.
Operating system:
Is the network set-top box easy to use? How to use the network set-top box? This is the first issue considered by buyers. At present, the most versatile system is the Android system, and some manufacturers have developed their own operating systems. Compared with the two operating systems, they have their own advantages: the self-developed operating system has good stability, and The network set-top box has better hardware compatibility; while the Android system is powerful, and subsequent upgrades are relatively simple, supporting more network applications, and users can choose according to their needs.
High-definition source: Providing high-definition programs is a very important selling point of this smart set-top box. The current smart TV set-top boxes are equipped with high-definition interfaces, and the hardware is already sufficient for watching high-definition programs. However, due to the large differences in the high-definition program sources, high-definition storage capacity, and high-definition platform technologies owned by each manufacturer, the high-definition programs that each network TV set-top box can watch are also very different. Although some weaker manufacturers claim that they support high-definition playback, there are very few high-definition film sources that can actually be seen. Users must pay attention to this point when purchasing.
Extended functions:
Although the most important function in the purchase of network TV set-top boxes is the ability to play high-definition content, but other than that In addition, some extended functions provided by the set-top box include: whether the set-top box supports hard disk playback, whether
Firmware upgradeCapability:
The current hardware technology of HD network set-top box is very mature, but the software still has room for further improvement , Especially the strong compatibility and scalability of network set-top boxes can be realized through firmware upgrades. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the firmware upgrade capability when choosing. It also requires that the product you purchased at the time does not support a certain function, and it can be solved by firmware upgrade. Some product faults can also be solved by firmware upgrade.
After-sales service:
What brand of network set-top box is good? As an emerging product, network set-top boxes are under the pressure of market competition. Chips, software and hardware are developing extremely fast, and problems are unavoidable. In this way, after-sales service is extremely important. How to make up for the inherent deficiencies of products through after-sales service, improve customer satisfaction, reputation and brand loyalty, and then build product reputation and enhance brand value are issues that every player manufacturer should seriously consider.