Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs offer users a wide range of multimedia features, but the basic feature of watching terrestrial TV remains a priority for many owners. The process of initial configuration of the receiver often seems complicated due to the features of the Android TV shell installed on the device.
Device owners face different connectivity scenarios: some use the antenna cable directly, others prefer digital set-top boxes or satellite equipment. Understanding the logic of how an Android TV operating system works in conjunction with a TV tuner is key to success. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of automatic and manual search, as well as methods for optimizing the broadcast list.
Before you start manipulating the menu, you need to make sure that the physical integrity of the connections is ensured. The quality of the signal depends on the state of the antenna cable and the reliability of its contact with the connector on the back of the device, even a slight backlash can lead to complete absence of images or constant broadcast interruptions.
Preparation of equipment and inspection of connections
The first step in the configuration process is to physically connect the signal source. Make sure the antenna cable is tightly inserted into the Antenna In connector or RF Input on the back or side of your TV. If you're using an external active antenna, check if it's powered to the TV. USB-port or outlet, as passive antennas often do not provide reliable reception in urban areas.
For satellite TV users, it is important to check the connections between the receiver and the TV. Most modern Xiaomi models use HDMI connection, which provides high-resolution audio and video. However, if your TV has a built-in satellite tuner (DVB-S2), the cable from the satellite dish converter connects directly to the corresponding Satellite connector.
Image quality also depends on the type of cable used. For analog signals, it's coaxial wire, and for digital consoles, HDMI 2.0 or higher cables to support 4K content. Make sure all devices are on and running correctly before you start software setup.
⚠️ Warning: Never connect an antenna cable energized by thunderstorm or static electricity directly to a TV without lightning rods. RF-a device module, the repair of which is often economically inexpedient.
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Use a copper central cable and dual shielding to minimize interference, especially if the cable is longer than 10 meters.
Automatic setting of air channels
After checking the physical connections, you need to go to the software part. Most users choose the automatic mode, because it requires minimal human intervention, the system will independently determine the type of signal connected (antenna or cable) and start scanning the available frequencies.
To start the process, go to the main menu and select Settings. Depending on the firmware version and region, this item may be called Settings or have a gear icon. Next, find the channel section, which is often hidden in the Channels or Broadcast submenu on Android TV.
- 📺 Click on Channel Settings to Start the Installation Wizard.
- 📡 Select the signal source: Antenna (for the DVB-T2) or Cable (for) DVB-C).
- 🔄 Confirm the scan start and wait for the process to be completed, which can take 3 to 10 minutes.
The scan shows the progress bar and the number of signals found, and interrupting this process will only save the part of the list that was found at the time of the stop, and the system can reboot the receiver module several times to calibrate the frequencies.
Manual settings and frequency plans
In situations where automatic search does not find the expected number of channels or the reception quality is unstable, it is recommended to use manual adjustment, which allows you to work with specific broadcast frequencies, which is especially true in border areas or areas with difficult terrain.
To switch to manual mode, select the appropriate option from the channel settings menu. You will need to enter the frequency in megahertz (MHz) or channel number. Information about the frequency plan of your region can be found on official broadcasters' websites or specialized resources.
| Parameter | Description | Typical value |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Central frequency multiplex | 498 MHz, 570 MHz |
| Modulation. | Signal encoding method | 64 QAM, 256 QAM |
| Bandwidth | Channel width | 8 MHz |
When manually configured, it is important to choose the right modulation parameters. The DVB-T2 standard used in Russia and many CIS countries usually requires a choice of 64 QAM or 256 QAM modulation and 8 MHz bandwidth. Mistaking these parameters will cause the TV to see the signal, but will not be able to decode it.
What if there is a signal but no image?
Work with the list of channels and sorting
Once the scan is complete, the user is tasked with organizing the list. The standard channel order often doesn't match the viewer's preferences, so sorting and editing is critical. In the Xiaomi interface, this is done through the channel management menu.
Open the channel list and press the menu button on the remote (three dots or a special button), which allows you to rename, move and hide unnecessary positions, removing channels from the list does not erase them completely from memory, but only hides them when you switch.
- ✂️ Hiding: Remove news or religious channels from the main list so they don't flash when switching.
- ✏️ Rename: Give channels clear names if the automatic name contains technical codes.
- ⭐ Favorites: Create a list of your favorite channels for quick access to your main content.
Android TV allows you to sort channels by type (TV, Radio) or operator. This is convenient if you use a hybrid technique combining terrestrial TV and IPTV applications. A structured list saves time and makes using the TV more comfortable for all family members.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when sorting channels through third-party apps. System updates to the TV can overwrite the user's channel order by returning standard numbering.
Satellite TV setup
Owners of Xiaomi TVs with built-in DVB-S2 tuner can connect the satellite antenna directly, without using an external receiver. This makes it easier to control, since all switches are made by one remote control, but the procedure of initial installation is more difficult here than for terrestrial TV.
In the signal source selection menu, select Satellite, then select a satellite from the list (e.g. Eutelsat 36A/36B for tricolors and NTV plus) or enter the parameters manually. The key is to set the power converter (LNB Power), which should be turned on (usually 13B/18B).
The process of scanning the satellite signal takes longer because of the huge number of transponders. The TV will consistently check the frequencies, which can take up to 20-30 minutes, at which time it is not recommended to turn off the device or switch inputs.
☑️ Satellite signal verification
Solving problems with signal search and quality
Even with the right setup, users can face problems such as loss of sound, scattering of the image into squares or complete absence of a signal, most often due to weak signal level or interference, and signal level check is available in the engineering menu or manual settings.
If the signal level is low, try turning off the amplifier in the antenna (if you have one), or turn it on, sometimes it helps to replace the antenna cable with a better one or shorten its length, and it is also worth checking the oxidation connectors.
In case of software failures, when the TV freezes during the scanning phase, it is recommended to reset the channel settings to the factory, which will clean the database and allow you to start the search again, eliminating caching errors of old frequencies.
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The stability of digital TV reception is critically dependent on the quality of the antenna cable and the absence of physical damage to the connectors, not just the settings of the TV.