Xiaomi’s current Smart TVs, including the A2 series, are built on Android TV, which provides flexibility in managing media, but sometimes raises questions for users accustomed to classic interfaces. The process of searching and sorting TV channels here has its own features, different from older models of TVs with regular menus. The correct initial configuration of the tuner avoids problems with image quality and signal loss in the future.
It is important for owners of the Mi TV A2 model to understand that the built-in tuner supports DVB-T2 (digital air) and DVB-C (digital cable), but receiving the satellite signal requires connecting an external console. Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that the antenna cable is physically connected to the ANT IN connector on the back of the device, only after that you can go to the software part of the setting through the system menu.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of automatic and manual search, explain how to sort unnecessary duplicates and solve common problems with lack of signal. We will pay special attention to the intricacies of the Android TV interface on Mediatek processors, which are used in this line of TVs. Following the instructions will help you quickly access all available free and paid broadcasts.
Preparation of equipment and signal verification
The first step before running a software search is to check the integrity of the antenna path. The signal must go to the TV entrance with sufficient power, otherwise even a perfectly tuned tuner will not be able to decode the image. If you use a room antenna, try to position it closer to the window or raise it higher, since the walls can shield the waves.
For cable TV users, it is critical to make sure that the provider provides the service in DVB-C format without additional encryption, or you have an access card and a Ci+ module inserted into the corresponding TV slot. If you use a collective antenna in an apartment building, make sure that the home network broadcasts a digital signal, not an analog signal, which this model no longer supports in its pure form.
⚠️ Note: Do not connect the antenna cable under voltage from active amplifiers powered by 220V directly, unless otherwise specified in the instructions to the antenna. Use only standard coaxial cables with a resistance of 75 Ohms to prevent damage to the input cascade of the TV.
After you're physically connected, press the power button on your Bluetooth remote or TV body. Wait for the Android operating system to fully load. If you're setting up your device for the first time, the system will suggest you search for channels as part of the original setup wizard. If the TV was already in use, move to the next section to manually run the scan.
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Use an antenna cable no longer than 15-20 meters long without intermediate amplifiers unless urgently needed, as each extra meter and connection degrades the signal level.
Automatic setup of digital channels
The fastest way to get a list of available broadcasts is to run an automatic search, a method that is suitable for most users living in a zone of confident reception of an air signal or cable-connected providers, the system will determine the type of antenna connected and begin to search the frequencies.
To start the procedure, go to the top right corner of the screen and click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu. Next, select Channels (or Inputs in some versions of the firmware), then go to the Broadcast or TV section. From the menu that opens, select Channel Search or AutoSearch.
The TV will suggest you choose the source of the signal, and it's important not to confuse it: for a normal room or home antenna, choose the antenna (DVB-T2), and for a cable from the provider, choose the cable (DVB-C). After selecting the source, the system will request confirmation of the start of the scan. Press OK or Search on the remote.
- 📡 Etheric antenna: Choose this mode if the antenna is connected directly to the wall or roof of the house without the mediation of a cable operator.
- 🔌 Cable TV: Activate this mode if you pay a monthly subscription fee to the provider for a bundle of channels.
- 🏨 Hotel mode: used only in hotels to block certain features, regular users do not need.
The scanning process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the number of frequencies found and the signal strength, during which time the progress bar and the current frequency will be displayed on the screen, interrupting the process will only save the channels that were found at the time of the stop.
☑️ Checking before auto search
Manual setting and list editing
Automation doesn't always work perfectly: it can skip channels with a weak signal or add hundreds of takes at different frequencies. It uses manual mode to fine-tune or add a specific channel. This is especially true if you know the exact frequency of the desired multiplex.
To go manual, select Manual Search or Frequency from the channel search menu. You will need to enter manual settings here. For digital terrestrial television (DVB-T2) in Russia and many CIS countries, frequency ranges are used, which can be found on official digital TV coverage maps.
In the settings interface, you'll see the frequency input fields (in MHz) or channel number. Once you enter the value, click Search. The TV will try to signal at that frequency. If there's a signal, you'll see the level and quality scale. If the scales are filled in, click Save to add the channel to the general list.
| Parameter | Value for DVB-T2 (Ether) | Value for DVB-C (Cable) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of modulation | QAM 64 / QAM 256 | QAM 64 / 128 / 256 | Signal encoding method |
| Frequency (MHz) | 498, 506, 586, etc. | Depends on the provider. | carrier frequency |
| Strip width | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | Standard bandwidth |
| Coding | MPEG-2 / MPEG-4 | MPEG-2 / MPEG-4 | Video stream format |
Once you've finished your search, it's helpful to edit the channel list to remove duplicates or hide adult channels. In the channel menu, click the menu button on the remote (three dots or gear) and select Edit Channels, where you can move your favorite stations to the top of the list or label them with Favorites.
What if the channels are there but say "No signal"?
Satellite TV setup via the console
It is important to note that the Xiaomi TV A2 does not have a built-in satellite tuner (DVB-S2). To view satellite TV, you need an external console (receiver) that connects via HDMI.
However, in order for the TV to switch correctly to the desired signal source, you need to adjust the inputs correctly. HDMI 1 (or another), click the source selection button (the arrow square icon) on the Xiaomi remote. HDMI.
To control the console, you can use the remote control of the TV if you activate the HDMI-CEC function. This will allow you to adjust the volume and turn the console on / off with one remote. To activate, go to Settings → Device Preferences → External inputs and make sure that the HDMI Control is on.
- 📺 HDMI 1: main port, recommended for connecting the main console or game console.
- 🔊 ARC/eARC: If you connect a sound system, use a port marked with a ARC sound-transmitter.
- 🎮 Game mode: Some ports may have reduced input latency, which is important for gamers.
If the TV remote doesn’t control the console even with the CEC on, it’s possible that your receiver model isn’t fully compatible with Xiaomi protocols, in which case use two remotes or consider using a universal remote with an IR port or Bluetooth.
Solving problems with signal search and quality
A common problem when setting up is when the TV says "No Signal" or finds only a part of the channels, which can be caused by software failure or physical damage, first of all, check if the antenna cable has departed at the connection to the TV or antenna.
If the physical connection is fine, try resetting the channel settings. Go to the channel menu, find Remove all channels or Reset the tuner settings. After cleaning the list, start the search again. This helps to eliminate errors in the frequency database that may have accumulated over time.
⚠️ Note: If after a complete reset and flashing, the TV stops seeing any channels while the antenna is working on other devices, the tuner itself may malfunction inside the TV.
Problems can also arise from outdated software. Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve the performance of the tuner drivers. Check for updates in the Settings → About TV → System Update.
Using Apps Instead of Antennas
Xiaomi Smart TV owners should consider an alternative to traditional antenna TV, IPTV. Since the TV runs on Android TV, you can install apps from the Google Play store that broadcast TV channels over the Internet, which eliminates the need to pull antenna cables and depend on the quality of the air signal.
To do this, you just need to download an application player (for example, Peers.TV, SPB TV or OTT Player) and, if necessary, add a playlist from your provider or find free lists of channels on the network.
The advantage of this method is that it can view archives, pause broadcasts and access thousands of channels from around the world, not just local ones. However, high-resolution (4K) viewing requires a stable Internet channel at least 50 Mbps.
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The combination of the air antenna for the main federal channels and IPTV-Applications for thematic content provide maximum coverage of entertainment needs.
Thus, setting up channels on Xiaomi TV A2 is a straightforward process, but requires attention to the details of the connection and choosing the right mode of operation of the tuner.