Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs are powerful multimedia centers, but their basic functionality – receiving over-the-air TV – often requires manual adjustment. Unlike older kinescope models, where it was enough just to connect an antenna, digital panels with the Android TV or PatchWall operating system require an accurate configuration of the built-in tuner. Many users face a situation when the cable is missing or broadcast late, which indicates the need for proper frequency settings.
The process of signal search depends on the type of broadcast in your region, whether it is analog (which is gradually becoming a thing of the past) or digital DVB-T2. The built-in decoder in the TV is able to process huge amounts of data, but to work properly it is necessary to choose the right source of the signal and the broadcast region. Errors at this stage often lead to the TV showing "No signal", even if the antenna is fully serviceable.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of the setup, from physical connection to fine manual frequency adjustment. You will learn how to choose the right antenna, how to avoid problems with signal encoders and what to do if automatic search does not give results.
Preparation of equipment and selection of antenna
Before you go to the settings menu, you need to make sure that the physical connection is correct. The quality of reception depends on the condition of the cable and the type of antenna used. For digital broadcasting of the DVB-T2 standard, it is critical to use an antenna that works in the decimeter range (DMV). Old meter antennas, which were great for Soviet television, are useless for digital signal.
If you live in an apartment building, you probably already have the signal plugged into the outlet, and you'll need a regular 75 Ohms coaxial cable, and notice that the connector sits tightly in the Antenna In nest on the back of the TV, and any twists or damage to the insulation can cause you to lose the signal level, which is especially critical for a "digit" that either shows perfectly or crumbles into squares.
In the private sector or when a signal is weak away from the repeater, an active amplifier antenna may be required, and these devices require separate power, usually through a power supply. USB-port 5V/12C. It is important not to confuse the voltage indicated on the amplifier power supply, as excess voltage can burn the incoming tuner cascade.
⚠️ Note: If you are using an active antenna powered by USB, Make sure the TV is supplying enough current to the port. In some cases, it is better to power the amplifier from a separate source to avoid interference with the Android system itself. TV.
Residents of apartment buildings where the signal is broadcast by the provider through the common home network may need frequency coordination. Often, such networks use a range other than the standard air, in which case a simple room antenna may not cope, and you will need to clarify the parameters with the management company or provider.
Automatic Channel Configurement via Tuner
The easiest and fastest way to set up a TV on Xiaomi Mi TV is to use automatic search mode. The built-in algorithm scans the entire available frequency range and stores the found streams. To start the process, you need to go to the main menu and find the Tuner or Live TV application. In some versions of the firmware, it can be called Television.
When you first start up, the system will suggest you to choose the country and type of connection. Here it is important to be careful: choosing the wrong country can restrict access to certain frequencies or change the broadcast grid. After choosing the location, the TV will request confirmation of the antenna type: "Antenna" (for air signal) or "Cable" (for ISP networks).
Run a full channel search. The process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the number of multiplexes available in your area, during which time the progress scale and current signal level will be displayed on the screen, and it is not recommended to interrupt this process, as this can lead to incorrect preservation of the list of channels.
☑️ Checklist of automatic settings
If the automatic search is complete but no channels are found or there are fewer than expected (usually 20 main channels in digital format), check the signal level in the settings. It should be above 50-60% for a stable picture. Low values indicate problems with the antenna or cable.
Manual setting of frequencies and signal parameters
In situations where automation is not working, or if you want to add a specific provider's channels, manual adjustment is used, which allows you to set the exact frequency in MHz, which is especially true for border areas or places with a lot of repeaters. To enter this mode in the Tuner app, select the option "Manual tuning" or "Manual tuning".
The key parameters here are frequency (Frequency), modulation and bandwidth. For the Russian segment of digital television DVB-T2, the following values are most common: modulation of 64 QAM or 256 QAM, protective interval 1/4 or Auto. The exact frequencies for your region can be found on the official website of the digital terrestrial network by entering your address.
And you'll see, manually, indicators of quality and signal strength, and the user's task is to find the frequency at which these are highest, and if you see that at a certain frequency, the quality scale drops to zero, then that channel is not broadcasting or the signal is too weak to receive the antenna.