Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs offer a lot of functionality, but for many owners, watching traditional terrestrial TV remains a top priority. Unlike older kinescope models, modern LCD and LED panels require the right setup of the built-in digital tuner. The process may seem complicated only at first glance, but with a sequence of actions takes only a few minutes.
Before you go to the settings menu, you need to make sure that the equipment is physically ready. Your TV needs to be connected to the antenna via a coaxial cable, and the antenna itself is directed towards the nearest repeater. The digital signal, unlike the anal one, is either there or there is no one, so the quality of the connection is critical. If you just bought a device or moved, setting up the channels is the first step to fully harnessing media capabilities.
In this article, we will explore all the nuances of working with the built-in tuner DVB-T2. We will look not only at the standard search algorithm, but also at ways to solve typical problems, such as lack of signal or image layering. Understanding the principles of digital broadcasting will help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy content in high resolution.
Preparation of equipment and signal verification
The first step is always to check the physical connection, and make sure that the antenna cable is tightly inserted into the Antenna In connector or RF In on the back of the TV. If you're using a room antenna with an amplifier, check if it's powered. Often users forget that active antennas require a connection to a 220V network or through a network. USB-TV port, if such function is supported.
The quality of the received signal depends on the location of the antenna and the presence of obstacles. In urban environments, the signal can be reflected from buildings, creating echoes or loss of data packets. Digital broadcasting of the DVB-T2 standard is characterized by the “digital cliff” effect: as long as the signal is above a certain threshold, the picture is perfect, but at the slightest deterioration it completely disappears or turns into cubes.
⚠️ Note: Do not use old Soviet antennas without checking their compatibility with the decimeter range (DMV). Digital television is broadcast in DMV, and meter antennas (MV) will not be able to receive this signal, even if physically connected.
If you live in a sensitive area, you may need to install an external directional antenna on the roof or balcony. Internal antennas are only effective in the vicinity of the transmitting tower. It is also worth checking the integrity of the cable itself: bending, insulation damage or oxidized contacts can cause a loss of up to 50% of the signal level.
Primary configuration and choice of signal source
Once you've connected the cable, you need to turn on the TV and wait for the Android TV or PatchWall operating system to boot. To start looking for channels, you need to go to the signal sources section, usually by pressing a button with the square with the arrow on the remote control or through the menu at the top of the screen.
From the source list, select Television or Live TV. If you are launching the app for the first time, the system will automatically prompt you to set up channels. If the automatic menu does not appear, look for the Settings button (the gear icon) in the upper right corner of the screen. In the menu that opens, select Channels or Channel Customization.
It is important to choose the right connection type. In the settings menu, you will be asked to choose between Etheric (DVB-T/T2) and Cable (DVB-C). For a normal home antenna, even if it is connected via an amplifier, you should choose Etheric TV. Choosing cable mode without the appropriate connection will lead to the fact that the search will not yield results.
☑️ Checking before searching
Automatic search for digital channels
The easiest and most reliable way to fill the list with broadcast channels is to use automatic mode. From the settings menu, select AutoSearch or AutoSetting. The system will warn that the current list of channels will be replaced with new data. Confirm the action to start scanning frequencies.
The scanning process can take 2 to 10 minutes depending on the number of multiplexes available and the signal power. The screen will display the progress bar and the current signal level. During this time, the TV will consistently check all frequencies in the DMV range. Interrupting the process can lead to an incomplete list of channels, so wait for completion.
While searching, the system detects multiplexes, which are packets of channels transmitted on the same frequency. In Russia, the standard provides for two mandatory free multiplexes, each of which contains 10 channels, so that after the search is completed, at least 20 federal channels in high HD quality should appear on your list.
What to do if you have less than 20 channels?
Manual tuning and multiplex frequencies
In situations where the automatic search is not complete or the signal is unstable, manual adjustment is used, which allows you to check the specific frequency and make sure that the tuner is able to receive the signal from the selected tower. First, you need to know the frequency of multiplex broadcasts in your city.
Frequency information can be found on the official website of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS) or through specialized services. Knowing the exact frequency (for example, 546 MHz for the first multiplex in Moscow), you can enter it in the settings of the TV manually, this will eliminate the miss of weak signals that automation sometimes ignores.
To go manual, select Manual Setup from the settings menu. Enter the channel number or frequency in megahertz. The screen will show the signal quality and level indicator. Your task is to achieve maximum values by changing the position of the antenna. If the scales are filled, click Search or OK to save the channels found at this frequency.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Type of network | Broadcasting mode | DVB-T2 |
| Frequency range | Scanning range | UHF (DMV) |
| Scanning. | Search mode | Complete/All |
| Sorting | Channel order | By number / LCN |
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Use the Update feature instead of Full Reset if only one channel is missing, which will save time and save your custom sorting settings.
Advanced image and sound settings
After successful channel search, it is recommended to check the display settings. Digital channels are often broadcast in 16:9 format and 1920×1080 or 1280×720 resolution. Make sure that the image settings choose the correct screen format to avoid stretching the picture or black bars around the edges.
Special attention should be paid to audio settings. Many modern TVs use surround sound technology, which can conflict with the streaming of audio of some channels, causing interruptions. If you notice a loss of sound, go to the audio settings and try to change the output format to PCM or turn off the virtual environment.
Also available on the Xiaomi TV menu is parental control and channel locking, you can set a pin on adult channels or limit viewing time, these settings are in the general security menu or in the submenu channel settings, and remember to write down the password you have set, as it may require resetting the TV settings.
⚠️ Note: If you change region in your TV settings, the list of available frequencies may change. If you move to another city, be sure to change country/region in the General Settings menu so that the TV starts looking for channels on current frequencies.
Solution: no signal or channels missing
One of the most common problems is the sudden disappearance of channels or the appearance of a message "No signal." In 90% of cases, this is due to preventive work on the transmitting tower or worsening weather conditions.
Try resetting the tuner completely, go to the channel menu, select Remove all channels or Reset TV settings, and then run the autosearch again, which will clear the database of the erroneous frequencies and cause the tuner to scan the air from scratch, often solving the problem of desynchronizing the list.
If the reset didn’t work, check the TV software. Manufacturers regularly release MIUI TV firmware updates that contain patches for signal reception modules. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update and check for a new version of the software.
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If neither auto-search nor manual frequency input yields results, the problem with a 99% probability lies in the antenna economy: the cable is damaged, the amplifier is burned or the antenna is knocked down by the wind.
Use of external tuners and applications
In rare cases, the TV's built-in tuner may not be faulty or support the coding standard used in your area. DVB-T2. She's connecting through HDMI-Port and turn any monitor into a TV.
In addition, owners of Xiaomi TV can completely abandon the air antenna in favor of Internet TV. Installing applications like Peers.TV, Wink or SPB TV from the Google Play store allows you to watch the same channels through the Wi-Fi network. Picture quality in this case is often higher, and the functionality is richer (archive transmissions, pause).
However, the built-in tuner remains the most stable solution for watching news and sports live, as it is independent of internet speed and does not consume traffic.