How to set up digital channels on your Xiaomi TV: the complete guide

Modern Smart TVs from Xiaomi offer users a wide range of entertainment content, but for many owners it is free terrestrial television that remains the main source of news and entertainment. The correct setup of digital channels allows you to enjoy the image without having to pay for subscriptions to satellite operators or cable providers. The frequency scanning process on Mi TV and Redmi TV is based on the DVB-T2 standard, which is the main one in the Russian Federation and most CIS countries.

Device owners often face a situation where, after initial setup or system reset, the channel list is empty or the image at some frequencies is split into squares. This does not mean that the device is broken, but only indicates the need for the correct configuration of the antenna input and reception parameters. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of connection, from selecting an antenna to fine-tuning the frequency plan, so that you can get the maximum picture quality.

It is worth noting that the interface of the Android TV operating system on which Xiaomi TVs are based may vary slightly depending on the year of the model and the firmware version. However, the logic of the digital tuner module remains the same for the entire model range. Before starting work, make sure that your TV is connected to the electricity grid and you have a remote control with proper batteries, since navigation on the menu is impossible without it.

Preparation of equipment and selection of antenna

The quality of the digital signal reception depends on the state of the antenna cable and the characteristics of the antenna itself. For stable operation of the DVB-T2 standard, you do not need to use expensive active antennas with amplifiers if you are in a confident reception zone. However, if the repeater is more than 10-15 kilometers away from your home or the signal path is blocked by tall buildings, an active antenna will be a prerequisite for obtaining a picture.

Notice the integrity of the coaxial cable, if you use an old wire that was previously laid inside a wall or bent at a sharp angle, its throughput may have decreased. Digital signal, unlike analog, has no quality gradations: it is either there or not, so even small losses in the cable can lead to a "cliff" effect.

⚠️ Note: If you are using an active antenna with an external power supply, make sure it is plugged into the socket.Some Xiaomi TV models do not supply power to the antenna via an antenna cable, so an external unit is a must.

To connect, you will need a standard antenna input, which on the back of a Xiaomi TV is usually labeled Antenna In or RF In. Don’t confuse it with the satellite input (Satellite In) if your model has one, as the modules operate at different frequencies and are incompatible with each other.

Primary connection and signal source selection

Once you physically connect the antenna cable to the Antenna In connector, you need to turn on the TV and go to the source of the signal. On the remote control, find a button designated as Input or the arrow square icon. In the menu that opens, select the Live TV or Television option. If you are launching the TV for the first time, the system will suggest you set up the channels.

If the automatic menu doesn't appear, you need to go to the settings manually. To do this, press the Menu button (three dots or gear) on the remote. In the upper right corner of the screen, select the gear icon to enter Settings. In the list of options that opens, find the Channels or Channels section. This is where all the tools for controlling broadcasting are located.

Inside the channel menu, you will be asked to choose the type of connection. Since we are setting up a conventional indoor or outdoor antenna, you must select Etheric (DVB-T/T2). Do not choose Cable (DVB-C) option unless you are connected to a provider that broadcasts digital channels via cable, as in this case the frequency grids will differ.

Automatic channel setting

The easiest and most recommended method for most users is to start an automatic search. From the channel settings menu, select AutoSearch Channels or AutoScan. The system will prompt you to confirm the antenna type (select "Antenna" or "Air") and start the process of scanning the entire available frequency range.

During the process, the screen will display the progress bar and the current frequency, which is checked by the tuner. Xiaomi TV sequentially passes through all possible multiplex frequencies. This process usually takes from 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the number of transmitters available in your area and the signal strength.

It is important not to interrupt the search process and not to switch channels until the progress scale reaches 100%. If you interrupt the scan, the list of channels may remain incomplete and you will have to start the procedure again.

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If you find less than 10 channels (there should be 20 channels in one multiplex in Russia), try manually changing the position of the antenna and re-starting the search.

Manual tuning and working with frequencies

In some cases, automatic search may not find all available channels or miss one of the multiplexes, which often happens in the boundary areas of reception or in the presence of interference. To solve this problem, manual adjustment is used. From the channel menu, select Manual Scan or Manual Scan.

Here you need to know the frequency of the nearest repeater, and you can find out this information on the official website of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS) or through coverage mapping services. You need frequency data (for example, 546 MHz) and channel number.

Type the frequency you want into the settings field. The TV will only start scanning in this narrow range. If there's a signal, you'll see signal strength and signal quality. The optimal is above 60-70%. If the readings are low, try turning the antenna by watching the numbers on the screen change.

Sorting, editing and removing channels

After a successful scan, the list often includes duplicate channels, radio stations or channels with poor reception quality. The Android TV operating system on Xiaomi TVs allows you to edit the list. To do this, select the channel editing option from the channel menu or click the menu button while viewing the list.

You can move channels by changing their numbering order, which is convenient for quick access to your favorite programs. PIN-To remove the channel, select it and select the appropriate basket or cross icon.

Remember that every time you change your antenna or move to a new place, you need to update your channel list, old frequencies may stop working and new ones will appear, and regular auto-search (once every six months) helps you keep your broadcast list up to date.

Solution: weak signal and no image

One of the most common problems is the message "No signal" or the constant interruption of the image. First of all, check the signal indicators in the setting menu. If the level is below 50%, the problem is hardware in nature: a bad cable, the wrong direction of the antenna or insufficient height of its installation.

Sometimes the problem is a software failure of the DVB-T2 module, in which case, reset the channel to the factory and search again. It is also worth checking for firmware updates in the Settings → About TV → System Update, as new versions of the software often contain fixes for tuners.

⚠️ Warning: Thunderstorms and strong magnetic burries can temporarily disrupt digital signal reception, and if the signal is lost immediately after a thunderstorm, the antenna equipment or the tuner of the TV may have failed.

If you use a room antenna, try to keep it away from other electronic devices (routers, microwaves, power supplies) that can cause electromagnetic interference, and even simply moving the antenna to or near the window sill can dramatically improve the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The quality of the image in digital television is binary: either the perfect picture or the complete absence of signal. There should be no intermediate states of "snow."