Setup of digital channels on Xiaomi Mi TVs: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern TVs are multimedia centers capable of streaming content from the Internet and broadcasting on-air TV. However, despite the advanced Android TV operating system, the initial setup of the antenna reception often raises questions for users.

The process of finding a broadcast depends on the type of connection: cable, satellite or terrestrial digital. Built-in tuners DVB-T2 provide access to the packages of channels available in your area. It is important to understand that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the firmware and screen diagonal, but the logic of actions remains the same for the entire Mi TV line.

In this article, we will explore all the nuances of antenna cable connectivity, manual and automatic search, and solving typical signal level problems. You will learn how to sort a list of programs and configure favorite channels for quick access.

Preparation of equipment and signal verification

Before you go to software settings, you need to physically verify that the antenna path is working, and the image quality depends on the condition of the cable and the antenna. If you use a room antenna, make sure that it is located in a confident reception zone, preferably by the window.

To connect, you’ll need an antenna cable with an F-type connector.Combined with Xiaomi TVs, there are often adapters, but it’s better to use a quality coaxial cable with minimal signal attenuation.Plug it into the Antenna In or RF Input connector on the back or side of the device.

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Use a double-shielded cable if the wire is longer than 10 meters, which will help avoid snow or artifacts in the image when the signal is weak.

If the signal is too weak, the system may not find any channels or will show a message about the absence of a signal, in such cases, it is recommended to use an external amplifier, and it is also worth checking whether the antenna is activated in the settings of the TV, if your model supports this function through the menu.

⚠️ Warning: Never connect a satellite receiver cable directly to the input of a TV antenna unless you are sure of the connector specification. 12-19 Volts from satellite converter could burn tuner incoming cascade DVB-T2.

Automatic setup of digital TV

The easiest way to access TV channels is to run an automatic search, and the system will determine the type of signal and scan the available frequencies, and first turn on the TV and go to the main menu using the remote control.

Find the settings section, which is usually indicated by the gear in the upper right corner or is in the list of applications called Settings. You are interested in the item related to the channel or broadcast. Depending on the version of the PatchWall shell or pure Android TV, the path may look different.

Select the antenna or the TV signal source. Run the scan. It can take 2 to 10 minutes depending on the number of frequencies found and the power of the TV processor, and the screen will display the progress bar and the number of channels found.

  • 📺 First multiplex: usually includes the main federal channels (First, Russia 1, NTV).
  • 📡 The second multiplex: contains channels of entertainment and news orientation (TNT, STS, REN TV).
  • 📻 Radio channels: Digital broadcasting often includes a packet of radio stations that will also be found.
📊 What type of antenna are you using?
Room active
Street individual
Collective housework
Satellite dish

Once the scan is complete, the TV will suggest that you save the channels you find. If the list is empty, check the cable connection again. Automotive is 90 percent correct, but sometimes requires manual frequency adjustment.

Manual setting of frequencies and broadcast parameters

In situations where automatic search does not produce results or only finds a portion of channels, manual adjustment is necessary, especially in remote areas or areas with complex terrain, where the signal is transmitted from several repeaters.

To switch to manual mode, select the option “Manual setting” in the channel menu. You will need to know the frequency of the nearest transmitter, which information can be found on the official digital television site of your region by entering the address in the coverage check box.

Menu → Settings → Channels → Manual setting → Type Selection: DVB-T2

In the window that opens, enter the channel number or frequency in MHz. Pay attention to the signal strength and quality indicator. If the scales are empty, try changing the antenna position or selecting a different frequency.

☑️ Checking the manual settings

Done: 0 / 4
ParameterImportance for Russia/CISDescription
StandardDVB-T2Digital Etheric Standard
Modulation.QAM 64 / QAM 256Signal encoding density
Channel width8 MHzFrequency band
Protection1/4, 1/8, 1/16Level of interference protection

When the signal quality and level indicators are full (preferably more than 70%), click the search or OK button. The TV will scan only that particular frequency.

Configuring cable television (DVB-C)

If you are connected to a cable provider, the setup process will differ by the choice of the signal source. Instead of the antenna, you need to choose Cable TV or DVB-C. This standard allows you to broadcast the signal directly from the operator without additional consoles.

The important thing is the availability of an access module. CI+. Many operators encode the signal, and it is required to decrypt it. CAM-A module with an access card that is inserted into the TV slot, and without it, even with the right settings, the channels will be closed or show an error.

From the settings menu, select the source “Cable”, then go to the search options. Often you need to select a specific provider from the list. If your operator is not listed, use “Other” or “Other” mode and set the scan parameters manually, finding out the initial frequency from the provider’s support service.

What to do if the cable is not found?
If the TV does not see the cable signal, try manually adjusting the frequency to 306 MHz (often used as a starter) or check with the provider whether authorization is required for the signal. MAC-address.

The scanning speed on cable networks is usually higher than on air, as the density of channels on one frequency band is greater. HD-version.

Sorting channels and creating lists of favorites

Once scanned successfully, the channel list can contain hundreds of items, including radios and duplicates, and for ease of viewing, it is recommended to sort them out and remove unnecessary ones, which will make it easier to navigate from the remote.

Go to the channel editing menu, which is usually done through a Menu or OK button when you hover over the channel list, and you can move the channels, change the numbering, and assign names.

  • 🔢 Numbering: Assign your favorite channels 1, 2, 3 for quick access.
  • ❤️ Favourites: Create a separate list of “Favorite” that will include only the channels you choose.
  • 🗑️ Removal: Hide channels that are of poor quality or those you never watch.

⚠️ Warning: When you reset your TV to factory settings, all favorite lists and user numbering will be lost.

Using Favorites is especially convenient if you have kids in the house, so you can create a list with only kids' shows and switch to it at a click, and it eliminates the need to browse through hundreds of channels to find the right content.

Problem Solving: No signal or image freezes

The most common problem with digital TV setups is that the image fades or the signal disappears completely, which can be caused by external factors (thunderstorms, wind) and hardware problems.

If the signal indicator jumps, try replacing the antenna cable. Cheap cables with thin central conductor often lose their properties over time. Also check the contact density in the F-type connector - oxidation of contacts can lead to losses.

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The reception quality of the digital signal is binary: either the picture is perfect or it is not at all. Artifacts and squares indicate that the signal is at a boundary level and requires strengthening or replacing the antenna.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the TV's software: Update the Mi TV firmware to the latest version through the settings menu. Developers regularly release patches that improve tuner performance and compatibility with various broadcast standards.

If nothing works, you can try resetting the channel settings and re-search by turning off and on the TV from the socket, which will allow you to reset the tuner cache and update the frequency table.

Why does the TV find channels but write “No signal”?
This message often appears when the signal level is sufficient to detect the frequency, but not sufficient to decode the video stream, and the reason may be in the wrong chromaticity system or broadcast standard (for example, PAL is chosen instead of Auto).
Can I set up channels without a remote?
Yes, if the remote is lost, you can use the Mi Remote app on your Android smartphone, you have to connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV, you can use the virtual remote to go through all the setup steps.
How to add channels manually if they are not on the list?
In today's digital standards (DVB-T2/C), you can't manually add one channel. You can only manually specify the frequency to scan a particular multiplex. If the channel isn't on that frequency, you can't add it "virtually."