Xiaomi’s modern TVs are powerful multimedia centers, but their basic feature, over-the-air TV, remains one of the most popular. Device owners often face the need to first or re-configure channels after buying or resetting to factory settings, a process that is not complicated, but requires care, especially when it comes to choosing the right broadcast standard.
In Russia and most CIS countries, the main standard is DVB-T2, which provides high quality images and sound without a subscription fee. It is important to understand that the built-in tuner in the Mi TV and Mi TV Stick models (if available) works differently, and for the correct operation of the antenna, you need to comply with a number of technical requirements. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances, from connecting the cable to fine tuning the frequencies.
Before you start the software part, make sure that your antenna is working and directed towards the nearest repeater tower. The quality of the signal reception depends on this physical parameter, and no software tricks will help if the signal level is critically low. The threshold for confident reception for a stable picture without sprinkling is usually at least 60-70% of the signal level.
Preparation of equipment and signal verification
The first step to getting quality television is to connect your equipment properly. If you're using a room antenna, place it as close to the window as possible, preferably at a height. For street antennas, it's critical to check the integrity of the cable and the reliability of the contacts in the RF IN or Antenna connector on the back of the TV.
Often users forget that active antennas require power. If your antenna has a power supply with an outlet, make sure it is on the network. Some Xiaomi TVs have a USB power supply feature for the antenna, but rely on it only after checking in the device's menu. A weak signal is the most common reason why the channels are not located or show artifacts.
You can use the manual settings that we'll talk about below to check the signal strength, or you can use the automatic signaling, and if the signal scale is less than half full, try changing the antenna position or replacing the cable, and don't ignore this step, because it saves time later.
- 📺 Check that the antenna cable is tightly inserted into the Antenna connector on the back.
- 🔌 Make sure the active antenna is connected to the power supply (if required).
- 📡 Place the antenna in the line of sight of the TV tower for maximum signal.
- 🔍 Visually inspect the cable for clamps and insulation damage.
⚠️ Note: If you use a splitter to connect multiple TVs, make sure it is active and powered by itself. Passive splitters can severely weaken the signal, resulting in the loss of part of the channels.
Automatic configuration of DVB-T2 channels
The easiest and most common way to get a list of channels is to use automatic search, which is suitable for most users, since the system itself scans the entire frequency range and stores the broadcasts found. TV.
Using the remote, find the gear icon or the Settings section. Depending on the firmware version (PatchWall or pure Android TV), the path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the channel or terrestrial TV section.
Select the source of the signal "Antenna" or "Etheric TV", the system will suggest to choose the search mode, the optimal option is "Auto Search" or "Automatic setting", in which the TV will determine the broadcast standard (usually the TV). DVB-T/DVB-T2) and start scanning.
The process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the number of multiplexes available in your area, and it is not recommended to interrupt it, as this may lead to incorrect preservation of the list, and after the scan is completed, the system will display the number of channels found and suggest that you go to view.
- 🚀 Press the Menu button or Settings on the remote control.
- 📡 Select “Channels” or “Translation” in the settings menu.
- 🔍 Click on “Auto Search” and wait for the scanning process to be completed.
- ✅ Check the channel list and make sure the main channels are broadcasting correctly.
⚠️ Note: Do not switch to other inputs during automatic search (HDMI) And don't turn off the TV, and interruption of the process can cause the list of channels to be incompletely stored, and you have to repeat the procedure again.
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Automatic search is the best choice for 95% of users, as it eliminates the human factor and errors in the choice of frequencies.
Manual setting of frequencies and broadcast parameters
In situations where automatic search does not find all channels or the quality of the image leaves much to be desired, manual adjustment is used, which allows you to work with specific frequencies (channels) of multiplexes, which is especially important in areas of uncertain reception or when using directional antennas.
To switch to manual mode, select Manual Tune or Manual Tune from the channel settings menu, where you need to enter a specific frequency in MHz or channel number. Information about broadcast frequencies in your region can be found on the official digital terrestrial network website or through specialized services.
In the manual settings, you'll see the signal strength and signal quality scales, and your task is to find the frequency at which these numbers are maximum, and it often happens that one frequency is different and the next one is lost, which requires fine-tuning the antenna position.
Example frequencies to check (depending on region):
Package 1 (First Multiplex): 546 MHz (channel 30)
Package 2 (Second Multiplex): 554 MHz (channel 31)Once you find the operating frequency, click either Search or OK to scan only that range. The channels you find will be added to the general list. Repeat the procedure for all multiplexes available in your area.
- 🎛️ Go to the “Manual setting” menu in the channel section.
- 📡 Enter the frequency of your region’s first multiplex.
- 👀 Follow the signal quality scale and adjust the antenna.
- 💾 Click Save or Search to add channels from this frequency.
Why do you need manual adjustment when you have automatic?
Satellite and cable TV setup
While most users are looking for information about terrestrial digital TV, Xiaomi TVs support other sources of signal, and if you use a cable provider or have a satellite receiver, the connection procedure will be different.
For cable television (DVB-C), you need to select “Cable” instead of “Antenna” at the signal source. Often you need to enter network parameters, such as search frequency or stream speed, that your provider provides. Without this data, automatic search may not yield results.
In the case of satellite TV (DVB-S/S2), it is important to note that not all Mi TV models have built-in tuners. If your TV does not have a satellite antenna connector, you will need an external receiver that connects via HDMI.
| Signal type | Connection connector | Equipment required | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etheric (DVB-T2) | RF Antenna | Decimeter antenna | Low. |
| Cable (DVB-C) | RF Cable In | Provider cable | Medium |
| Satellite (DVB-S2) | LNB In (if any) | Satellite dish, receiver | Tall. |
| IPTV | LAN / Wi-Fi | Provider's application | Medium |
When you choose a type of cable, the system can query a country or region. Be careful when choosing a frequency grid step. If the search doesn't work, try changing the country to "Other" or "Russia."
⚠️ Note: For the operation of cable television (DVB-C) Access module is often required (CAM-module) with operator card inserted into the slot CI+. Without it, you can only find open channels if the provider broadcasts them.
Solving problems with signal search and quality
Even with the right actions, users can face problems: channels are not located, the image freezes or sound disappears, most often the cause lies in hardware or interference, but sometimes the software is to blame.
One common problem is the outdated firmware version. Manufacturers periodically release updates that improve tuner performance and signal stability. Check for updates in Settings → About TV → System Update.
If the channels are there, but the image is falling apart, it's a sure sign of low signal or interference. Try to disconnect all the powerful appliances next to the TV and antenna cable. Microwave ovens and routers can cause severe interference in the DVB-T2 range.
☑️ Diagnosing TV problems
In some cases, a complete factory reset helps, eliminating software conflicts that may have arisen after installing third-party apps or changes to the system, but remember that this will delete all your data and accounts.
- 🔄 Reset channel settings through the Channels menu» → «Remove all channels».
- 📡 Check the antenna cable on another device to rule out its malfunction.
- 📶 Restart the router if you use it. IPTV, or check the internet connection.
- 🛠️ Contact the provider’s support if the cable signal is problematic.
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If you have a long antenna cable (over 20 meters), the signal may fade, use a signal amplifier or replace the cable with a better one (for example, SAT 703 or DG 113).
Using IPTV Applications as an Alternative
With the rise of the Internet, traditional terrestrial television is gradually fading into the background, giving way to IPTV technologies. Xiaomi Android TVs are ideal for this, allowing you to install applications like Lime HD TV, Peers.TV or Wink.
The main advantage of IPTV is the stability of quality and no dependence on weather conditions and the location of the antenna. The picture is transmitted via an Internet channel, so a stable connection at a speed of at least 10-15 Mbps is required for comfortable viewing.
To set up an IPTV, you need to download the app from the Google Play store on your TV, register with your provider and enter login details. Many providers offer a test period, which allows you to evaluate the quality of the broadcast before buying a subscription.
IPTV also allows you to use TimeShift (pause and rewind) and view the archive of transmissions in a few days, a feature that is not available for a conventional air tuner without connecting an external recorder.
- 📥 Download the app IPTV-Provider from Google Play Store.
- 📝 Register on the provider’s website and get access.
- 🔑 Enter the login and password in the application on the TV.
- 🎬 Enjoy watching channels in high resolution without interference.
⚠️ Attention: When in use IPTV You can buffer through Wi-Fi if the signal is weak. 4K full HD It is strongly recommended to use a wired connection LAN or 5GHz Wi-Fi.
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The switch to IPTV solves most of the problems with the quality of the signal of the terrestrial TV, but requires stable high-speed Internet.