Modern Xiaomi Smart TVs offer a wide range of entertainment content over the Internet, but traditional terrestrial and cable TV remain in demand among many users. Proper signal reception setting allows you to enjoy news and favorite transmissions in high quality without buffering delays. For owners of devices with Android TV operating system or PatchWall proprietary shell, the process may be slightly different, but the general principle remains the same.
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that the antenna cable is connected to the TV connector correctly. Often the problem of the lack of channels lies in physical contact or damage to the cable, not in the software settings. After checking the connections, you can go to the software part of the receiver configuration.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the automatic and manual channel search process, and the specific settings for different Xiaomi models. You will learn how to sort the broadcast list and what to do if the TV does not see the signal.
Preparation of equipment and inspection of connections
The process begins with a visual inspection of the back of the device. The antenna input is usually marked with the words ANT IN or Digital/Antenna. Make sure that the plug is tightly inserted into the connector until the characteristic click or stop. Weak contact can cause a signal to interrupt even when the antenna is running.
If you're using an active room antenna, check if it's powered. Some models require you to connect. USB-Without additional power, the amplifier will not be able to provide stable reception, especially in conditions remote from the repeater.
For digital console owners (DVB-T2) It is important to connect the device through HDMI-In this case, the channels are set up directly on the console, and the TV acts as a monitor. However, the built-in Xiaomi tuners allow you to do without unnecessary boxes.
- 📺 Check the density of the antenna cable connection to the socket ANT IN.
- 🔌 Make sure the active antenna is powered (USB net).
- 🔘 Switch the remote to TV control mode if an external console is used.
⚠️ Note: Do not use damaged antenna cables with broken insulation, as this may cause image interference and loss of multiplexes.
The quality of the image depends on the condition of the cable track, and the old oxidized wires are better replaced by modern copper-coaxial cables, which is especially true for residents of apartment buildings with long internal wiring.
Set up channels on Android TV (Mi TV Stick, Mi Box and new TVs)
Android TV offers an intuitive setup wizard that starts automatically when you first turn on or reset. To re-start the search, you need to go to the main menu and select Settings. Here we are interested in the section responsible for inputs and channels.
Depending on the firmware version, the path may look like Settings → Channels and inputs → Channels → Channel settings. The system will suggest choosing a signal source: antenna, cable or satellite. For most users, choosing an antenna to receive the DVB-T2 digital signal is relevant.
After choosing the type of connection, the TV will suggest scanning the available frequencies. the process can take from 2 to 10 minutes depending on the number of multiplexes available in your area.
It's important to choose the right country when you first set up the system, and that's what the frequency standard and the grid depend on, and if you're in the wrong location, the TV can look for channels at frequencies that aren't in use in your city.
- 🇷🇺 Make sure that your country of residence or Russia is selected in the settings of the region.
- 📡 Choose the type of tuner. DVB-T/T2 digitally.
- 🔄 Run a full scan, not just a quick search.
Once you've done the search, the system will automatically assign numbers to the channels you find, and you can rename them or change the order of the channel list edit menu, which is convenient for sorting by favorite category.
Instructions for PatchWall TVs
Xiaomi's PatchWall-based TVs have a slightly different menu interface adapted to the content feed. To set up channels, click the Menu button on the remote or go to the top right corner of the screen. You need the Settings section, which is often hidden under the gear icon.
In the settings menu, look for Channels or Television. This is where the Channel Search button is located. The system can request confirmation of the connection type. Select Digital to receive the DVB-T2 standard, which provides the best picture quality.
PatchWall often offers integration with online services, but classic TV needs a built-in tuner to work. If search results don't work, try switching from Cable to Antenna or vice versa, as providers may use different modulation standards.
In some versions of the software, the Hotel mode or advanced settings are available, which allow you to copy the list of channels on the Internet. USB-It's a useful feature for quickly setting up multiple TVs in a single building.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your settings to factory (Factory Reset) the entire list of channels will be deleted, and the search procedure will have to be re-conducted.
Users note that PatchWall sometimes hides advanced settings under the long press of the menu button. Try holding the center button of the remote to call the context menu with additional options.
Manual frequency setting and list editing
Automatic search doesn't always find all the channels available, especially if the signal is weak or a complex antenna system is used. In such cases, manual configuration helps. To do this, select Manual Search or Manual Scan from the channel search menu.
You will need to enter the frequency of a particular multiplex. You can find out the current frequencies for your city on the official digital TV coverage mapping website. Enter the frequency in megahertz (for example, 546.00 MHz) and start the scan.
| Parameter | Value for DVB-T2 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 498 - 706 MHz | Range of decimeter waves |
| Modulation. | 64 QAM / 256 QAM | Type of signal encoding |
| Bandwidth | 8 MHz | Standard channel width |
Once you add channels through manual search, they will automatically be listed in the general list, you can sort them by moving your favorites to the first positions. To do this, in the list of channels, click the menu button and select Edit.
Editing also allows you to remove empty or noisy channels that have been found but don't broadcast the image, which clears the list and speeds up switching between programs. Don't be afraid to experiment with order, it can always be put back to factory.
Solution: TV cannot find channels
One of the most common problems is the message "Channels not found" after the scan is completed. First of all, check if the signal source is activated in the settings. Sometimes the TV defaults in HDMI mode, ignoring the built-in tuner.
The second reason could be the lack of support for DVB-T2 in older models or the wrong choice of country. Make sure that China is not in the region settings if you are in Europe or the CIS, as Chinese firmware may have a stripped-down frequency list.
- 🔍 Check if the correct country is selected in the system settings.
- 📶 Move the antenna away from other electronic devices to eliminate interference.
- 🔄 Completely reset your TV settings and re-search again.
It's also worth checking the status of the antenna cable itself, and if it's clamped or damaged, the signal will be too weak to decode the digital stream, and try connecting another, obviously working, antenna for diagnostics.
⚠️ Attention: The use of antenna amplifiers with high gain in the zone of confident reception can, on the contrary, worsen the signal quality due to overload of the tuner.
If the problem persists, try updating the TV software, and in newer versions of firmware, manufacturers often fix tuner errors and add support for new frequency bands.
Using Apps and Online TV as an Alternative
If the broadcasting is not good, Xiaomi owners can take advantage of Smart TV. Installing apps like Peers.TV, SPB TV or Wink allows you to watch TV channels over the Internet in high quality.
To install apps, go to the Google Play store or use the built-in Xiaomi app store. Find the service name, click "Install" and log in. You will need a stable Wi-Fi connection to work.
Online TV often provides access to archives and pause functions that are not available in normal broadcasting, but you should consider traffic costs, especially if you have a limited ISP limit.
Some apps require subscriptions to watch premium channels, but a basic package of 20 federal channels is usually available for free. It's a great replacement for an antenna for a summer cottage or a rented apartment.