Modern TVs are often equipped with smart features, but embedded systems quickly become obsolete or work slowly.It is at this point that users think about buying an external device that can breathe new life into the screen. Xiaomi TV Box is a compact console that solves the problem of a slow interface and the lack of necessary applications.
The main purpose of purchasing such a gadget is to expand the functionality without replacing the TV itself. TV Access to the Google Play Store, the ability to install APK-It's a device that turns any monitor into a video codec. HDMI-port-to-multimedia centre.
It also allows you to stream content from your smartphone or tablet directly to the big screen, and Chromecast and Miracast technology makes sharing media incredibly easy, and now you can enjoy watching vacation photos or YouTube videos for the whole family.
Transforming a TV into a Smart Center
The main question that arises from customers is: what exactly is this box for when the TV already has a Smart TV? The answer lies in the performance and relevance of the software. Many manufacturers' embedded systems stop receiving updates after 2-3 years, and applications begin to work unstable.
Xiaomi Mi Box S or newer Android TV models offer a remote-optimized interface that provides smooth menu navigation even on older TV models. You no longer hang around when switching between YouTube and Netflix tabs.
⚠️ Note: Not all older TVs support resolution 4K through HDMI. Make sure your cable and TV port are up to standard HDMI 2.0 to view content in high quality.
Using an external console also frees up the RAM of the TV itself if it has built-in but weak smart features.You can completely ignore the native panel shell by launching straight to the HDMI signal source, where fast Android runs.
It's important to note the versatility of connectivity, because having an HDMI port is enough to connect the console to a projector, a computer monitor, or even an old CRT TV via an adapter, makes it a versatile solution for all video use cases.
Access to Google’s ecosystem and apps
One of the key features of the device is deep integration with Google services. Android TV provides access to official versions of popular streaming services. You can install YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and many others directly from the store.
For Russian-speaking users, voice search is important. By clicking the microphone button on the remote, you can search for movies, actors or genres simply by querying. The system recognizes speech and selects relevant content from all installed applications.
- 📺 YouTube Kids is a safe environment for children with limited access to content.
- 🎵 Spotify and Yandex.Music – turning a TV into a powerful audio system.
- 📂 VLC Player – playback of video files of any formats from external drives.
- 🎮 Steam Link – the ability to broadcast games from PC to TV.
In addition to entertainment content, the console allows you to install file management utilities, browsers and even office applications. Although the software suite is adapted to control the remote, the functionality remains high. You can view documents or work with cloud storage.
How to install apps not from Google Play?
Screen and multimedia broadcasting
The broadcasting feature is one of the most popular, allowing you to display images from your smartphone, tablet or laptop to a large screen of your TV in one click, which is especially useful for showing presentations or watching videos from mobile applications that do not have a TV version.
Chromecast built-in technology is built directly into the Xiaomi TV Box system, so you don't have to buy additional adapters or set up complex connections, just have both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
The quality of the image transfer depends on the speed of the wireless network. For comfortable viewing of video in 4K, it is recommended to use a router operating in the 5 GHz band. This will ensure a stable data flow without buffering and compression artifacts.
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Use a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and connect the console to a 5 GHz network for maximum data transfer speed during broadcasting.
Miracast is also available, which allows you to duplicate the screen of an Android smartphone completely, which is useful when you need to show the interface of a particular application that does not support the standard broadcast function, and the latency in this mode is minimal and suitable for static content.
Games and entertainment on the big screen
While not a next-generation game console, it offers access to a vast library of mobile games. The Google Play Store contains thousands of projects adapted to manage a gamepad or remote. The graphics on the big screen look significantly better than on the phone's display.
For a more comfortable game, it is recommended to connect a Bluetooth gamepad. The system automatically recognizes most popular controllers from Xbox, PlayStation or specialized gaming consoles, which turns the TV into a retro console or a platform for casual games.
| Characteristics | Description | Impact on games |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex | Provides smoothness in 2D games |
| Graphics | Mali-G31 MP2 | Support 3D-mid-level |
| RAM | 2 GB/8 GB (in different models) | Affects the number of applications launched |
| Ports | USB 2.0 / 3.0 | Connecting gamepads and keyboards |
A popular use case is the installation of old console emulators, with enough CPU resources to run games with PlayStation 1, PSP, Nintendo 64 and even some Dreamcast projects, which is great for classic hits on the couch.
⚠️ Warning: When playing actively, the console may get hot, provide good ventilation around the device and avoid covering it with foreign objects.
Connecting the periphery and expanding the functionality
It has USB ports, which allow you to connect external hard drives, flash drives, keyboards and mice, and it turns the TV into a full-fledged media player for local files, and you can watch movies that weigh tens of gigabytes without losing quality.
Support for NTFS file system allows you to work with large disks without formatting. File Manager allows you to sort content, create playlists and select audio tracks, this is especially true for collectors of high-resolution video.
☑️ Peripheral compatibility check
You can also connect a webcam to video calls via USB if you have an app installed, such as Skype or Zoom. Although the interface of these programs on TV may not be perfect, the basic functionality of video communication works with a tab.
For advanced users, alternative launchers are available, which allows for a complete change in the interface’s appearance to make it more user-friendly or minimalist, and customization is one of the main advantages of the open Android platform.
Setup and initial installation
Xiaomi's setup process TV The Box is as simplified as possible and takes no more than 10 minutes. HDMI-The cable system will ask you to select a language and connect to the Wi-Fi network.
An important step is to update the system to the latest version, which ensures that all current drivers and security patches are available. Check can be done in the Settings menu → Device → About System → System Update.
Settings → Device Preferences → About → System updateAfter the update, you should install the required codecs and players immediately, if they do not load automatically, and you should also adjust the screen mode (resolution and frame rate) according to the characteristics of your TV for the best picture.
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The initial setting of a Google account syncs your Wi-Fi passwords and app shopping lists from your smartphone, saving you time to enter data.