The modern electronics market is oversaturated with smart TVs, but not all users have the ability or desire to change a properly functioning screen for the sake of a new operating system. This is where a media console comes to the scene, capable of breathing a second life into any display with a new set of devices. HDMI-Xiaomi Mi Box S has become one of the most popular solutions in this segment due to the balance of price, quality and functionality.
Many owners of older plasmas or budget models with slow Smart TVs are wondering: should you buy an extra device?The answer lies in the speed of the interface, access to a huge library of applications and support for modern image standards. Android TV installed on board provides features that are often not available on standard TV firmware.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the device’s technical features, its advantages over built-in counterparts, and hidden features that not all users know about, and how to turn a regular monitor into a powerful multimedia center for the whole family.
Turning a TV into a Smart TV
The main challenge that Xiaomi Mi Box S solves is to add smart features to any screen. Even if your TV is 10 years old, having an HDMI connector allows you to connect the console and access YouTube, Netflix, IPTV and thousands of other services, which is much more economical than buying a new TV.
The key advantage is the Android TV operating system. Unlike LG WebOS or Samsung Tizen closed systems, here you get open access to the Google Play Store. This means that you are not limited to a set of pre-installed programs, but you can install any compatible applications, from games to file managers.
The interface speed on a single console is often faster than that of embedded Smart systems, as the dedicated hardware does not share resources with the matrix and backlight of the screen. The Amlogic S905X-H processor provides smooth navigation on the menu even after several years of use, which is not the case with many budget TVs.
⚠️ Note: Before buying, make sure your TV supports the resolution. 1920×1080 or 4K. If the screen is very old and has only a composite input ("tulips"), you will need an additional converter. HDMI-AV, What can worsen the quality of the picture.
Support for modern image and sound standards
One of the main reasons why this console is needed is the support of advanced imaging technologies. The Mi Box S is able to display images in Ultra resolution. HD 4K 60 frames per second, which is critical for owners. 4K-TVs that want to get the most detailed picture.
In addition to high resolution, the device supports HDR10 and HLG technology. These dynamic range standards allow you to display brighter light areas and deep shadows, making the image contrast and realistic. Without HDR support from the signal source, the TV will not be able to reach its potential.
An important aspect is the audio component, which can transmit multi-channel audio through HDMI or optical output (via an adapter), supporting Dolby Digital and DTS formats, which allows you to connect the device to a full-fledged home theater or soundbar.
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Use quality. HDMI-2.0 or higher cable to ensure transmission 4K HDR signal-free.
Universal Control and Voice Search
One of the most annoying things about the technology is the multitude of remotes. The Xiaomi Mi Box S solves this problem with its Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature, which allows the console to control the TV: turn on/off the screen, adjust volume and switch signal sources.
It comes with a compact voice-controlled remote, and you can click a button to dictate whether you want to find Bruce Willis movies or the weather in Moscow, and it can recognize speech and output results from all the apps available, which is much faster than manual typing.
Smart Home integration is also available, and you can use Google Assistant to control compatible light bulbs, sockets or cameras directly from your TV screen, and you can display the full screen from the surveillance cameras, or turn off the lights in the room without getting up from the couch.
- 🗣️ Voice input of text and search commands through the microphone in the remote.
- 📺 Control the power and volume of the TV through one remote.
- 🏠 Integration with the Google Home ecosystem to manage gadgets.
- 🎮 Support for gamepads via Bluetooth for games from Play Market.
Comparison with built-in smart TVs and competitors
Why do users choose a separate box when the TV already has a Smart TV? The fact is that TV manufacturers often save on the processor and RAM, and over time, the embedded system begins to slow down, applications stop updating, and support for new codecs stops.
Xiaomi’s console runs on a clean version of Android TV, which guarantees security updates and new features directly from Google.You are not affected by the policy of the TV manufacturer, which may stop supporting its platform in 2-3 years.
Below is a table comparing the capabilities of a typical budget smart TV and a media set-top box:
| Characteristics | Budget Smart TV | Xiaomi Mi Box S |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Closed/Stripped | Android TV (full) |
| PO Updates | Rarely / Ceased | Regularly from Google |
| Support for codecs | Limited. | VP9, H.265, AVC |
| Installation of applications | Only from your shop. | Google Play + APK |
⚠️ Some TV manufacturers are blocking work HDMI-CEC If the console doesn't control the TV, check the settings. CEC The TV menu (can be called Anynet)+, SimpLink, Bravia Sync).
Multimedia opportunities and games
It's positioned not only as a movie player, but also as an entertainment center. With Bluetooth 4.1 support, you can connect wireless headphones to watch movies at night without disturbing your household.
For fans of retro games or simple arcade graphics, the Mi Box S will be an excellent gaming console. There are many old console emulators available in the Google Play Market (Dendy, Sega, PlayStation 1). For a more comfortable game, it is recommended to connect an external gamepad, since control from the remote in games is limited.
Chromecast built-in lets you stream content from your smartphone or tablet directly to your TV screen. You can run a video in the YouTube app on your phone and send it to the big screen with one touch, while continuing to use your phone for other tasks.
Secrets of app installation
Technical specifications and configuration
The device is based on a quad-core processor Amlogic S905X-H with a graphics accelerator Mali-450. RAM of 2 GB and built-in storage 8 GB provide sufficient performance for the interface and installation of the necessary set of applications.
The set of the device is minimalistic, but contains everything you need: the console itself, the remote control with voice control, the power supply unit, HDMI-It's designed as a small square with rounded corners, so it's easy to hide it behind the TV.
On the back are the ports for connection: HDMI, USB 2.0, optical audio output (via the adapter mini-jack) and the power connector. USB-port allows you to connect external hard drives or flash drives to view local video.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
The results: who should buy the prefix
To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is the perfect solution for anyone looking to upgrade their TV without the extra cost of cutting out the interface lags, adding support for modern codecs, and opening up access to the Android ecosystem.
It’s also a great gift for parents or friends whose TVs are no longer friendly with modern apps, and its ease of customization and use makes it accessible even to inexperienced users.
If you appreciate the speed, quality of the 4K HDR image and the convenience of voice search, then this console will fully justify the investment, prolonging the life of your current TV for many years.
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Buying a separate set-top box is more profitable than replacing a TV, as it gives access to the latest technologies and applications on any screen.