Modern Xiaomi TVs (series Mi) TV 4/5, A Pro, P1, Q2 And there are dozens of ways to watch TV shows, from built-in streaming platforms to external drives, but it's not always clear which method to choose: where is the best picture quality, how to avoid lags, and why some files don't play. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from basic settings to solving typical problems.
We'll look. 5 Main viewing methods: through applications (Netflix, Amediateka, Kinopoisk), with USB-storage device, on a local network (DLNA), assisted Miracast/AirPlay, We will focus on optimizing quality (resolution, sound, subtitles) and solving errors, from lack of sound to problems with file formats. If you just bought a Xiaomi TV or want to improve the current viewing experience, this guide will be useful.
1. Viewing through streaming apps (Netflix, Kinopoisk, Amediateka)
The easiest way is to use built-in or installed apps. - Xiaomi Android-based TVs TV Google TV Supports most popular services:
- ๐บ Netflix - available on 4K HDR on models with support (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 75") Requires a subscription.
- ๐ฌ Kinopoisk HD โ Russian-language service with a large catalog of TV series (including exclusives) Free content with advertising.
- ๐ญ Amediateka โ specializes in foreign TV series (HBO, Showtime et al. Subscription from 299 โฝ/moss.
- ๐ก YouTube โ many TV shows are posted on channels (for example, @STS or @TNT).
- ๐ Disney+ โ Available via Google Play on new models (from 2022).
To install the application:
- Press the Home button on the remote.
- Go to Google Play Store (the icon of the color triangle).
- Enter the name of the service in search and click Install.
- After installation, log in (if required) and select the series.
Important: on some models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 2018-2019) may not be available Google Play, in which case the applications are installed via APK-Files (about this in the section about sideloading).
Reproduction of the USB-drive-drive
If the series is downloaded to a flash drive or disk, it can be run directly through the port. USB 2.0/3.0 Xiaomi supports most popular formats:
| Format | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| .mp4 | โ Yes. | Best choice for Full HD/4K |
| .mkv | โ Yes. | Supports multi-track sound, but can brake on weak models |
| .avi | โ ๏ธ Partially. | Possible problems with sound (codecs) AC3) |
| .mov | โ No. | Requires conversion |
| .m4v | โ Yes. | Best for TV series from iTunes |
Instructions for connection:
- Put the flash drive in the port. USB (preferably 3.0 for 4K).
- On the remote, press Sources (button with a square and arrow).
- Choose. USB-accumulator โ Find the folder with the series.
- For ease of navigation, use buttons. โ โ โ โ remote.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the TV can't see the flash drive, check its file system. Xiaomi supports FAT32, exFAT and NTFS, But on the old models. TV (3) may not work exFAT.
Format the flash drive into FAT32 (volume < 32GB)
Check files for errors (through properties) โ service)
Use folders with short names (without Cyrillic)
Disable "Quick Deletion" in Windows (for the purpose of NTFS)
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3. Local network broadcasting (DLNA/UPnP)
If the series is stored on a computer or NAS, It can be broadcast to a TV without a flash drive. DLNA, All Xiaomi models are supported since Mi. TV 4.
How to set up:
- On the PC, install it. DLNA-server: ๐ฅ๏ธ Windows: Enable Media Streaming in Settings โ Network โ Sharing parameters. ๐ง Linux: Install minidlna or rygel. ๐ Mac: Use Plex Media Server.
Media player
gallery
Local area network
Select a folder with the series and play the file.
Challenges and solutions:
- ๐ TV doesn't see PC: check that both devices are on the same network (e.g. connected to the same Xiaomi Mi Router router). VPN computer-based.
- ๐ต No sound: some formats (e.g., no sound, DTS) They're not supported. AAC or MP3.
- ๐ข Lags when playing: reduce the bitrate of the video (for example, using HandBrake) or use a wired connection (Ethernet).
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If DLNA It's unstable, try an alternative, Plex or Kodi, which are better optimized for streaming and support transcoding on the fly".
4. Wireless broadcast from a phone or tablet (Miracast/AirPlay)
If the show is downloaded on a smartphone (Xiaomi, iPhone or other), it can be broadcast wirelessly to a TV.
- ๐ฑ Miracast โ for Android devices (including Xiaomi, Redmi smartphones, POCO).
- ๐ AirPlay - for iPhone/iPad (You need a TV with Apple TV or support for AirPlay 2, Like Mi. TV Q2 2023).
Instructions for Miracast (Android):
- On TV: Settings โ Connections โ Wireless display.
- On a smartphone: Settings โ Connections โ Screen broadcast (on MIUI This may be called the Wireless Display).
- Select your TV name from the list of devices.
- Run the video on your phone โ it will automatically show up on TV.
Limitations:
- โ ๏ธ Lag can be as long as 1-2 seconds โ critical for games, but not noticeable when watching TV shows.
- โ ๏ธ Quality depends on the speed of Wi-Fi. HD You need a 5GHz network.
- โ ๏ธ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV Stick) Miracast only works with branded devices.
How to reduce lag with Miracast?
5. Connecting a laptop or PC (HDMI, USB-C)
If the series is stored on a computer, the most reliable way is to connect it to the TV on the TV. HDMI. This ensures maximum quality (up to the 4K@60Hz) and minimum delays.
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Cable HDMI (version 2.0 or higher 4K).
- ๐ Adapter (if only on the laptop) USB-C or Thunderbolt).
- ๐ฎ Remote or wireless keyboard for easy control.
Setting:
- Connect the cable to the port HDMI on television (preferably) HDMI 2.1. 4K).
- On PC, press Win. + P and select Only the second screen or Duplicate.
- On the TV, select the signal source: HDMI 1/2/3 (depending on the port).
- Run the video on your computer and it will be displayed on TV.
Quality optimization:
- ๐จ In Windows settings, set the resolution corresponding to the TV (for example, 3840ร2160 for 4K).
- ๐ Select the correct audio device: Right button on the sound icon โ Reproduction devices โ Television.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ For games or videos with high FPS Turn on the Game mode on the TV (Settings) โ Picture โ Image mode).
โ ๏ธ Note: if you are connected to HDMI No sound, check that the correct output is selected in the Windows settings (Digital audio (HDMI)). Some laptops (such as MacBooks) may require a sound-enabled adapter.
6. Installation of applications through APK (sideloading) for enhanced features
If the streaming service is not available in Google Play, you can install it manually through the Google Play service. APK-It's relevant to the file:
- ๐ Regionally blocked applications (e.g, HBO Max or Peacock).
- ๐ฑ Alternative players (VLC, MX Player).
- ๐ Modified versions (e.g. YouTube Vanced for ad blocking).
How to install APK:
- Download. APK-a file to a flash drive or to the cloud (e.g. Google Drive).
- On TV: Settings โ Annexes โ Security โ Unknown sources and allow installation.
- Open the File Manager (or Downloads) and find APK and start the installation.
- After installation, a reboot may be required.
Risks and limitations:
- โ ๏ธ Not all. APK They work on Android TV (There may be problems with the control of the remote).
- โ ๏ธ Installation from unknown sources increases the risk of viruses. download files only from trusted sites (APKMirror, APKPure).
- โ ๏ธ Some apps (e.g. Netflix) block playback on โuncertifiedโ devices.
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Before installation APK Check compatibility with Android TV. For example, the TiviMate app (for the IPTV) It has a special version for TVs, and the regular mobile version may not work.
7. Solving typical problems when watching TV shows
Even after setting it up correctly, you can still get errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Video's slowing down | A weak processor or high bitrate | Convert the video to H.264 bitrate โค 20 Mbps |
| No sound. | Unsupported audio codec (DTS, AC3) | Recode the sound to AAC or use an external sound system |
| Black screen when playing | Incompatible format (.mov,.flv) | Convert to.mp4 or.mkv via HandBrake |
| App won't open | An outdated version of Android TV | Update the firmware (Settings) โ On TV. โ Updating the system) |
| Subtitles are not displayed | Incorrect file encoding (.srt) | Open the file in Notepad++ and keep in UTF-8 |
Critical information: on Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) Hardware decoding works only for formats H.264 and H.265. Video in the video AV1 or VP9 will be reproduced with lags.
8. Quality optimization: resolution, sound, subtitles
To make the series look and sound perfect, adjust the following parameters:
Picture:
- ๐บ Resolution: in the settings of the TV (Settings) โ Picture โ Screen resolution: select Auto or 4K (if maintained).
- ๐จ Color profile: for HDR-contents HDR10 Dolby Vision (available on Mi) TV Q2 newer).
- ๐ Clearness: Turn off Noise Reduction and Motion Improvement โ they spoil the picture in dynamic scenes.
Sound:
- ๐ Sound Mode: Select Movie or Music in Settings โ Sound. โ Sound mode.
- ๐ง Headphone access: If you have Xiaomi Mi True Wireless connected, select Bluetooth audio.
- ๐ป Equator: for better conversational speech, increase the average frequencies (1-3 kHz).
Subtitles:
- ๐ External subtitles: Place the.srt file in the same folder as the video, with the same name (e.g, series_s01e01.mkv and series_s01e01.srt).
- ๐ฏ Synchronization: if the subtitles do not match the speech, in the player (for example, VLC) Use the hot keys. G/H time-shift.
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Use YouTube test videos to calibrate your color (e.g., search on demand "4K HDR calibration test.This will help you to fine-tune brightness, contrast and color temperature.