Connecting a satellite dish to a Xiaomi TV: full instruction with expert advice

Connecting a satellite dish to a Xiaomi TV is a task that seems difficult only at first glance. In fact, the modern Smart TVs from this brand (Mi TV A Pro series, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart Fire TV) support all the necessary interfaces for receiving a satellite signal, but require the right configuration. In this article, we will analyze not only the standard scheme for connecting through a receiver or built-in tuner, but also nuances that are not mentioned in the official instructions.

The main problem is that users have an unstable signal or no channels after connecting, most often due to the wrong choice of cable, wrong settings of LNB or missing details when scanning transponders. We will discuss in detail at every step from mounting a plate to fine-tuning DiSEqC (if you have several satellites), and for owners of older models Xiaomi TV 4S/4A, we will give alternative ways to connect via external devices.

1. What equipment will be needed to connect

Before you start mounting, check for all the components, and without one of them, the connection will be impossible or unstable.

• 📡 Satellite dish (diameter from 60 cm for Tricolor TV/NTV-Plus, 90)+ See for Yamal or Hot Bird)
• 🔌 LNB-Converter (single for one satellite, double for two, universal Quattro for multifid)
• 📺 Coaxial cable (recommended) RG-6 75 ohm wave resistance and copper)
• 🔧 F-connectors (2 pcs for cable compression) + adapter, if necessary)
• 📶 Receiver (if there is no built-in TV) DVB-S2 tuner CI-access-card

For models Xiaomi Mi TV P1 (2021-2023) and the newer built-in DVB-S2 tuner is the default, but in the budget series (Redmi Smart TV X) it may not be. Check the specifications of your model on the official website or in the documents. If the tuner is not, you will need an external receiver (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box S with support for satellite TV through applications).

⚠️ Note: Do not use the cable RG-59 — It's thinner and more attenuated at frequencies above 2 GHz, which is critical for satellite channels in Ku-band.

2. Connection scheme: plate → TV

There are three main ways to connect a satellite antenna to Xiaomi TV, depending on the availability of a built-in tuner and the number of satellites:

1. Direct connection (if the TV has a DVB-S2): plate → cable → SAT IN connector on the back of the TV.
2. Through the receiver (if there is no tuner): plate → receiver → TV on HDMI or AV.
3. Through CI-module (for paid packages): plate → television + slot-card CI+.

For most users, the first scheme is relevant. Let's take a closer look at it:

1. Fix the plate on the bracket, point it to the satellite (tilt angles and azimuth can be found on the SatLex website).
2. Connect the LNB to the plate and the cable from the LNB to the SAT IN connector on the TV.
3. Grim the F-connectors at the ends of the cable (instruction below).
4. Turn on the TV and start an automatic channel search.

A critical nuance for Xiaomi TV: if after connecting the plate, the TV does not see the signal, check the LNB Power settings menu. In some firmware, it is disabled by default.

3. How to properly squeeze the F-connector on the cable

Poor crimping is responsible for 70 percent of the satellite signal problems, and even if you bought a cable with connectors, check them before you plug in.

1. Remove the upper insulation of the cable by 15-20 mm without damaging the screen (overlay).
2. Bend the screen back and remove the internal insulation, baring the central vein by 5-7 mm.
3. Put the F-connector on the cable so that the central vein goes 2-3 mm beyond the edge of the connector.
4. Shake the connector with a special tool or pliers (without fanaticism, so as not to overpower).

Check the quality of the clamp with a multimeter: the resistance between the plough and the central vein should tend to infinity. If it shows zero, there is a circuit somewhere.

4.Configure channels on Xiaomi TV

Once you've connected the plate, you've got to set the TV to receive the satellite signal, and the interface may be slightly different depending on the model, but the general logic is the same:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → Satellite TV setup.
2. Choose Manual Search (for one satellite) or Automatic Search (for several satellites).
3. Specify LNB parameters: LNB frequency: 9750/10600 MHz (standard for Tricolor) Type LNB: Universal or Single Polarisation: Vertical/Horizontal (depending on transponder)

10.30 minutes

If the TV doesn’t find channels, check:

• 🔌 Correctness of cable connection (connector should sit tightly, without backlash).
• 📡 The direction of the plate (even a deviation of 2-3)° could kill the signal).
• 🔋 Nutrition LNB (The TV menu should include a parameter. LNB Power On).

💡

If the TV finds channels but they don't open (black screen), it probably requires activation of the access card. For Tricolor TV, this can be done through the official app or the operator's website.

Connecting Multiple Satellites (DiSEqC)

If you want to receive signals from multiple satellites (e.g. Yamal 402 and Eutelsat 36B), you will need a DiSEqC switch and the right setup in your TV.

1. Connect the DiSEqC switch to the plates and its output to the TV.
2. From the Satellite TV Settings menu, select DiSEqC 1.0 or 1.1 (depending on the Switch model).
3. Assign each satellite a port (for example, Port 1 – Yamal, Port 2 – Eutelsat).
4. Start searching for channels for each satellite separately.

The Xiaomi Mi TV Q1E (2023) offers support for DiSEqC 1.2, which allows up to 16 satellites to be connected via a single cable, but requires a compatible switch (e.g. Inverto Unicable II).

⚠️ Note: When using DiSEqC, avoid cheap Chinese unbranded switches, which are often incompatible with DiSEqC 1.1, which causes the signal to hang when switching satellites.

6. Solving common problems

Even when connected properly, there can be problems, and we've collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 📵 No signal: Check the integrity of the cable (multimeter). LNB feed (13/18 Depending on the polarization. Try another connector. SAT IN (if there are several).
• 🔄 Signal disappears periodically: Replace the cable with a RG-6 Double screen. Check the tightness of the connectors (moisture can cause corrosion) Turn off Eco mode in the settings of the TV, it can reduce power. LNB.
• 🔒 Channels not opened (encoded): Install CI-slot-card CI+. Update the TV firmware (older versions may have problems with the TV) CAM-Check the activation of the card on the provider's website.

If the problem persists, try resetting the TV to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset) and resetting the channels.

💡

90% of satellite signal problems on Xiaomi TV are due to three things: poor-quality cable, improper crimping of connectors or LNB power outage.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (if not) SAT-entrance)

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t have a built-in DVB-S2 tuner (relevant to models until 2020), there are three options:

1. An external receiver (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box S + Tivimate app for IPTV/satellite TV) connects to HDMI, but requires a separate remote.
2. TV-Satellite TV support (e.g. Dune) HD or MAG-425). Allows you to record the air on an external disk.
3. USB-tuner (e.g. Hauppauge WinTV) connected to the port USB TV, but needs support OTG and specialty software.

The most versatile variant is the HDMI receiver, which works even on the oldest models of Xiaomi TV and allows you to use all the functions of satellite television, including PVR (transmission recording).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a plate to Xiaomi TV