Set top box - comfortable viewing of IPTV. IPTV Set-Top Box – MAG250 Hardware Overview Can I use the TV box in any other way

Today we will look at an unusual device. The multimedia players described earlier in our articles, for the most part, allowed you to work with files received from various media or over the network. Regardless of location, these were still files - with their own formats, containers, audio and video codecs. In contrast, the ZyXEL STB-1001S IPTV receiver allows you to view video streams, that is, video information transmitted over the network.

IPTV television channels are a classic example. Indeed, such devices are usually used by Internet service providers to implement this service for the user. As an example, we can recall STREAM-TV from COMSTAR-Direct and digital television from Corbina Telecom. Other providers have also begun to develop these services. Despite this, set-top boxes (this is how we call devices of this class, although the abbreviation STB - Set Top Box is well-established abroad) can also be used in private projects. By the way, ZyXEL offers a different name for its devices - IPTV receiver. If we take into account the well-established analogy "satellite receiver", then this name can be considered quite successful and understandable for most consumers.

STB-1001S is a small device, made in the new "white" design of ZyXEL network products. The dimensions of the IPTV receiver - 34 × 190 × 132 mm (plus up to 45 mm for wires) - allow you to easily install it not only in a rack with equipment, but also just next to the TV. Can be wall mounted, but attention must be paid to the accessibility of the receiver window remote control. There are three indicators on the front panel - power / status, LAN connection / activity, remote control signal reception. All necessary connectors are located on the rear panel: power supply, Ethernet local area network, coaxial digital audio output S/PDIF and audio-video output SCART. The power switch is also located there if you need to completely turn off the device, for example, during a vacation.

The package includes: the receiver itself, power supply (compact model for 12 V 1.5 A), remote control with batteries (2 × AAA), SCART cable for composite video and stereo audio, network cable, short description, CD with full description and software. Note that the descriptions are localized.

The remote control does not have an original design - a classic shape and many small buttons. However, the main keys for viewing broadcasts are quite convenient to use. Note that turning off the power from the remote control, in fact, is not. Only the block of decoding and output of sound and video is turned off. So after reverse connection The receiver is ready for use almost immediately. And if you use the button on the case, then first the operating system is fully loaded, which takes a lot of time - several tens of seconds.

Due to the specialized use of the device, support for a large number of formats is not required - after all, the provider prepares broadcasts in advance in a certain form. So we can only talk about the general list of codecs. The receiver in question can decode video standard definition, which uses MPEG2 MP@L3 and H.264 MP@ L3 codecs. Audio can be encoded in MPEG-1 layer I/II, MP3, AAC or AAC+LC. AC3 output via digital interface is supported. Video output in SCART can be set to composite or RGB. The device does not have a button to reset these settings, so it may be difficult to switch video modes. H.264 support allows you to provide best quality compared to MPEG2 at the same bitrate, or reduce the bitrate while maintaining quality. For example, "DVD quality" can be obtained on a 2 Mbps H.264 stream.

The hardware base of the receiver is already an elderly video processor from STMicroelectronics - ST7100. The main 266 MHz core is assisted by two more 400 MHz ones, which are directly involved in decoding audio and video streams. The amount of RAM and flash memory is 128 MB each. Also on the board are a network chip from SMSC and several other auxiliary microcircuits. The processor is covered by a small heatsink. During prolonged operation, it heats up quite strongly, but this does not bring any negative consequences. Software component - typical operating for IPTV set-top boxes Linux system. This allows, if necessary, to easily adapt the firmware to support the special requirements of providers.

Note that in addition to the receiver in question, there is also the STB-1001H model, which supports high-definition video, H.264 profiles [email protected], [email protected], has an HDMI output, as well as a USB port.

Let us briefly describe the general principle of IPTV operation. To implement the system in the minimum version, you need - a server that broadcasts video streams to the network, a Web server with pages containing links to these streams, and the actual set-top box for decoding video and outputting it to a TV. In addition to "live broadcasts" in IPTV, there is also a "video on demand" (VoD - Video on Demand) service. Its difference from the main version is the user's ability to control playback - start, pause, and so on. The included CD contains all the necessary files and manuals for a test run of the system. Actually, the user shell menu consists of numerous html, css and js files and is actually implemented by a Web browser. This uses an extended set of JavaScript functions, in particular, to process button presses on the remote control and navigation. In addition, STB-1001S supports middleware from leading providers and various software versions of content protection standards.

In addition to broadcasting television channels in the networks of Internet providers, you can find several more applications for the product in question. For example, you can use it in hotels, cottage settlements, supermarkets, educational institutions, various marketing projects.

Let's describe the settings of the receiver itself. The basic menu allows you to select the type of video display (PAL composite, NTSC or RGB composite), screen format, digital audio output mode, set the time zone for the built-in clock, select the language (only English was in the tested firmware).

Additional settings that relate to the operation of the receiver in the IPTV network are password protected. The first screen displays information about the STB - model name, hardware and firmware versions, network addresses. The second screen can be used to configure network settings. You can use DHCP, manual configuration, or PPPoE to obtain an IP address. The main server addresses are also set here - TFTP for updating the firmware (which, by the way, can also be performed via multicast - this is another similarity with satellite receivers), URL start page, ACS server address for auto tuning receiver (used by providers for mass tuning to their network) and NTP for clock synchronization. Last item additional menu– Firmware updates via the previously specified server.

If necessary, you can use the receiver control via telnet. This can be useful for providers for remote control and configuration of user devices.

In the test configuration, we used DHCP to obtain a network address, and setting home page to the corresponding file on our test server. The computer configuration included the installation of the Apache web server, the entry necessary files to its directory for storing sites, setting up addresses in them and launching broadcast servers.

You can use the product as a media server or . The latter, by the way, is perfect for the role of a software player for streaming broadcasts. This is one of the most popular programs for this task, and it's also free. Live555 allows you to implement both streaming and VoD. And VLC media player is only the first option. Broadcast files are best prepared in advance in an MPEG TS (Transport Stream) container - this is the most convenient format for streaming. The same player is suitable for pre-coding (the set of its capabilities deserves a separate article). However, note that the H.264 it does may be at an incompatible level with the receiver, so MPEG2 must be used in this case. Another one of the most simple ways- Repacking VOB files from a DVD video disc. Then recoding is not required.

In addition to broadcasting files, you can use VLC media player or other programs to broadcast a video stream from a capture card or tuner. Note that to use H.264, you need to have a sufficiently powerful PC - on-the-fly encoding of one standard definition stream (720 × 576 pixels) can take about 40% of the time of one core from AMD Athlon 64 5000+, while MPEG2 is only 10%. Of course, this applies specifically to VLC media player. Other programs may be better optimized.

After starting the servers, it is necessary to write links to streams in files with functions for generating content on the server, written in Java Script. The supplied files for it allow you to implement channel selection and VoD by the user in the simplest menu structure.

In our tests, we used both the trailers provided on the disc and our own files from our test DVD. The latter were previously repacked in a TS container. The quality of the video image is determined by the stream that is usually broadcast. The device itself supports quite high bit rates - up to 10 Mbps for MPEG2 and up to 6 Mbps in H.264. So the video quality in the case of this receiver may be higher than on DVD. As for the video outputs themselves (composite and RGB), their maximum capabilities are implemented in the device.

In our opinion, the set of audio and video outputs installed in the receiver is optimal for watching standard definition streaming video - it provides a seamless connection to most receivers, and the quality is not lost due to the interface. More recent versions (component and HDMI) are required for devices that support high-definition video.

The device made a good impression. It supports the most popular video and audio standards, and has the right set of outputs for connecting to audio/video equipment. Actually, the actual functioning is determined by the provider rather than the receiver. There are no obstacles to the implementation of any ideas in this case.

The new IPTV technology is based on the transmission of digital television signals via computer IP networks. To this end, the signal is encrypted and transmitted to a playback device, which can be a home computer or special equipment - an IPTV set-top box or STB (IP Set-Top-Box). Broadcasting of the image and decoding of the signal on the computer is carried out by means of IPTV players. STB set-top box for this purpose uses decoder electronic circuits that convert digital signal to analog video for TV.

Advantages of IPTV technology

The main advantage of this technology is open access to digital resources like IP-telephony and IP-television.

The reliability of data transmission is guaranteed by the similar principle of operation of both technologies and the use of fiber optic cable to transmit a television or telephone signal. Great quality Broadcast allows you to watch high-definition broadcasts with multi-channel audio and excellent color reproduction.

Interactivity is another advantage of the technology: the IP connection works in both directions - from the server to the client and vice versa. Thanks to this, the consumer can manage the service from the STB set-top box or computer.

Set-top box functionality

The pluggable RT STB HD has the following features:

• Receiving video materials on demand. The server hosts a library of VoD video materials, accessing which allows you to access a particular movie. Often video materials are provided on a paid basis.
• Viewing control with Time Shifted TV technology. Computer software or STB HD set-top box for TV allows you to rewind the TV program in any direction and temporarily pause its broadcast.
• An alternative version of the VoD service - the nVoD service - allows you to create a personal TV program. Public cinema allows a group of users to coordinate their views among themselves.
• The TVoD service allows you to delay watching a movie or video. The user just needs to select the necessary TV shows and TV channels in advance and send a request for viewing in the future.

Set-top box features

The main advantage of STB set-top boxes is a large number of interactive services and the ability to directly manage content. The set-top box provides access to most Internet services: Picasa, YouTube and others, plus such devices are equipped with USB ports that allow you to connect external devices. Through the RT STB HD IPTV set-top boxes, it is possible to play video files from external media, view photos and images, and with a Wi-Fi router connected to the device, access to network video resources. The video stream can be redirected to a computer or laptop.

Set-top box

The scope of delivery of the device may differ depending on the specific model: some items may be present, others may not be available.

Approximate configuration of the STB set-top box from Rostelecom includes:

• Universal USB ports, one of which is located on the front panel of the set-top box, the second - on the back.
• An RC connector can be placed for an infrared remote receiver. Its presence is due specific model STB consoles.
• Ethernet connector with a maximum connection speed of 100 Mbps. It allows you to connect the set-top box to the network of a provider that provides Internet services.
• HDMI connector for connecting a set-top box to a TV.
• HDMI cable. It rarely comes with an STB set-top box, most often the user has to purchase it on their own.
• A cable with three connectors connects to the analog AV connector. One of the connectors is for video transmission, the other two are for audio.
• Connector for finger batteries.

The listed connectors are located on the rear panel of the set-top box.

Device connection

The set-top box for older TVs is connected via the AV connector using a cable with three connectors. Modern TVs equipped with an HDMI input are connected via an HDMI cable. Accordingly, in the latter version, the sound and image quality is many times better.

The set-top box is connected to the network through a router. Some users connect the provider's cable directly to the network connector of the set-top box, however, such a move is not always advisable, since various additional devices are most often connected to the set-top box. Accordingly, the LAN connector is connected to the same connector on the router. After the correct connection of the set-top box, the corresponding image is displayed on the TV screen.

In the menu of the device, navigation is carried out by the corresponding keys on the control panel of the set-top box.

Set-top box software setup

On the control panel there is a SETUP key, with which the set-top box is configured. The device is configured as follows:

• In the menu item "Advanced settings" set the date, time and time zone. To fully use the interactive capabilities of the set-top box, this must be done, since the data is synchronized with the IPTV server.
• If the set-top box is connected via a router, then you need to configure it as network device. This is done through the menu item "Network Configuration": in the window that opens, a specific type of network is selected - for example, a wired Ethernet connection.
• In the next window that opens, DHCP mode is activated by pressing the button labeled "Auto (DHCP)". In the window that appears, click on OK.
• The readiness of the network for operation is checked in the "State of networks" menu. An Ethernet connection is selected, and then a request is sent. In response, a window with a list of TCP / IP settings should open: the user must make sure that all configurations are correct.
• The next step is to configure the servers. In the menu of the same name, enter the following data in the NTP server field: pool.ntp.org. All data is entered through the electronic keyboard, which is controlled through the keys on the remote control.
• In the menu item "Video settings" playback of video materials is adjusted. It is advisable to disable options such as auto frame rate switching and DVI forcing. Next, the required monitor resolution is set, similar to setting up a computer monitor. The video output mode is assigned last. You can set this item according to the instructions for the console. Older models equipped with AV input use PAL mode.

In the "Reboot" menu, everything installed settings are saved, after which the console is rebooted. With the correct connection and subsequent configuration, it will be possible to use the set-top box immediately after it is restarted.

Results

STB set-top boxes of modern models are full-fledged analogues of media players and have full functionality for playing multimedia content.

Despite the fact that the device, which will be discussed in this article, is already quite old, in any case, it deserves special attention. Since, today, this is one of the most popular models of IPTV set-top boxes, throughout the post-Soviet space, and not only.

As you probably already understood, we will talk about an IPTV set-top box - manufactured by the Ukrainian company Infomir. And in this article, we will get acquainted with its hardware, appearance and delivery. And right away I want to say a special thank you to the ASP24 company for providing a test sample.

Contents of delivery

Let's start our review, as usual, with the packaging and delivery.

MAG250 comes in a bright and beautiful box with color printing. On different sides of which, both the set-top box itself and various logos of supported services and standards are depicted. Also, there is a factory sticker with barcodes, serial number and MAC address ohm Ethernet interface.

Inside the package, in special compartments, the device itself is located, as well as everything that comes with it. Everything is neatly packed in such a way that during transportation, the possibility of damage is minimized.

MAG250 delivery set includes:

— STB MAG250
- Remote control
- Power unit
- AA batteries, for the remote control
— A/V cable
- Manual

In fact, this kit is self-sufficient. However, the absence HDMI cable, depressing. Because, to use the set-top box with modern TVs, it is simply necessary. But given the not very high cost of these cables at the moment, you can turn a blind eye to this.

Appearance and interfaces

The trend towards miniaturization of modern electronic devices is especially noticeable in the case of the MAG250 Micro. Immediately, what catches your eye is the “modest”, so to speak, dimensions of the console. It has dimensions, only 125x86x28mm (WxDxH), and its weight does not exceed 156 grams.

The case of the console has a classic rectangular appearance and is made of very high quality black plastic, in some places it is glossy, and in other places it is matte. At the same time, the build quality is very high. There are no defects, nothing creaks, there are no flaws or gaps.

On the front panel of the device, there is one USB connector and an LED indicator and an IR remote control receiver hidden under translucent plastic.

On the upper side of the case, against a matte background, there is a glossy inscription MAG250. And on the bottom, in addition to standard legs and holes for mounting on a vertical surface, you can see ventilation slots and a label indicating the model, serial number and MAC address specific device. In the same place, you can see a small but rather curious inscription Made in Ukraine and a holographic warranty sticker covering one of the screws.

Well, as usual, all the most interesting is on the rear panel of the MAG250. Here, from left to right, we see: another USB port, connector for external IR receiver, RJ-45 Ethernet port, HDMI connector, optical S/PDIF connector, A/V output (Jack) and power connector.

Generally, appearance set-top box MAG250, quite eye-catching. And its miniature size allows you to simply hide it behind the TV, without flaunting it. Although it is not a shame to show it.

Remote control

If we talk about the remote control, IPTV set-top boxes MAG-250, then it can be safely called convenient and thoughtful. And despite the absence of any ergonomic frills and a completely square shape, it fits comfortably in the hand.

In addition, the location of the buttons on the remote control is familiar to most set-top boxes, media players and receivers. Therefore, getting used to the remote control is not difficult. Literally after an hour of communication with MAG250, you begin to control the device without looking at the remote control.

Another feature of this remote control is the possibility of learning. In the right upper corner, there is a block of buttons designed to control the TV. These buttons can be trained with the original remote control. And despite the fact that they are basically labeled as volume (+/-), mute (Mute), power and TV / AV, they can be taught any commands to control your TV or even an audio system.

There are also buttons on the top. virtual keyboard, settings, mute on the set-top box and a row of colored buttons.

In the central part of the remote, according to the already established tradition, there are menu control buttons, with OK in the center, as well as service buttons Menu, Back, Exit and Info. Even lower, there are three rows of buttons for controlling the media player, channel list and volume level. And finally, the standard block of digital buttons.

All buttons are pressed clearly, with a characteristic "click", while, in the upper part of the remote control, green indicators (for MAG250) or red (when controlling TV) light up.

The remote control is powered by two AA batteries that are included.

Specifications

And of course, the most important thing in any electronic device is its specifications. And in the case of the MAG250 IPTV set-top box, the specification hardware, the following:

And despite not the most outstanding characteristics, this configuration is quite enough to ensure the normal operation of all web and online services that exist today and even play any video formats.

Video modes — 1080i, 1080p, 720p, 576p, 480p, PAL, NTSC
Video codecs - MPEG1/2 MP@HL, H.264 HP@level 4.1, MPEG4 part 2(ASP) .WMV-9(optional) , VC1 video, XviD; high bitrate video support(up to 40 Mbps and above)
Video formats — MKV,MPEG-TS,MPEG-PS, M2TS, VOB, AVI, MOV, MP4, ASF, QT, WMV(optional) Audio codecs — MPEG-1 layer I/II, MPEG-2 layer II, MPEG-2 layer III(mp3) , MPEG-2 AAC(optional) MPEG-4 AAC LC 2-ch/5.1ch(optional ), MPEG-4 AAC+SBR 2-h/5.1ch(optional) Dolby Digital
Audio formats -MP3, MPA, M4A, WMA(optional) Ogg, WAV, AC3, AAC
Image formats — JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, RAW
Subtitles — DVB,SRT(support coming soon) embedded text
Playlist formats — M3U

In short, MAG250 fully meets all modern requirements for devices of this kind.

Software and some features

Basis for software MAG250 is linux 2.6.23. It is on this core that all the “firmware” for this set-top box are built. Both official and alternative. Moreover, everyone, with certain knowledge, can collect their own image. On the manufacturer's website, you can find not only everything you need, but also detailed instructions. It is this feature that attracts many enthusiasts and enables IPTV providers to create their own platforms and entire services.

The official software (firmware) MAG250 is available for download or updating the set-top box itself via the Internet. Developers quite often release new versions with changes, improvements and fixes.

You can install almost any official or non-official software in several ways - with USB disk(flash drives) through the appropriate menu or through the BIOS. With the help of Multicast, through the network and in several other ways. Also available as automatic update and updating manually.

And the main feature of allIPTV set-top boxesMAG250, is that almost all the functionality depends not so much on the set-top box or firmware itself, but on the content provider. The more "chips" the operator has and the more diverse they are, the more extensive are the various options for using the set-top box.

It is for this reason that we have moved the consideration of the features of the software and operation of the MAG250 into a separate article. Where we will introduce you to them, using specific examples of some IPTV operators and user portals.

But in general, MAG250 is able to receive content from such sources as: USB storage devices (USB HDD, USB Flash drive, USB Card-Reader, etc.), PC and NAS in a local network using SMB, NFS, UPnP protocols or HTTP, as well as from local networks and the Internet by broadcasting over HTTP, UDP / RTP Unicast / Multicast protocols. And it fully supports such Stream media protocols as RTSP, RTP, UDP and IGMP.

In addition, the set-top box is compatible with the following Middleware systems: Stalker, OFT-Media, Netup, SmartLabs, Netris, ZTE. That gives rather extensive opportunities for operators and providers.

Initial setup

Any MAG 250 IPTV set-top box, whether it's an operator or "clean" set-top box, has a fairly extensive settings menu. Which is called by the SET button on the remote control.

Here you can make video output settings, sound settings, get information about the device, including hardware and software version, update software, and much more.

There is also a Services section. With the help of which, you can set the addresses of the portals from which you will receive the main content. It can be like third-party portals created by enthusiasts. For example, a very popular portal is ModMenu. So you can use addresses paid services or IPTV providers, such as Divan.tv, Bonus-TV, Planeta TV and many others.

In the same section, you can specify the sources of software updates.

Network setting

Since IPTV means receiving content from the Internet, of course, MAG250 has a number of network settings. The set-top box can be connected to the network using wired or wireless interfaces. Moreover, the second one is optional and requires an additional USB Wi-Fi adapter. Wireless adapter, can be purchased together with the prefix, for a fee. Or, use a third-party adapter, on a meringue chip - Ralink RT3070 or Ralink RT5370. Here is a list of supported models:
- DLink DWA-125 (not all H/W versions are supported)
- ASUS USB-N13 (not all H/W versions are supported)
— Edimax EW-7711UAN
— Tenda W311MI
- TPLINK TL-WN727N
— Dune HD Air

It is also possible to use other models, for example, I used the GI Wi-Fi 11N adapter (WL0224) from Galaxy-Innovations, on the Ralink RT3070 chip.

Also, it is possible to raise a connection via the PPPoE protocol, for a direct connection to the provider's network.

Moreover, it is possible to choose different options for establishing a connection for each of the interfaces. Can be used as manual settings, and automatic receipt of settings from the DHCP server.

In case of setting wireless connection, you must specify or select from the list, the SSID of your access point and specify the encryption settings.

But one way or another, setting up the network in the MAG 250 does not take much time at all. And after a few simple steps, the set-top box gets access to the network, after which you can start using it.

In a word, setting up the MAG250 is quite simple and should not cause any difficulties, even for people with low knowledge of network technologies.

conclusions

Summing up, this review of the MAG250 IPTV set-top box, we can draw a number of conclusions and highlight several pros and cons. But in any case, it is safe to say that this device not without reason found not a small popularity.

First of all, this, of course, is due to a fairly extensive functionality that can be expanded by each specific provider or content provider. Then you can highlight the possibility of self-creation, both internal software and external (portals). And all this subject to a rich choice. network protocols and compatibility with different systems.

In addition, an attractive appearance, a convenient remote control and ease of setup and control add points to the piggy bank of the console.

But, nevertheless, it is impossible not to pay attention to not the most powerful hardware, which in some cases can become a bottleneck. For example, I would like to have a little more memory and a gigabit Ethernet port.

But in general - MAG250 leaves only positive impressions when used. Especially given the rich selection of possible content providers. Which we will cover in our next article. In the same place, we will touch upon the issue of playing multimedia from external sources, image quality and other aspects of device operation.

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