Set-top boxes "Rostelecom": connection, configuration, instructions. Turning a dumb TV into a smart TV Sml 482 hd base specifications
Many users of Rostelecom digital interactive television using Set-top boxes Rostelecom IPTV STB RT-HD Standart, know that this prefix - copy of TV-box MAG-250 micro from Informir. A MAG-250- this is already a full-fledged home media center, with a bunch of goodies,
How to flash a Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD prefix in Infomir MAG-250.
Procedure firmware set-top box Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD in Infomir MAG-250 simple, but there are several pitfalls, which I think should be said right away:
1. Before STB RT HD firmware You will need to find playlist of Rostelecom channels for your Rostelecom branch. For example, here are Rostelecom playlists. Otherwise you won't be able to watch digital television Rostelecom.
2. If you have remote control Rostelecom, like this:
That you need flash the set-top box Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD with a modified firmware, since this remote control will not be able to work with standard firmware from Infomir, since it does not have some of the necessary buttons.
3. If you want Internet and digital TV on set-top box Rostelecom IPTV STB RT-HD at the same time, then in most cases you will not be able to do this due to the technical implementation of the connection. This feature is available on routers that can UDP-to-HTTP Proxy.
4. You will not be able to use interactive services digital television Rostelecom , because they are available only on Rostelecom firmware.
Firmware for set-top box Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD
Standard firmware for MAG-250 (regular remote control)- link . Modified firmware for MAG-250 (Rostelecom remote control)- link .
Resetting the Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD set-top box to factory settings.
Before shift STB RT HD firmware With Rostelecom on the Infoworld It is advisable to reset the settings of the console to the factory settings. To do this, turn on the console and press the button Menu on the remote. Will open STB RT HD BIOS:
Choose an item Def. Settings and press the button to the right (>
Press the button to the right (>). The following message should appear:
We press the button OK and waiting for the reboot set-top boxes Rostelecom STB RT HD.
Firmware set-top box Rostelecom IPTV STB RT HD:
1. Download MAG250 firmware files — Bootstrap and imageupdate and put them in one folder - let it be a folder mag250 on the C:\ drive. You also need to put the file mcast.exe and DualServer there.
1. Turn on TV set-top box IPTV STB RT-HD Standart, press and hold the button Menu on the control panel.
2. We fall into Set-top box BIOS STB RT-HD:
Choose a section Upgrade Tools.
3. We connect the computer to the set-top box using a network LAN cable. Cable crimping - normal, straight.
4. On the network card of your computer, write down the IP address 192.168.1.1 and a mask 255.255.255.0 .
5. Run the program dualserver.exe. To do this, you need to run the command line ( Win+R and you prompt Open enter cmd, press OK).
6. On the Windows command line writing a command C:\mag250\dualserver -v . The server should start up and run. Minimize (rather than close) the command prompt window.
7. Run the program mcast.exe by double clicking the mouse. She will ask you to select the network interface through which we will flash IPTV STB RT-HD :
Choose 192.168.1.1, Local Area Connection. We press the button Select. The following window will open:
Here you need to change the broadcast address of the first stream ( stream 1) to the one who listens STB RT-HD — 224.50.0.70:9000 . Second stream address ( stream 2) do not change. Press both buttons start.
7. On attachment MAG-250 must select item MC Upgrade and press the button > (to the right):
Thereafter set-top box Rostelecom STB RT-HD should reboot with new firmware .
Attention! Flash via USB with Rostelecom STB RT-HD to MAG-250 most likely it will not work - you will constantly receive an error File mag250/imageupdate not present, even though the file is in the folder, the flash drive is formatted in FAT32 and its size is no more than 8GB. So flash Rostelecom STB RT-HD through multicast.
They began to be actively used relatively recently. Initially, many people started by connecting IPTV of some companies, the most acceptable of which could only be called Beeline. After many of these companies were reorganized and turned into part of Rostelecom, the entire service was completely rebooted, in particular, many new specialists were invited, the Smartlabs platform was acquired, and software was developed that has a single interface for all currently used models of IPTV set-top boxes. In other words, in order to launch truly high-quality set-top boxes of Rostelecom, they did quite a lot of work, although the service was fine-tuned to an ideal state and has not stopped to this day.
At the moment, the company is making a big bet on developing the digital television service, and at the same time, in almost every way, it is trying to fight to ensure that new users are constantly connected to it. That is why Rostelecom set-top boxes are becoming more and more popular. People try to learn as much as possible about the main features of the service from this company.
SML-482 HD
Technically, such devices can be called the most modern and advanced among all those used by Rostelecom. The most powerful processor, the maximum amount of RAM and a fairly compact body - these are the main advantages of the SML-482 HD, which distinguish the device from the rest. No special problems were found in the process of using this set-top box by users, and they are extremely rarely returned with various malfunctions or defects. It is worth noting that with the release of this SML-482 HD, the company began to gradually introduce the support service for 3D TV and other more advanced services.
SML-282 HD Base
This set-top box practically does not differ from the SML-292 Premium model, and the differences between them are quite minor. Outwardly, they are approximately the same - the premium model, which provides digital TV, has two USB connectors versus one for the standard one, while it is worth noting that it represents slightly more powerful hardware and differs in support for USB Wi-Fi modules. A good set-top box with excellent hardware potential. There is also no information that these Rostelecom set-top boxes are often defective or of poor build quality.
Infomir MAG-250
For quite a long time, the prefix of this model has been widely used. It is worth noting that many people connected digital TV from those companies that later joined Rostelecom, but at the same time they had already installed such set-top boxes. If we consider the device from a hardware point of view, then it has definitely not yet exhausted itself, and the only gripe that has not been corrected to this day is the relatively weak fastening of the power connector, as well as the connector through which the cable is connected to the TV. In this regard, quite often this TV set-top box is simply returned by many users, since subscribers can accidentally break the connector out of the mount.
One of the most significant software features of this device is that it can be flashed using standard firmware from Infomir, and then used as a standard media player with the ability to download a playlist and watch any digital television channels without any restrictions. It should be noted that initially the supply of this equipment was carried out only with software and a remote control from Infomir, but over time, MAG-250 TV set-top boxes began to be supplied with a proprietary remote control from Rostelecom.
Infomir MAG-200
This model began to spread quite widely during the rise of Rostelecom and its distribution of digital television throughout the country, but it should be noted that the model itself is already obsolete, so the described devices are practically not issued to subscribers. At the same time, the set-top box for television can be used to this day, moreover, using native firmware from Infomir, it allows you to watch any channels of modern digital TV without any restrictions using a preloaded playlist. The supply of such equipment was carried out exclusively with the branded remote control of the Infomir company, as well as with factory firmware. Further migration to the Smartlabs platform was carried out separately.
IPTV RT STB HD
If you recall the Infomir MAG-250 device, then almost immediately you can see absolutely identical characteristics with those offered by this Rostelecom prefix. The instruction, software and remote control included in the package were used from Smartlabs, while recently a rather interesting feature of this equipment has begun to appear - when interacting with certain models of routers from Rostelecom, the device works at least strangely. In this regard, the set-top box must first be pre-flashed, and only then connected to the device. Otherwise, the Ethernet link on the router constantly starts to disappear on the port to which this device is connected. At the same time, it is worth noting that, for example, the standard Sagemcom router does not have such a problem at all, while the rev.1 model is already not showing its best side.
IPTV HD 101
This is the first set-top box of Rostelecom 2.0, which began to be delivered in a branded box with headphones. The bundle of this device includes an HDMI cable, but users often note that it does not always work correctly and appropriately. If we consider the hardware characteristics of this equipment, they are almost identical with the MAG-250 model, since there is absolutely the same processor, but at the same time there is almost twice as much RAM.
Prefixes can be attributed to the middle group in terms of quality, and from time to time they are delivered to service centers with various nutritional problems. It is also worth noting that they completely lack an internal portal, as a result of which the company almost immediately switched to connecting the Rostelecom set-top box of the IPTV HD 103 model, which had not only the standard version of the configuration, but also an additional option Wi-Fi and mini.
Yuxing YX-6916A
Model made in China. These set-top boxes can be called the first of their kind, which came with an additional HDMI cable, and they were used even when Rostelecom did not acquire most companies in this area. It is worth noting the fact that the quality of such equipment is quite high, as evidenced by the almost complete absence of returns of such devices with defects, while they themselves have been working for several years without any complaints or complaints from users.
The only problem with these devices can be called the transition to software from Smartlabs, because of this it was necessary to carry out a complete flashing of the devices manually. Another well-known nuisance is watching video using a USB connector, since there are a number of codecs that this Rostelecom set-top box does not support. The standard for her with such a drawback is the lack of sound when trying to view.
Motorola VIP1003
This model is supplied in small quantities. Over time, the company decided that this Rostelecom interactive set-top box would not be used, so it is currently being provided to users exclusively from old stocks. At the same time, it is worth noting that consumers almost never respond badly about the operation of this equipment - it functions clearly and without any problems.
Standard connection option
In the vast majority of cases, the set-top box is connected via an Ethernet cable, which the installer runs through the apartment to the TV from the router. The only drawback of such a scheme is that the LAN cable will need to be hidden somewhere, because otherwise the people living in this room will regularly stumble on it, but at the same time, the Rostelecom digital set-top box connects much more reliably via compared with other methods, and is also not so sensitive to all kinds of electromagnetic interference device.
Connecting via Wi-Fi
Several different options can be used here at once.
The first involves the use of specialized wireless media bridges of the Motorolla 2400 model, which are supplied by Rostelecom itself. The set-top box, the password for which can be found on its box, is connected wirelessly, which greatly simplifies operation and makes the device more convenient to use.
The main advantage here is that to ensure multicast transmission using such a media bridge, the 5 GHz band is used, which is practically not used anywhere today. It is also worth noting that this model of equipment ensures the transmission of information over fairly large distances, by the standards of Wi-Fi. However, there are also some disadvantages.
The first disadvantage is the considerable cost, which is approximately five thousand rubles for a set of two devices. Users call the second disadvantage that the equipment is not so easy to set up, because you need to perform a sufficiently large number of actions to ensure the coupling of two adapters.
As an alternative to such a device, you can use cheaper analogues that are produced under the brands TP-Link and D-Link, which will save a total of up to one and a half thousand rubles.
The second connection option is the use of a standard Wi-Fi module of the router, as well as an adapter from the set-top box itself. The main difficulty here is that the router must have the function of logically separating LAN ports from Wi-Fi. In addition, you will need to try to choose an adapter model that the Rostelecom HD set-top box of your choice can interact with normally. Although here you can go for some trick, and instead of a standard USB adapter, use a specialized access point that can work in Wi-Fi client mode.
How to do it?
After you are done with all the settings of the router you are using, you can start connecting your set-top box through it. First, connect your set-top box and router using a special patch cord. If you previously specified the port that will be used as a bridge, then in this case you will need to connect the cable to it.
Also connect your TV to the HDMI port on the set-top box. If you have previously tried to connect through any other interfaces, then in this case you will need to additionally configure the TV itself in order to switch it to using HDMI. Ultimately, just connect the device to the mains, and then activate it.
The device's login window will start to appear on the TV screen. After that, you need to specify the username and key that the provider provides to you during the process of concluding the contract. If you have forgotten this information, you can always find a copy of the contract, view the information in your personal account or check it with the technical support operator.
After entering all personal data, it will be possible to use the IP-TV service. At the same time, it should be noted that any special settings of the set-top box you purchased are not required to ensure the normal operation of this service. It is noteworthy that you almost immediately have the opportunity to use a special parental control system, integrate all kinds of social networking services, add a variety of weather widgets and a number of other interesting "chips".
Electrical connection with PowerLine PLC adapters
Such adapters allow the user to pass a full-fledged local network through an electrical one. The cost of a pair of devices in the kit will be approximately two and a half to three thousand rubles. The main advantage of using this option is that the data transfer reliability is comparable to the quality of a cable connection. The downside of this design is that if there are strong power surges in the mains, the adapters can simply burn out, and as a result, the risk of burning out the LAN port on the router or the set-top box used is already increased.
Is it possible to connect IPTV without a set-top box?
Indeed, at the moment such a possibility is envisaged. Recently, Rostelecom has begun to actively promote a new service that provides for subscribing to several TV channel packages at once, and also allows you to watch digital TV directly through a laptop, computer, smartphone or tablet.
It is also worth noting that the Zabava application is being actively implemented by the company as pre-installed on many TVs from LG, and in the near future it is also planned to additionally integrate it into equipment from Philips and Samsung. However, you need to correctly understand that you will not be able to connect digital TV services if you do not rent a TV set-top box, because the activation passport for this service provides for the mandatory provision of such a device to the subscriber for rent or full redemption.
Can I watch videos from a flash drive through the console?
For quite a long time, it was customary to save user files contained on a flash drive in the cloud, while each subscriber had the opportunity to place files up to 7 GB there or expand it up to 30 GB for a certain amount. Ultimately, the company faced such a problem that after downloading the video, it needed additional processing in order to then transfer it to the subscriber's screen. At the same time, transcoders could not cope with such a load, as a result of which the video was processed for several months. For this reason, the service quickly lost its popularity, and a lot of negative reviews appeared about it. That is why, starting in 2013, set-top boxes allow you to view video files directly from USB drives without any problems.
Today, all set-top boxes can play video from USB drives, but there are some restrictions on the video and audio codecs used. So if you encounter such a problem that you have no sound when you try to play a movie, you can simply try to compress it with some other codec.
How else is it possible to use such prefixes?
This question is often asked by those subscribers who have already disconnected from the services of the Rostelecom company, but at the same time bought the set-top box and do not understand how it can be used with benefit. In fact, it is unlikely that it will be possible to apply it anywhere else, and the only exception here is perhaps devices from the Infomir company, as well as RT HD Standard, which, if desired, can be easily reflashed using standard software so that later you can was to use them as a standard media player.
It is also worth noting that some SML-282 and SML-482 models that have the MTS logo come across from time to time, and it is likely that in the future it will be possible to use such set-top boxes as devices from this operator, while the rest of the models will remain in any case you have dead weight.
Where can I download the firmware and how to use it?
Set-top boxes from Rostelecom are configured in such a way that after connecting to the provider's network, automatic download and installation of special Smartlabs firmware takes place. At the same time, there is no way for subscribers to download this firmware on their own, and even if you have it on hand, it is unlikely that you will be able to upload it to the device on your own.
In order for your Wi-Fi set-top box to receive the necessary firmware, you just need to reboot it. When the device is turned on again, it will automatically check for new available software versions, and if there are any, the automatic update procedure will be activated. That is why, if you have any problems during the operation of such equipment, first of all try to simply reboot it, since in many cases a standard firmware update to a newer version is required.
How to use the hard drive?
On a fairly large number of models of the proposed set-top boxes, it is possible to use an HDD format hard disk, but at the same time, many users do not know how it can be usefully used. First of all, it is worth noting the fact that only 2.5 ″ disks can be installed in devices, but even if you put them in a set-top box, many of them actually don’t know how to work, since the transmission recording is automatically sent to the cloud, and Set-top boxes can only play files from USB drives.
MAC address
To find out the MAC address of your set-top box, just look at the sticker located on the bottom panel of the device from Rostelecom. The 2.0 prefix also often has a sticker with the serial number and this address on the box. Another option: after the operator menu loads, you can go to the "Settings" item and go to the "System Information" section.
Thus, you can independently connect and configure the purchased equipment without resorting to any assistance from qualified specialists. Often, the setup and connection procedure does not cause any difficulties, and in addition, you can always check the instructions that come with each model of set-top boxes or routers.
If you are unable to cope with this problem on your own, then you can already contact the specialists of Rostelecom. In the overwhelming majority of cases, service centers are present in almost every major city, and at the same time provide subscribers with the opportunity to order paid services for connecting such devices. Among other things, there are a lot of private craftsmen who perform similar work.
Now you don’t have to puzzle over what to give to a granny who lives in the village. In two minutes, her old CLT can easily be turned into a sophisticated SmartTV with a bunch of channels, a film library, an archive of TV shows and karaoke. All you need is internet and...
... a black box of Interactive TV 2.0 from Rostelecom!
The new set-top box allows you to view more than 120 digital and HD channels, more than 2000 movies and TV shows, control viewing (pause, rewind, archive), duplicate the picture from the TV to tablets and computers for free (multi-screen function), view 3D movies, sing in karaoke, set parental controls, use interactive services, watch photos and videos from a flash drive. And all this for a price of 320 rubles. per month. But even if you do not pay, you will still have access to about 20 federal news and entertainment channels. This is in addition to all of the above.
The main feature of this new boxed product is that you do not need at all .... Internet from Rostelecom! The box clings to the Internet of any provider, even mobile. The main thing is that the speed should not be lower than 0.9 Mbps. And you don’t need to go to Rostelecom for a device - it is sold both in Svyaznoy and Euroset. The price is 3990 rubles, but according to the promotion, which will last until December 31, you can snatch the prefix for 1990 rubles!
Another cool feature of the new device is the presence of built-in Wi-Fi, a module that will save you from unnecessary wires - the set-top box perfectly connects to a Wi-Fi router over the air at any speed. The box will be useful not only for a grandmother in the village, but also for travelers who suddenly become sad on Russian TV channels in distant enemy countries. Not to mention business travelers - for them this device is generally a real find! You connect it to any TV in a provincial hotel and brighten up your life at the expense of the hotel Wi-Fi.
The rich package includes everything you need for self-connection. Even the kettle will be sorted out.
Actually, it is:
- The IPTV STB set-top box itself Smartlabs SML-482 HD Base with Wi-Fi module branded for Rostelecom (chipset BCM7230 750MHz dual-core, DDR3 RAM 512 MB, Flash NAND 256 MB).
- Power adapter 220 V.
- A cool remote in the form of a branded "Rostelecom" ear, which can be programmed for any TV in order to control it as well as a telecom.
- HDMI cable.
- "Tulips".
- Ethernet cable.
- Adapter from tulips to SCART.
- They didn't even forget about batteries for the remote control.
- Instructions and completed guarantees with seals.
At the hardware level, the set-top box supports the following codecs: audio codecs - MPEG1/2, MP3, AAC, AC3, WMA, video codecs - MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, H.263, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 .
Set-top box interfaces:
- power supply 12 V,
- audio / video output for "tulips",
- HDMI connector 1.4a with HDCP,
- Ethernet 10/100Mbit Base T,
- USB 2.0 for connecting flash media and wireless keyboard (!).
The connection and setup process is very simple and intuitive. You need to plug the device into a power outlet, connect it with an HDMI cable (or "tulips") to the TV, insert batteries into the remote control and press the "Power" button. The set-top box turns on and offers to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, if you have not connected it before with an Ethernet cable.
This is where difficulties can arise if there is no wireless keyboard at hand, and this is the main “jamb” of the set-top box. I did not understand how to blindly enter the password with the buttons from the remote control - the scheme with several button presses with letters does not work, not to mention symbols and upper case. But the keyboard is connected via USB-radio module with a bang!
After the set-top box sees the Internet, it will update its software itself.
The process is quite long, my first inclusion takes about 10 minutes - the set-top box rebooted 4 times.
Finally, the shell loaded and the prefix announced a 30-day promo period, when you can watch 120 channels included in the starter package for free.
This is how the main menu looks like, in which you can select either a TV channel or a movie.
Unfortunately, I did not find free films - all of them can be watched for money, or purchased for a collection. Watching one movie costs about 50 rubles.
The film library of Rostelecom is quite rich - it contains about 2,000 films. Available in 3D and HD.
By selecting a TV channel, you can either watch the program from the current position, or from the very beginning, in the recording - very convenient if you missed the beginning.
Of course, this set-top box will be useless for SmartTV owners - all the described functions and even more are already included in the TV itself. However, if you have a regular TV, or there are several in the house, then this is a very interesting solution. In my opinion, apart from Rostelecom, no other Russian provider offers such a service yet.
Useful contraption or a gimmick?
At the end of last year, I attended the presentation of a new product from Rostelecom, this is Interactive TV 2.0. The idea is very interesting, it offers access to a package of TV channels and a database of films through access to the network, without being tied to a specific place and Internet provider. The same concept of “smart home” and “Internet of things”, which has been talked about a lot lately. At the Laboratory, we have already tested smart set-top boxes, from simple ones with a TV tuner to systems based on the open Android operating system. All of them have both their strengths and weaknesses, but if you touch on the issue of TV signal reception, then you always need either good DVB-T2 coverage (digital signal) or a connection to a cable provider. With DVB-T2, despite the federal program, not everything is rosy, the reception areas for a clear signal are limited, as is the number of channels in the air grid.
"Interactive TV 2.0" from Rostelecom offers its own way, opening access to a large list of channels, subject to a network connection. It can be cable Internet, mobile Internet or just an open Wi-Fi point. One prefix can be used at home and in the country. In addition to the air grid, subscribers are offered a database of films, series, a number of interactive services and the ability to play files from an external drive. The last possibility, by the way, will allow you to use this set-top box as a “smart TV”. How much will all this pleasure cost? At the time of the review, they are asking for 3,990 rubles for it, according to the Yandex.Market service. Comparable to Android set-top boxes ordered through online stores from China, in Russia the average bar is slightly higher.
At the first connection, a month of access is offered at the tariff "YOUR START 2.0", in the future the subscription fee is 320 rubles per month. Plus, additional paid services are offered, we will talk about them below. You can use the set-top box without a monthly fee in this mode, 10 channels remain available (Channel One, Russia-1, Match TV, NTV, Channel Five, Russia-K, Russia-24, Karusel, OTR, TV Center).
I am interested in this service primarily from the technical side, so let's start looking at the "magic box" - Smartlabs SML-482 HD. It is on its basis that access to the Interactive TV 2.0 service is provided.
Overview of Rostelecom TV 2.0
Equipment
The Smartlabs SML-482 HD is delivered in a brightly designed package with a detailed description of the Interactive TV 2.0 service and summary specifications. Inside the prefix is fixed in foam, preventing damage during transportation.
The package includes everything you need to start using immediately after purchase. This is a remote control with a pair of AAA batteries, an HDMI cable, an AV cable, a power supply and a set of technical documentation.
Appearance
Smartlabs SML-482 HD is made in a compact black plastic case. With dimensions of 100x100x32 and a weight of 140 grams. It will not be a problem to find a place next to the TV and throw it with you in your bag if you need to transfer it.
All connectors are concentrated on one side: power connector, AV output, HDMI, LAN port, USB. The set-top box connects to the network via a wired and wireless connection.
USB is used to connect external drives.
The glossy cover flaunts the logo "Rostelecom", the bottom of the grid for passive heat removal and four rubber feet.
Remote control
The complete remote control can control not only the set-top box itself, but also the TV. There is all the necessary set of buttons for full control.
Filling
Smartlabs SML-482 HD is built on a fresh 2-core BCM7230 chip with an operating frequency of 750 MHz. On board 512 MB of RAM. The level of performance for the operation of the operating system and the launch of HD movies is here with a margin. It takes minimal time to load.Launch and use
At the first start, you are prompted to select the type of connection: wireless or wired. Checking for fresh firmware with a quick update. After accepting the license agreement, the first month of free use of the tariff is activated.
The section selection menu is adapted for viewing from a large screen, made in the form of a carousel of icons.
It is possible to view the ordered services and add the necessary ones.
In the settings, screen proportions, video, resolution, network access data are selected.
List of channels with the output of the program guide and a description of the current program.
The system allows you to pause and record programs. There is no way to view the issue or series, put it on record and watch later. If you missed the show, you can watch it in the archive. The archive is available upon activation of the "View Control" service.
If you do not need an on-air network, "Video rental" is offered. Start window with section selection and search option.
The database of films is regularly updated. For ease of navigation, films are divided into categories and collections.
Access to the film is offered in two types: temporary for 48 hours (usually half the price) and permanent. On average, the cost of viewing for 48 hours is 100 rubles.
Another paid service is Karaoke.
If there is only one TV at home, and there are several who want to use the service, Rostelecom has provided the Multiscreen option. Plus, you can start watching a movie on one device and continue on another.
