How to connect a digital set-top box to a computer monitor. How to connect a digital TV set-top box to a TV, monitor, and is it possible to connect to two at once? Other connectors and ports of the set-top box

Digital receivers are designed to receive a signal and display it on a TV screen. This means that few people wondered how to connect a monitor to a digital TV set-top box. However, today there are more and more such users, especially if they have at their disposal an outdated TV that is not capable of broadcasting images in HD format and a computer monitor standing idle. There are many ways to make a TV from a monitor, and we’ll talk about them.

Of course, some difficulties will still arise. For example, everything would be much simpler if there were “tulips” near the computer screen. If you have a new set-top box and monitor, then the situation is simplified, since such models are equipped with an HDMI interface. Older versions were connected via VGA and DVI-D, which is why problems arise.

HDMI and DVI-D interfaces are digital connectors with the appropriate quality of television signal transmission. If your monitor is equipped with speakers, you won't have to adjust the sound. However, the quality leaves much to be desired. Therefore, it is better to use acoustic systems.

Now we will try to set up the receiver and computer screen in order to view over-the-air digital television in the highest quality.

Checking connection compatibility

The essence of testing is that you need to check the availability of accessible connectors for the screen and set-top box. The main problem is that if you have an old monitor and a new tuner or vice versa. The devices will have completely different ports, making it difficult to configure the connection.

However, difficult does not mean impossible. Today you can purchase adapters without any problems. Mostly they are used to connect the DVB T2 set-top box to the monitor. For example, the adapter allows you to connect VGA and SCART or any other connectors.

It is clear that there will be no problems if you have a monitor and a receiver manufactured at approximately the same time. With a high degree of probability we can say that they will be equipped with approximately the same ports.

Therefore, before connecting a set-top box to the monitor, first be sure to think about what interfaces you will use to implement this idea. Keep in mind that not all inputs simultaneously transmit video and audio. Of course, the best option is HDMI. The easiest way is to buy an adapter to connect to a computer monitor.

Connecting the set-top box to the monitor

If you already have a free screen at your disposal, and you are just choosing a tuner for digital viewing, then keep in mind that the best option would be a hybrid receiver equipped with an HDMI interface and a VGA output.

The design of some models is additionally equipped with “tulips”, with their help you can connect speakers and an audio system. Naturally, such a device is universal, so the connection will be as simple and accessible as possible.

However, how to connect a TV set-top box to a monitor if the devices have completely different interfaces? In principle, nothing complicated, you need to purchase special adapters. Such adapters can be purchased without any problems at any radio electronics store.

Any Chinese online store will also offer a wide range of different adapters for connecting a monitor and a digital receiver. Many converters are a complete device with a board, therefore, they require a separate connection to the power supply.

Another characteristic feature of some adapters is audio output using an additional cable. Also, sometimes when connecting a digital set-top box to a computer, YPbPr and SCART connectors are used, but they interact with an analog signal. Therefore, you will need an additional AV to VGA converter.

Particular attention should be paid to such a parameter as the length of the connecting cable. As with coaxial cable, length directly affects signal attenuation. Therefore, the following requirements are put forward for the cords connecting a digital set-top box to a computer:

  • VGA – up to 3 meters.
  • HDMI – up to 5 meters.
  • DVI – up to 10 meters.

If after connecting the cables, including the antenna, an error message appears on the screen, this means that one of the devices is incompatible with the other or with the cord.

Setting up TV channels is carried out according to the standard principle. You need to use the receiver's remote control to start an automatic channel search.

Other connectors and ports of the set-top box

To understand exactly which ports will be used to connect the tuner to a PC monitor, you need to study all the interfaces that devices of this type are equipped with. The fact is, depending on the year of manufacture of the digital TV set-top box and the class of the computer screen, the set of connectors can vary significantly. In this regard, you need to carefully examine the rear panels of the devices for the presence of additional interfaces.

Antenna input

Until a certain time, this connector was given priority attention, so receivers of various price categories were equipped with it. As a result, the user could connect an analog TV antenna, satellite receiver or video player. Today, to receive digital signals, a classic external antenna, mainly of decimeter power, is used.

HDMI

This is perhaps the most significant and feature-rich multimedia interface. The connector allows you to simultaneously transmit audio and video signals through one cable. Shared transmission does not in any way affect the quality of the content, and there is no data loss. As a result, the user can play files, hear clear sound and see pictures in Full HD format.

SCART

Thanks to the presence of this interface, older models are connected to more modern equipment. This is especially true for devices that are not equipped with HDMI. It has been used for quite a long time, so it will soon cease to be used.

USB

Another multifunctional connector, since it is equipped with a wide variety of equipment: cameras, web cameras, flash drives, MP3 players and smartphones. The speed of information transfer directly depends on the interface version (2.0; 3.0), naturally, the higher it is, the better. Almost all modern receivers are equipped with USB 3.0, just like TVs. True, it will be useless for connecting a monitor, although it is possible to connect speakers through this interface.

VGA

The input provides image transmission to the monitor from external devices. Basically, it was previously used to connect a monitor to a computer, until it was replaced by more modern DVI and HDMI connectors. The interface will be useful to owners of equipment that is quite outdated. Compatibility with older equipment models is the main advantage of VGA.

When buying a smart set-top box for a TV or receiving an IPTV from an IPTV provider, many are not only looking for advice on choosing, but also information on how to connect it. Yes, advanced users will object that it’s complicated, but there are people who are far from all these modern gadgets. We will try to tell you in as much detail as possible how to connect a digital TV set-top box to modern and old TVs and monitors. What is needed for the Internet and peripheral devices to work.

Smart TV set-top boxes and digital set-top boxes

First of all, we need to figure out what these smart set-top boxes are and what the difference is from digital ones, and then we’ll talk about connection. It is important to distinguish between smart set-top boxes and receivers for receiving a digital signal. Outwardly they may be similar, but in terms of functionality the differences are fundamental.

Smart TV set-top boxes

They are small devices (usually in the form of a box, less often -) that are designed to expand the functionality of a regular TV.

Smart consoles boast an operating system (usually Android) and, which makes them like mini-computers with all the inherent capabilities (launching programs, visiting the Internet, playing games, etc.).

A TV set-top box running Android (less often Windows) makes it possible to turn the most ordinary TV or monitor into a real multimedia center. By connecting such a device, the user will be able to play, visit Internet pages, communicate with friends on social networks and much more. The cost of TV set-top boxes starts at 1,500 rubles (on foreign trading platforms).

Digital set-top boxes

Digital receivers (also called IPTV set-top boxes) only allow you to watch digital television, simultaneously improving the quality of the signal. As a rule, they are given by IPTV television providers when concluding a contract. The most popular digital cable television providers in Russia:

  • Rostelecom
  • Beeline TV
  • Home TV from MTS

Despite the difference in functionality, the process of connecting digital set-top boxes and Smart TV is very similar. Read the most complete instructions for connecting your TV to a set-top box.

Connecting a TV set-top box: what connectors can there be?

So, before considering the process of connecting a set-top box to a TV, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the connectors that the device may contain. Their variety and quantity directly depends on the specific TV box and its cost. We will look at a typical set of connectors for set-top boxes in the box form factor, since they are the most common today.

  • Power port. Almost every TV set-top box has one for connecting a power adapter. As a rule, it is presented in a round shape, so it is impossible to confuse it with others. Some models can use USB, miniUSB or microUSB ports for charging.
  • HDMI Every modern TV set-top box has it, it is necessary for connecting to image output devices (TVs, monitors). The package includes an HDMI cable that is used for connection. The HDMI interface can transmit both video and audio in high quality, which eliminates the need for a bunch of wires.
  • Audio outputs Despite the fact that one HDMI may be enough to connect a set-top box to a TV, manufacturers additionally equip devices with optical and/or coaxial audio outputs. They are necessary, as you might guess, for sound output. The optical output is marked as Optical or SPDIF, coaxial - Coaxial.
  • Card reader. Presented with a slot for installing SD / SDHC memory cards. It is not difficult to find a TV set-top box on the case.
  • USB. Most TV boxes have these ports, as they allow you to connect dozens of additional devices. I think there is no need to explain what USB looks like. The only thing to consider is the USB version. Today, USB 3.0 (blue port) is popular, which demonstrate better data transfer speeds than USB 2.0.
  • LAN The RJ-45 connector is also common. It is necessary to connect a TV set-top box to the Internet via a wire.
  • Analog video and audio. They are becoming increasingly rare given the widespread use of HDMI. Needed to connect a set-top box to old TVs that do not have a digital interface. For connection, a wire with RCA connectors (popularly called “tulips”) is used.

This is what the set of connectors for most smart set-top boxes looks like. As a rule, it is also supplemented by wireless interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). They are needed to connect peripherals (mice, keyboards, gamepads), as well as to access the Network via a router.

How to connect a set-top box to a modern TV?

Let's start with the simplest problem, which can be solved in a matter of seconds. When we say a modern TV, we mean that it has an HDMI interface. Look for a port marked accordingly on the back or sides of the TV. A set-top box has an HDMI connector on the back. To connect, use an HDMI cable, which is included in the kit. If the manufacturer does not provide this, you will have to purchase it separately. Once the HDMI cable is connected, the power adapter is connected to the TV box.

However, you will not immediately see the image on the TV screen from the set-top box. It is necessary to change the display mode in the TV settings to output via HDMI. If there are several ports, then select the number of the one to which the TV Box is connected. That's it, you can turn on the set-top box using the remote control. We'll talk about settings and connecting to the Internet below.

How to connect a TV set-top box to a monitor?

Initially, all TV Boxes are designed to connect to TVs, but many users want to use the device with monitors. If the monitor is modern (has HDMI), then there should be no problems with the connection. We just do the same steps as for the TV. The situation is more complicated when the monitor is outdated, and all it has are VGA and DVI connectors. In this case, you won't be able to just plug in the cord.

To connect a digital TV set-top box you will need an adapter. The simplest option looks like: HDMI –VGA or HDMI – DVI (see photo above). That is, at one end of the cable we have an HDMI connector, at the other - VGA or DVI. Accordingly, one end is connected to the set-top box, the other to the monitor. True, there is no guarantee that such a design will work. The reason may be either poor-quality wire or HDCP technology (used for copy protection).

A more reliable way is an HDMI to VGA and Audio converter. It is a small device that converts audio and video. You can buy it in almost any online store. On the one hand, a TV set-top box is connected to it via an HDMI cable, on the other – VGA or DVI. There is also a branch represented by a wire with a 3.5 mm jack for outputting sound to external speakers.

There are other connection options, but almost all require the use of a converter. Connecting a TV set-top box in this way will, of course, take some work, but as a result, the old monitor can become like a large smartphone on which you can watch movies and play games.

How to connect a digital set-top box to an old TV?

Many users are interested in set-top boxes as a way to make an old TV a little smarter, extending its life. But the question arises: how to connect a smart set-top box to an old TV that does not have HDMI? Firstly, you can look for a TV-Box model, which has a set of composite outputs (usually three (maybe two): yellow - video; red and white - sound). Accordingly, you need to find inputs of the same color on the TV (in video / audio). For connection, a 3RCA -3RCA cable is used (three “tulips” at each end). Each “tulip” has its own color, so it’s impossible to get confused. After connecting the set-top box, you need to switch the TV to video output mode (look for the corresponding button on the television remote control (Video or Source).

Modern TV Boxes with more advanced hardware discard outdated “tulips” and use the AV output. The cable is not always included. In this case, you will have to additionally buy an adapter. As a rule, a 3.5 Jack -3RCA cable is suitable (it has a 3.5 connector at one end (similar to the one used in headphones), and 3 “tulips” at the other end). Jack is connected to the corresponding output on the set-top box (AV), 3RCA - to the TV.

You can also find video signal converters (converters) on sale, for example the HDMI2AV model, which costs approximately 500 rubles. On the one hand, a TV set-top box is connected to it via HDMI, on the other, the signal is output to the TV via a 3RCA -3RCA wire. As you can see, there is room to turn around.

How to connect a set-top box to two TVs?

Often, users want to make several TVs at once “smart” in their home by connecting them to one TV Box. Theoretically this is possible, but it is difficult to predict how this will happen in practice.

Read the instructions for your set-top box carefully! It may simply not support such a connection and fail.

So, we need the digital set-top box itself and two TVs, one must be with HDMI, the second will be connected via RCA. The connection occurs as we discussed above. That is, we connect one TV to the set-top box via an HDMI cable, the second - we use an RCA wire or appropriate adapters. If the system works, then we have several nuances:

  • Both TVs display the same image. You won’t be able to play on one and watch videos on the Internet on the other – the system does not provide for working in this mode.
  • If the set-top box is in one room, and the TVs are in two others, then you will have to constantly run to the Box to switch something.

In what situations can connecting one set-top box to two TVs be useful? For example, when you want it to be possible both in the living room and in the kitchen.

How to access the Internet on a TV set-top box?

Besides the obvious viewing of movies from internal storage and external drives, the set-top box can be connected to the Internet, which significantly expands its capabilities. There are two ways to access the Internet. Firstly, we can use a Wi-Fi router, which can be found in every apartment today. How does the connection happen?

  • Go to TV Box settings using the remote control or mouse.
  • We are looking for a Wi-Fi point. The interface is disabled by default. To turn it on, drag the slider to the active state.
  • The search for available Wi-Fi networks will begin. As a rule, this takes a matter of seconds. From the list, select your network to connect to.
  • by clicking “OK” at the end.

That’s it, if there are no problems with the router, then you can start downloading applications, surfing the Internet and watching movies online.

Secondly, you can use the interface that many TV Boxes have. Physically, it is represented by an RJ-45 connector or also called LAN (see the connector diagram below again), located on the rear side.


It is to this that the network cable is connected, through which Internet access is provided by the provider, or which is connected to your modem or router.

After the wire is connected, go to the settings of the TV set-top box, where you need to make the slider opposite the item active. As a rule, your smart set-top box will automatically receive the required address on the network and you will have Internet access. If not, open the settings, select Ethernet and enter the necessary data (the same as on your computer, only in the IP address field change the last digit to plus one or minus one)

How to connect peripheral devices to a TV set-top box?

For many users, the remote control is not enough for comfortable operation. Often, Chinese manufacturers offer inconvenient remote controls in the kit, with which you can only flip through desktops and switch videos. Fortunately, all consoles make it possible to connect a mouse, a keyboard, a gamepad, and many other devices. How to connect them to a TV set-top box?

The easiest, but not always convenient way is through USB ports. You can connect the simplest wired mouse or keyboard to them, the main thing is that there are enough connectors. If there are devices with special radio modules, then they can also be used. However, the connection via wireless interfaces looks more interesting. Almost all smart set-top boxes have Wi-Fi, which works great with various peripherals. Many models also receive the widespread Bluetooth.

Connecting peripherals to a TV set-top box via a wireless interface takes place in a few simple steps. We activate the desired interface on the device and TV Box (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). From the list of found devices, select the one you need, after which pairing will occur. If you are required to enter a password, use the combinations “0000” or “1234”.


You bought an Android TV set-top box and want to connect and test it as soon as possible. Before proceeding directly to this lesson, it is necessary to study the device in more detail. Next, we will take a closer look at the standard connectors that the devices are equipped with.

Connectors and ports of TV set-top boxes

HDMI. All modern boxes have this connector. Its direct purpose is to connect to devices for displaying images, such as monitors or televisions. An HDMI cable must be included with the set-top box. If it breaks, it will not be difficult to buy a replacement in specialized stores. It is worth noting that this type of connector eliminates a lot of wires, thanks to its ability to transmit not only video, but also audio signals.

Analog (sound and video). Such exits are very rare. They are being replaced by HDMI. They are useful for connecting the device to an older model that does not have a digital interface. To set up the connection, “tulip” cables (wires with RCA connectors) are used.

USB. It is known to many users. All modern phones are equipped with it. It can be found on players, cameras and other gadgets. There are several USB options. The most popular version is USB 3.0. Compared to its predecessor USB 2.0, it transmits signals faster and with better quality.

Audio outputs. As mentioned above in the article, HDMI is capable of transmitting both audio and video. That's all you need to use the TV box. But manufacturers still equip models with audio outputs, optical or coaxial. Sometimes both occur. They are designated as Optical or SPDIF. If we are talking about coaxial output, then Coaxial.

LAN It is used to allow the user to connect the set-top box to the World Wide Web using a wire. This option is more reliable than a wireless connection. The signal is clearer and without interruptions. The RJ-45 type is often found on TV boxes.

Card reader. A special slot designed for reading SD and SDHC cards. There is a card next to it, so it’s easy to find it on the device.

Nutrition. The port is required for all set-top boxes, regardless of model. The power adapter is connected to it. It has a round shape, which makes it difficult to confuse it with others. On the market you can find options that receive electricity using a USB port: mini-USB or micro-USB.

Now you know more about modern Android-based TV set-top boxes and what they are needed for. In addition to what is mentioned in the article, the devices are equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless interfaces. Do not forget to read the instructions in detail after purchasing.

How to connect an Android TV set-top box to a modern TV?

Let's start with the easiest and simplest task, which will only take a few seconds. The market offers customers a huge range of modern TVs. In this article, by this designation we mean the presence of an HDMI interface. First you need to find a connector on your TV with this designation. It is placed on the side or back.

On all TV set-top boxes, regardless of the model, it is located on the back. You cannot do without an HDMI cable; you will find it in the kit. Connect the cable connecting the two devices and attach the power adapter to the box.

Didn't notice the image on the screen? Don't worry right away. For the picture to appear, you must select the display mode in the TV settings. If there are several ports, you must select the one to which the box is connected. Now you can pick up the remote control and control the device remotely.

How to connect a set-top box to an old TV

Some users use a set-top box to get the most out of their old TV, extending its lifespan.

The question arises: how to properly connect these devices to each other?

Old TVs do not have an HDMI output, so you need to choose a TV set-top box that has analog outputs: white and red socket - audio; yellow – video signal. The TV must have the appropriate connectors. For the image you will need tulip cords, with three plugs at the end of each.

All necessary cables have been used and connected correctly. Using the remote control, we set the necessary settings. You need to start the video output function on your TV.
If you keep up with the times, it is recommended to choose an improved model. There are no outdated “tulips” in the new boxes for a long time. The cords needed when connecting to an old TV are rarely included. They need to be purchased additionally in stationary or online stores. 3.5 Jack-3RCA will do. On one side there are three “tulips” of different colors, on the other there is a 3.5 connector. Three plugs are connected to the TV, one to the set-top box.

There are a variety of signal converters available on the market. A widely used model is HDMI2AV. Its price is about five hundred rubles. It connects the box using an HDMI cable and the TV using a 3RCA-3RCA cable. Based on the above information, the choice of connections is huge.

Are you sure you did everything correctly, but the image does not appear? The problem may be a malfunction of the equipment, cables, adapter or adapters. If the warranty does not apply, the gadget will be replaced or repaired free of charge. Repairs must be carried out by a qualified technician. Without the proper knowledge and skills, you cannot repair the device.

How to connect a TV set-top box to a monitor

Initially, when experts developed Android TV boxes, they were created specifically for televisions. Over time, taking into account consumer demands and technology development, devices began to be actively connected to monitors. If you are using a monitor model with an HDMI connector, then there should be no problems. The procedure is the same as when working with a TV.

If the monitor is no longer new, then the situation becomes more complicated. You will need the following connectors: VGA and DVI. Simply connecting a cable and getting an image will not work. More work needs to be done.

To achieve the expected result you need a special adapter. The more common type is: HDMI–DVI, as well as . On one side of the adapter there is an HDMI electrical connector, on the other side a VGA or DVI connector. Depending on which one you need. One end is connected to the set-top box, and the other to the monitor.

If you did everything correctly, it is not a fact that the image will appear. Perhaps the problem may be poor quality wire or copy protection - HDCP.

A more reliable method is to use an HDMI to VGA and Audio converter. Externally, this is a compact device, it costs little, and you can find it in any themed store. Easy to use. The TV box is connected on one side via an HDMI cable, and on the other there are VGA or DVI connectors. There is also a separate branch with a 3.5 mm jack - a standard jack for speakers or headphones.

These are not all connection methods, but almost all involve the use of a converter. Before you begin, check the condition of the connectors and cables, as well as the equipment used.

Hello. I offer a review of a DVB-T2 receiver with a VGA output, to which you can connect an old unnecessary monitor, be it a CRT or an LCD, it doesn’t matter.
As a result, with minimal labor costs, you get a TV with the ability to receive digital terrestrial television.
For those interested, please...

I think many people remember reviews of conversions of old monitors into TVs using special boards that were inserted into these same monitors in various ways. Some did it beautifully, some not so much, but it doesn’t matter, the main thing is the result.
I also remembered this when I came across a 17-inch LCD monitor lying around at home. But then the thought came, what if you don’t have to redo anything, but choose the right digital receiver and that’s it? And yes, it turns out they exist!

The receiver arrived without a box, just in a package. The photo of the parcel has not survived, but there is nothing to see there. Includes receiver, power supply and remote control.

Let's start with the remote control:



Nothing unusual, the remote control is very standard, powered by 2 AAA batteries, which were also not included.

Receiver:





At first glance, it is also the most standard digital television receiver. On the top surface there are control buttons, on the front end there is a window for an indicator and an infrared receiver, on the right side there are three sockets for “tulip” connectors (1 video and 2 audio), on the rear end there is an antenna input, a power socket, USB, HDMI, VGA. It’s the last connector that makes the receiver under review stand out from the huge team of its brothers.

Disassembly:

To disassemble the case, you need to tear off the legs, under which the screws are hidden. Next, the case is easily separated into 2 parts.


The main receiver chip is hidden under a glued heatsink. I didn't tear it off for fear of damaging it. The high-frequency part is assembled on the fairly popular MXL608 chip:

Also on the board there is a 32MBit serial Flash memory chip MX25L3206E

The most interesting thing is the presence of the EP94Z1E chip, which is an HDMI to VGA + audio converter. HDMI-2-VGA converters are produced using these chips. Those. in this case, there is a hybrid of a conventional DVB-T2 receiver and an HDMI to VGA converter.

Device operation:
After connecting the antenna, power supply and monitor to the receiver, a menu for selecting a language and searching for channels appeared on the latter. There was no Russian among the languages ​​present in the firmware, so English was left. In the process of searching for channels, signals from two multiplexes were discovered, consisting of 20 TV channels and 3 radio channels.
The picture is quite watchable.

Below I will give a photo of the menu pages; I see no point in describing them in detail, because... they are no different from similar samples without a VGA output. Everything is standard.


It is only necessary to note the need to also connect a device for audio output (speakers). If the receiver is connected to a TV via HDMI, then both image and sound are transmitted through this interface, but when using the receiver together with a monitor, the sound must be output through something. You can use computer active speakers by connecting them to the “tulips”. I used a speaker with a built-in amplifier, which I once pulled out of an HP system unit. The built-in amplifier is powered by 5 volts, so I decided to power it from a USB receiver, for which I soldered a USB connector to the end of the cable for power and a “tulip” for connecting to the audio output.

Video version of the review:

Result:

As I indicated above, this receiver is a hybrid of a regular DVB-T2 receiver and an HDMI to VGA converter. Those. you could buy any digital receiver offline and order an HDMI to VGA adapter. It would cost about the same. But there, perhaps, problems could arise with the joint operation of the receiver and adapter. There are no problems here, because... The manufacturer took care of their absence by “stuffing” 2 of these devices into 1 case.
So, with the help of this receiver, the old monitor turns into... a TV.
That's all I wanted to share. I'm planning to buy +110 Add to favorites I liked the review +70 +130

Technology, especially computer technology, tends to become obsolete, and recently this has been happening at a very rapid pace. Old monitors may no longer be needed by anyone, and selling them will be very problematic. You can breathe a second life into an old LCD display by turning it into a regular TV for use at home, for example, in the kitchen. In this article we will talk about how to turn a computer monitor into a TV.

In order to solve the problem, we do not need a computer, but we will have to purchase some hardware. This is, first of all, a TV tuner or set-top box, as well as a set of cables for connecting an antenna. The antenna itself is also needed, but only if cable television is not used.

Tuner selection

When choosing such devices, you need to pay attention to the set of ports for connecting a monitor and acoustics. On the market you can find tuners with VGA, HDMI and DVI connectors. If the Monique is not equipped with its own speakers, then you will also need a linear output for headphones or speakers. Please note that audio is only possible when connected via HDMI.

Connection

The configuration of a tuner, monitor and speaker system is quite easy to assemble.

Conclusion

As you can see, making a TV from an old Monica is quite easy; you just need to find a suitable tuner in stores. Be careful when choosing a device, as not all of them are suitable for these purposes.