TV set-top boxes running the Windows operating system are becoming more and more popular every day. Increasing device performance at falling prices plays a significant role in this. In addition, Windows set-top boxes have an intuitive interface that is familiar to most users and do not require additional instructions and guides to get started with them.

In this article, we'll take a look at five of the most popular Windows consoles, including specifications, prices and customer ratings. The rating is based on the number of orders of goods purchased by customers on request Windows TV Box.

Content:

Tronsmart ARA X5 Plus

Specifications:

Operating system: Windows 10
CPU:
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
RAM: 2 GB DDR3L
Internal storage: 32GB eMMC
Communications: WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz, LAN 100 Mbit, 2xUSB 2.0,
1xUSB 3.0, HDMI, MicroSD, 3.5 mm headset jack

Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0

Currently out of sale

Tronsmart ARA X5 Plus- a mini PC on Windows 10, built on the basis of a quad-core Intel Cherry Trail Z8300 processor. At the time of this writing, ARA X5 Plus is the most popular device sold on demand Windows TV Box and deservedly receives the first place in our rating.

What caused such a high popularity? The answer is quite simple - price / quality ratio. Tronsmart ARA X5 Plus can be purchased at a price of 6,000 rubles, while getting a productive TV Box on Windows 10 with a quad-core Intel processor and a silent cooling system.

Buy Tronsmart ARA X5 Plus at a price of 6,000 rubles ($ 97) is possible only in China by ordering using the trading platform AliExpress ... At the same time, free shipping with an international tracked track is available, as well as a discount when purchasing through a mobile application. To take advantage of this discount, go to the product page, hover over the inscription “ Even more discounts in the app"Right under its price and follow further instructions... Also, using the official cashback from ePN, you can reduce the price by ARA X5 Plus almost up to 5,000 rubles. Agree - this is a great price for a compact Windows 10 computer.

The possibilities of using TV Box on Windows from Tronsmart are by no means limited to watching IPTV channels and other streaming video - connect a keyboard, mouse, printer, webcam and anything else and do the same as on ordinary desktops and laptops.

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Equipment:

1. Tronsmart ARA X5 PlusWindows 10 TV BOX
2. HDMI cable
3. Power adapter 5V, 3A
4. Detachable WiFi antenna
5. User manual

Vorke V1 Windows 10 TV Box

Specifications:

Operating system: Windows 10
CPU: Intel Braswell Celeron J3160 1.6 GHz
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400
RAM: 4 GB DDR3L
Inner memory: 64 GB (SSD, mSATA)
Communications: WiFi 802.11AC, 1Gbps LAN, Bluetooth 4.0, 2xUSB 3.0,
2xUSB 2.0, headset 3.5 mm, HDMI 1.4b, VGA, microSD card slot

Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0

Vorke V1 is an excellent example of an inexpensive Windows TV Box device with excellent technical equipment: Intel Braswell Celeron, 4 GB DDR3L RAM and 64 GB SSD drive at a price below 10,000 rubles.

Why, with such excellent data, the prefix Vorke V1 Was it on the second line of the rating? The thing is that it appeared on the market not so long ago, without having an attractively low price as its closest competitor (ARA X5). In other words, the mass interest in this set-top box will increase later, when the buyer has requests for higher performance of the mini PC at a low price.

Have Vorke V1 there is something to please its owner - instead of the built-in eMMC memory, the device uses a replaceable 64 GB SSD disk, which significantly increases the speed of the system; 4 GB of RAM allows you to solve more resource-intensive tasks; graphics accelerator Intel HD Graphics 400 makes it possible to play 3D games.

An important feature is the presence of a VGA video output, due to which V1 can be easily connected to older models of monitors and projectors.

Buy Vorke V1 TV Box possible at a price of 9,700 rubles with free shipping from China.Click here to see all offers and compare prices .

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Equipment:

1. Vorke V1 Windows 10 TV Box
2. 12V power adapter *
3. HDMI cable
4. Instructions

Minix NEO Z83 4

Specifications:

Operating system: Windows 10
CPU: Intel Atom X5 Z8300 1.44 GHz (4 cores)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
RAM: 4 GB DDR3L
Internal storage: 32GB eMMC 5.0
Communications: WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz, LAN 1000 Mbps, Bluetooth 4.2, 3xUSB 2.0,
1xUSB 3.0, HDMI 1.4, Mini Display Port, MicroSD, 3.5mm headset jack

Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0

Minix NEO Z83-4 also has on board the operating system Windows 10 and Intel Atom X5 Z8300 as a central processor. The main hardware features of this mini PC are 4GB of RAM, Gigabit Ethernet interface and Mini Display Port as an additional video output.

Like all Smart TV set-top boxes discussed in this article, buy Minix NEO Z83-4 on the most favorable terms is possible only on the international trading platform AliExpress. At the same time, the minimum price for this Windows TV Box will be from 10,500 rubles with free shipping. To reduce the cost, you can use the following methods - purchase through a mobile application, as well as cashback from ePN. This will help you save up to 500 rubles. Use this link to explore the product page.

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Equipment:

1. Minix NEO Z83-4
2. HDMI cable
3. Power adapter 12V, 3A
4. Detachable WiFi antenna
5. User manual

Pipo X10 Mini PC

Specifications:

Operating system: Windows 10 / Android 5.1
CPU: Intel Cherry Trail Z8350 1.44 GHz (4 cores)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
RAM: 4 GB DDR3L
Internal storage: 64GB eMMC
Built-in battery: 10000 mAh
Communications: WiFi 2.4 GHz, LAN 100 Mbit, Bluetooth 4.0, 3xUSB 2.0,
1xUSB 3.0, HDMI 2.0, MicroSD, 3.5mm headset jack

Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0

Pipo X10 - a device unique in many ways, created for use in Dual OS mode, which allows the user to switch between Windows 10 and Android 5.1, depending on the task at hand.

Dual operating system isn't the only thing Pipo X10. The mini PC has a 10.8 inch touch screen and can be used without connecting to an external monitor or TV. In addition to previous models from the series Pipo X, such an unusual solution is not found anymore among the devices of the category Windows TV Box.

Another important feature is the presence of a built-in battery with a capacity of 10,000 mAh, which allows you to use X10 offline for a while.

In fourth place in our ranking Pipo X10 Mini PC turned out to be due to insufficiently increased popularity among buyers. Perhaps the reasons lie in the fact that the device was on sale not so long ago, and its design may seem controversial to someone. All the same, a huge touch screen assumes active tactile interaction with it, while the category itself Windows TV Box means viewing multimedia content on an external TV screen.

Average price for Pipo X10 is from 12,000 rubles when ordering from China with free shipping. See all price offers you can follow the link... Buy Pipo X10 in Russia, at least at an acceptable cost without extra charges, it is not possible.

As in all other cases, when ordering a device on AliExpress, you can save a lot by using the mobile application and cashback.

Gallery:

Specifications:

Operating system: Windows 10
CPU: Intel X5-Z8350 1.44 GHz (4 cores)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400
RAM: 2 GB DDR3L
Inner memory: 32 GB
Communications: WiFi AC (2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz), 1000 Gbps LAN,
BT 4.0, 2xUSB 2.0, 1xUSB 3.0, HDMI 1.4, SD card, 3.5mm audio

Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0

Despite the mediocre technical characteristics, Beelink Z83 II has one very significant advantage - its low price. Buy Beelink Z83 II on Aliexpress you can only for 5,150 rubles (excluding discounts). In other words, this is the cheapest TV box for Windows that can only be found in Chinese online stores. Naturally, there is no talk of buying a device at such a price in domestic stores. ...

Intel X5-Z8350 quad-core processor allows you to perform most daily tasks without problems, therefore Z83 easily cope with the functions of a TV set-top box. But still, you shouldn't demand much from this mini PC.

Equipment:

1. Beelink Z83 II TV BOX
2. HDMI cable
3. Power adapter 5 V 2 A *
4. User manual
5. Bracket and fasteners

This concludes our rating of the best Smart TV boxes for Windows. We hope that the information provided has helped you make the right choice and purchase a device that is ideally suited to your needs. Add the site site to your bookmarks and stay tuned for the updates of our TV set-top box catalog and the release of new articles. All the best and happy shopping!

Content:

The prices for TV set-top boxes are current at the time of this writing (07/08/2017). For accurate information on prices for Winows TV Box, use the links provided in the article for each product.

An old computer - a suitcase without a handle, which is a pity to throw away, but also hard to carry? Outdated or just low-powered PCs and laptops can have a second life as a Smart TV set-top box. "Smart TV" can be made from a computer based on any version of Windows. But ideally, it is better based on Windows 10. We connect a monitor or a regular TV to the computer, purchase a remote control for a PC, optimally configure the operating system environment - and we get a functional Smart TV. Let's take a closer look at how to turn your PC into a Windows 10 Smart TV.

1. Old computer VS Smart TV set-top box

Alas, not every old or low-power computer will be able to play the role of a full-fledged media attachment that meets modern requirements for viewing video content in 2K or 4K. If we consider the issue of at least a minimal upgrade of a computer, it is necessary to carefully weigh the pros and cons, in particular, take into account that:

A Smart TV set-top box based on a modern version of Android with support for 2K / 4K, for example, through a promotion on AliExpress, can be purchased for an amount of around 2,500 rubles;

Such a prefix will save you from headaches, how to hide a bulky PC case so that it does not spoil the design of the room.

With drawbacks such as a bulky case and, possibly, brakes when playing video in 2K / 4K, the computer will outperform Smart TV:

Lower cost of repair services (and with sufficient experience, damaged components can be replaced on your own);

A simple universal procedure for reinstalling Windows, while not everyone can reflash a media attachment;

The great capabilities of the Windows operating system.

Although, if these are not necessary, in some cases, Windows may have alternatives.

2. Operating system as a Smart TV platform

The Android operating system is more tailored for common needs such as multimedia viewing. Firstly, it is a system with a mobile interface adapted for small or large screens, but with which you need to work from a distance. Secondly, the Google Play store has a huge number of cinema applications, IPTV players, clients of various media services. The Microsoft Store for Windows 10 has a much smaller selection of mobile-friendly UWP multimedia apps.

But Android won't install on every PC or laptop. For the sake of experiment, you can try to download the Android installation image from the Android-x86.Org website and install this operating system. However, there is a possibility that some components of the computer will not work. Or they will work, but with errors. Android-x86.Org is an enthusiast resource that builds Android builds adapted for desktops, but these builds are offered as-is. And the correct operation of all possible computer stuffing is not promised in any way.

As an alternative to the Android desktop assembly, you can try Remix OS - an operating system based on Android-x86, with support for applications from Google Play, but with its own unique interface like a desktop operating system. The Remix OS project, alas, is already dead, but its distribution kit can still be downloaded from the official website www.jide.com.

As for Windows, its version 10 is well adapted to the mobile format. Well, problems with a meager selection of content in the Microsoft Store can be solved. But, before we look at exactly how to solve these problems, let's talk about remote control of your computer.

3. Computer remote control

How to remotely control a Windows computer? This is possible using a smartphone, wireless keyboard or mouse. But, for example, for kitchens or children's rooms, it is better to purchase a special remote control for a PC. Such a remote control is the most budget-friendly way to equip your own Smart TV. On AliExpress, for the request "remote control for Windows", we will see a lot of offers at a price of up to 700 rubles.

For example, the cheapest remote control for 200 rubles. has support Windows versions from 2000 to 10, equipped with navigation, buttons Power, Win, Esc, Enter, Tab, Backspace, Page Up and Page Down, volume. There are buttons for expanding the whole screen, calling the explorer, browser, mail client. A set of multimedia buttons, cursor control stick, right / left mouse buttons are provided. Data entry is carried out using the T9 layout. The remote control works by means of a receiver connected to a computer via USB.

4. Configuring Windows 10

What's the best way to set up Windows 10 as a Smart TV? In this system, you don't need to make much effort. We activate the tablet mode.

We can also choose the optimal scale of the system interface.

You can also optimize Windows in order to improve its performance - disable unnecessary services, remove some effects, refuse updates. But that's a completely different story.

5. Multimedia content in the Microsoft Store

As mentioned, there is not much multimedia content in the Windows 10 app store when compared to Google Play. But there is something for basic needs. There is a selection of applications for watching IPTV television.

We give it an arbitrary name, insert the IPTV playlist address, click "Add a remote list".

And select the channels.

To watch films, you can use the client applications of the film portals Megogo or Ivi.Ru.

Or iTunes.

But there is no official client for YouTube, but there are several third-party ones.

If you don't like YouTube apps from the Microsoft Store, you can use a browser window to use official version video hosting site optimized for TVs - YouTube TV.

6. YouTube TV website in the Chrome app

How to work with the YouTube TV site? Install the Chrome browser. We go to the address:

https://www.youtube.com/tv

Smart TV good in that the capabilities of the TV can be expanded with widgets. Usually they are installed from built-in stores, but sometimes you want to add applications from third-party developers.

To make Smart TV even smarter, install third-party widgets using a USB flash drive, or IP -addresses of applications.

Samsung

Standard widgets are installed through the built-in Samsung Apps store. With third-party applications, the situation is a little more complicated. Samsung has limited the ability to install them, but this prohibition can be circumvented. To install third-party widgets, you need a USB flash drive. Format it to FAT32. For this:

Connect your flash drive to your computer.

Open up "A computer" and right-click on the drive.

Select item "Format".

Select a file system FAT32.

Click on "Begin".

Then you need to click the "Tools" button to get into the settings, go to the "Development" section, mark the "IP settings" line and enter the address of the application that you want to install.

Lg

Standard widgets are available on LG Apps TV service. But if you don't find what you want among them, you can download and install applications from third-party developers. This is done using a flash drive:

1. Download an archive with a widget to your computer. LG. Download applications from trusted sources so as not to harm the system.
2. Check the file system of the flash drive. It should be formatted inFAT32.

Unpack the contents of the archive to the root of your flash drive.

3. Plug the USB stick into the top connector USB on TV.
4. Run the appMy Apps, select the USB icon and open the widget installation file from the USB stick.

On LG TVs there are several restrictions. Widgets are launched only if there is a USB flash drive connected. Some USB - drives may not be suitable for installing applications, and TVs with one USB -connector may not support launching widgets.

Philips

The installation of standard widgets can be done through the App Gallery application, which is located on the main page of Smart TV. If you want to install a third-party widget, you need a USB stick.

1. Format the flash drive to the file systemFAT32.

Create a folder in the root of the flash drive "Userwidget".

Transfer the archives of the widgets with the installation files inside to the created folder.

Launch Smart TV and connect the USB flash drive to the TV.

The installation of widgets, the files of which are uploaded to the root of the drive, will start automatically. After the installation is complete, you will find the applications in the SmartTV menu.

Instead of a flash drive, you can use ForkPlayer to install third-party widgets. How to install this app on Samsung and LG Philips instructions:

Open the network connection settings on the TV.

Change DNS to 046.036.218.194.

Wait until the connection is established. If there is no connection, restart the TV.

Open the Megogo software. Instead, ForkPlayer will work, through which you can install third-party widgets.

Some Philips TVs run Android OS, so there is no problem installing applications, including third-party ones - widgets are added in the same way as on a phone or tablet.

Smart TVs are becoming more and more popular. This is primarily due to the possibilities offered by these models. So, their relevance is largely determined by the presence of a function that allows you to connect third-party devices to the TV and view files from them on a large screen.

The use of this function becomes possible thanks to a special application Samsung Smart View, which provides synchronization of devices and the ability to display files from one to another.

Smart View for Windows 7 in Russian can be downloaded for free on the official Samsung website, and versions for smartphones on iOS and Android operating systems are available in Google Play and AppStore virtual stores.

Features and Benefits of Samsung Smart View

The application has a simple and intuitive interface, it does not take up much space on the computer, and does not impose any special requirements on devices. At the same time, Smart View has broad capabilities. It:

• Availability of a version for both a computer and a smartphone.
• Play files of any format and size. Movies that take up even gigabytes of memory on a computer "go" on the TV screen as well as small videos. Slowdowns can only be due to a weak connection to the network.
• Equally good job on all TVs with Smart TV. The quality of the picture or sound does not depend on the newness of the TV.
• Support for using your smartphone as a TV remote control.
• Support for watching TV programs on a computer or mobile device.
• Supports sleep mode, in which you can watch TV on a computer, smartphone or tablet even after turning off the TV.

The availability of certain features depends on the device you are using. Thus, the remote control mode cannot be enabled in the PC version.

On which computers can you download Samsung Smart View

Samsung Smart View is available after you connect your computer to the TV. Moreover, if the second device should only support the Smart TV function, more serious requirements are imposed on the first:

• The PC must be running Windows 7-10. In terms of bit depth, the app is suitable for both 32-bit and 64-bit devices.
• RAM must be at least 2 gigabytes in size. It is possible that the application will install even if the memory is less. This is only a recommended value.
• You need a processor with a frequency of at least 1.8 GHz.
• Medium to high power video card required.

Provided that these requirements are met, the application will run on any computer model.

How to download Samsung Smart View for Windows 7

The site contains the same file for all versions of Windows. No matter how modern your operating system is, you can download and install it. To do this:

The waiting time depends on the speed of the Internet connection.

How to Install Samsung Smart View on Windows 7 PC

To start working with the application, the downloaded file must be installed on your computer. This process for Windows 7 takes place in 4 stages:

1. After the file is downloaded, a window will appear asking you to confirm your consent to launch the application. We press the "run" button.
2. In the next step, we also agree that Smart View is installed on the PC. The setup wizard warns you to close all other applications. Close, if any, and click "next".
3. We accept the terms of the license agreement again by clicking the "next" button, but before that we put a tick next to the item "I accept the terms of the license agreement."
4. The next window notifies that the file will be saved on the C drive in the program folder. If you want to save the installed application in a different folder, you can specify its name.

Installation completed. To start working with the application, all you have to do is click "done" and put a check mark next to the item "launch Samsung Smart View".

What to do if Smart View won't install on your computer

Let's take a look at the most common errors that occur while downloading and installing Samsung Smart View and how to fix them.

If the application does not install or download for an unknown reason (the system does not notify about the reason), try starting the process over. Restarting the browser can also be a solution to the problem.

TV boxes are becoming more and more popular among users Windows 10 for many reasons. First, they offer a range of interesting features packed into one compact device that can be connected to a variety of devices. Secondly, they exist in very small sizes, which makes them easy to carry. Let's see what is the best TV box solution on Windows 10 at the moment.

1.


The latest VOYO V3 is powered by Intel Cherry Trail X7-Z8700 processor with Intel HD Graphics support. Thanks to such a processor, it can reach a maximum clock speed of up to 2.4GHz. The 8th Gen Intel HD video processor plays any high-definition video vigorously.
Voyo V3 supports Bluetooth 4.0 and can be easily paired with many Bluetooth devices (computers, smart TVs) and also has one HDMI port and one USB-C port. Connect it to your smart TV and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of HD movies.

Buy TV box VOYO V3 Mini in the GearBest.com store at the moment it is possible with a 30% discount at a price of $ 205.99.

2.


This TV box is powered by Intel Cherry Trail Z800 Quad Core processor and 8th Gen Intel HD video processor. The processor is clocked at 1.84 GHz and is supported by 2 GB of RAM. In terms of connectivity, the Rikomagic RKM MK36S includes two USB 2.0 slots, one USB 3.0 slot and one HDMI port. You can also use it as a mini PC.

Of course, this TV box is not as fast as the VOYO V3, but if you are not ready to spend too much money, the Rikomagic RKM MK36S TV Box is the right choice For you.

Buy TV box Rikomagic RKM MK36S in the GearBest.com store at the moment it is possible with a 60% (!) discount at a price of $ 123.17.

3.


This media player is powered by a 64-bit Cherry Trail Z8300 14nm 1.8G processor and an 8th generation video accelerator. With a fanless cooling system, Tronsmart Ara X5 offers a quiet yet stable system. The device supports the following video formats: HD MPEG1 / 2/4, H.264, H.265, HD AVC / VC-1, RM / RMVB, Xvid / DivX3 / 4/5/6, RealVideo8 / 9/10.

It can also be successfully used as a personal computer and has built-in Cortana functionality in Windows 10. However, its performance as a mini computer is not as impressive, so we recommend using it primarily as a set-top box. ...

Buy TV box Tronsmart Ara X5 in the Aliexpress store at the moment it is possible with a 20% discount at a price of $ 111.99.

4.


This media player is powered by an Intel Atom x5-Z8300 processor (2M Cache, up to 1.84 GHz) with a video processor from Intel and was released in January 2016. Fast WiFi 2.4G / 5.8G for more stable signal transmission. In terms of connections, it offers Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0 for high-speed data transfer.