A detailed review of the Sberbox set-top box: connection, configuration, applications

At the end of last year, the first TV-set-top box SberBox began to go on sale. Its main difference from other devices is voice control. Simultaneously several smart assistants (Sber / Athena / Joy) listen to and execute the user’s commands. Before buying a Sber Box set-top box, you should familiarize yourself with its technical characteristics, packaging and connection and configuration features.

Sberbox: what kind of prefix, what is its peculiarity

SberBox is a smart media attachment that Sber produces. The device is connected to any modern TVs that have an HDMI connector. Thanks to the set-top box, an ordinary TV can be turned into an entertainment center. By purchasing SberBox, people get the opportunity to watch movies / TV series / videos in unlimited quantities on the big screen. In addition, users can listen to music and play their favorite games by delegating various tasks to a virtual assistant who understands voice commands.

Pay attention ! For the set-top box to work fully, you will need not only Wi-Fi, but also a mobile phone with the SberSalut application installed. The use of a smartphone modem is allowed.

You can download the Sber Salute application for Sber Boxing at https://sberdevices.ru/app/

Specifications, appearance and ports of SberBox – which operating system is installed

The dimensions of the SberBox are compact – 78 × 65 × 32 mm (including the stand). On the front end of the body there are 4 microphones, a camera window and a pair of indicators. There is a manual mechanical shutter on the camera window. On the left side there is a compact speaker, so you can carry out various operations without turning on the TV. However, it should be borne in mind that the volume is low. There is a decorative grille on the right side. Multicolor indicators accompanying communication with voice assistants are located on the left and right sides along the edges.
Specifications Sber Box [/ caption] In the upper part of the body there is a pair of microphones, a button for their mute and an IR transmitter strip for TV control. USB Type C port, HDMI output, power supply input can be found on the back of the device. SberBox
prefix on the photo [/ caption] The presence of a special shaped rubber cover-flap located at the bottom allows you to install SberBox on the upper edge of the TV. The device will be stable due to its large mass. Difficulties can arise only in cases where the TV panel, which is too close to the wall, is thin. If necessary, the set-top box can be installed on a shelf / under a TV panel.
In this case, it is important to take care of choosing the correct position by adjusting the position of the sash.

It is also worth remembering that an additional block of IR transmitters can be found at the bottom of the front of the case, allowing you to control the TV.

The package contains a remote control that works via Bluetooth 5.0 and an interface cable used for connection.
The remote comes as standard [/ caption] HDMI 2.1 output connects to a TV. Internet access can be connected via Wi-Fi. If you want to set additional device settings, you will need to install the SberSalute application – you can download it from the link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.sberbank.sdakit.companion.prod&hl=ru&gl=US. Amlogic S905Y2 quad-core single-chip system with Mali G31 graphics – hardware filling of SberBox. The operative memory of the device is 2 GB, the internal storage is 16 GB. The technical characteristics of the SberBox set-top box can be found in more detail in the table.

The user shell has a built-in option for voice control through the new virtual assistants of the Salyut family, which distinguishes SberBox from other set-top boxes. Users use the SberSalut mobile application or the remote control for voice control. The dedicated voice assistant button is used to activate the assistant. By clicking on the button and uttering the request, you can give a command to your assistant. SberBox supports not only English, but also Russian. The voice assistant can search performers / actors / directors by title and even genre. Any formulation of a voice request is allowed. A similar format is used when working with an assistant through the SberSalut application. How to manage Sberbox through the Sber Salyut application: https: // youtu.be / 3gKE4ajo4cs Multimedia package Smotreshku is used as a television platform at SberBox. The package includes over 185 digital channels + 14-day archive. Rewind and pause options are also available. For 30 days after purchase, you can use TV broadcasting free of charge. After the specified period of time, the user begins to charge the subscription fee from the card that was linked to the SberID account. You can get acquainted with these settings in the SberBankOnline application – you can download it from the link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.sberbankmobile&hl=ru&gl=US.After the specified period of time, the user begins to charge the subscription fee from the card that was linked to the SberID account. You can get acquainted with these settings in the SberBankOnline application – you can download it from the link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.sberbankmobile&hl=ru&gl=US.After the specified period of time, the user begins to charge the subscription fee from the card that was linked to the SberID account. You can familiarize yourself with these settings in the SberBankOnline application – you can download it from the link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.sberbankmobile&hl=ru&gl=US.

Note! If necessary, the subscription is extended, expanded, or they use a free package, which includes about 20 terrestrial channels.

Sberbox set-top box review, specifications and capabilities of Sberbox with voice assistant Alice on board: https://youtu.be/AfXqIYUHzpc

Equipment

The media attachment goes on sale in a box painted in Sberbank’s corporate color. The dimensions of the box are compact. The package includes not only a power adapter (5 V, 1 A) with a USB port, but also other elements by type:

• USB cable – micro USB;
• remote control;
• a pair of AAA finger batteries;
• pairs of mobile joysticks.

Also included is a paper instruction manual for the user.

Connecting and configuring SberBox – what applications are needed and what actions need to be taken

The paper manual that comes with the device describes the process of connecting and making the initial settings of the set-top box. First of all, users choose the place where the installation will be performed, and then connect the HDMI cable and power. The TV is turned on and tuned to the required input. The batteries are inserted into the remote control.
Start setting up Smart Box [/ caption] A hint regarding the connection of the remote control to the set-top box will be displayed on the TV screen. According to the instructions, a couple of buttons are clamped on the remote control and wait for the operation to complete. The location of the set-top box (under the screen / above it) is indicated using the remote control. Remote control of the attachment [/ caption] This setting is used to select the scheme of processing microphone signals. It should be borne in mind that the connection between the remote control and the media attachment will be carried out via Bluetooth. Based on this, you can be sure that you do not need to point the remote control towards the device.
Location of SberBox prefix [/ caption] Further, the prefix is ​​tied to the user account of Sber ID. You can register an Sber ID account at https://www.sberbank.ru/ru/person/dist_services/sberbankid?utm_source=online.sberbank.ru&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=sber_id_authorization_page
For this purpose, use the Sber Salyut application, after switching to which, you will need to select the “Add device” command. Then follow the instructions that will be displayed on the monitor.
Choosing and connecting to the network [/ caption] Two connection options are allowed: performing all actions through the program or connecting the set-top box to the wireless network using the remote control and further integration into your account by entering a special code from the TV monitor into the application.
SberBox Voice Assistant [/ caption] In cases when everything goes well, the user can proceed to the standard download procedure. Next, the firmware updates are installed. As soon as the device restarts, the owner of the set-top box chooses the main voice assistant. You can have a little chat with your virtual assistant. Now you can use the device as intended. However, do not forget about the possibility of making additional settings. Sberbox firmware – video instruction on how to update software on the Sberbox: https://youtu.be/uNUuTZ7PSfE Most often, users do not change anything in the Sberbox settings. But it will not be superfluous to remember that you can find several icons in the usual menu. The first of them is used in order to be able to control peripheral connections via Bluetooth.Using the second icon, you can make changes to the wireless network.
Connecting and configuring SberBox on the periphery via Bluetooth [/ caption] After the user clicks on the third icon, a lot of items will appear on the screen, allowing the owner of SberBox:

• change the screen saver;
• set a timer for turning on the screen saver;
• decide on the mode of sound output (to the built-in speaker / TV);
• make a ban on gesture control;
• disable HDMI CEC;
• train a media set-top box to control TV by IR;
• turn off the side LEDs of the assistants’ animation.

Setting up Sberbox: https://youtu.be/otG_VSqGdMo Also, the user will have access to options for setting the HDMI output mode and turning off the status LEDs of microphones / cameras. How to download and run applications and games on SberBox – overview and user help: https://youtu.be/13p0aLrHWCA

Additional cooling of Sber Box set-top box

Most often, Amlogic processors do not overheat even during active work. Excessive heating is possible only if the set-top box has a poorly thought out cooling system and diffusers. Also, to prevent overheating of the set-top box, you can use a special cooling pad, which can be easily made by hand. The first step is to purchase a USB-powered brushless cooling fan.
Next, they select a board and make markings on it. Using a special drill with cutters, a circle is cut out in the board for a fan.
Using a milling machine, make a recess for the cooler.
The wooden surface is processed with a grinder. The wood is covered with a layer of stain and then a layer of varnish.
The brushless cooling fan is installed on the stand. The stand is installed on the legs.

Problems and solutions

Often, in the process of connecting a set-top box to a TV or during operation, problems arise. Below you can find the most common problems and how to solve them:

1. The image starts to fade and crumbles / stops for 2-3 seconds . Such a nuisance often arises due to the fact that the antenna is in the wrong position. If you move it to a different location, the signal quality will be better. It is also necessary to check the cable for cracks, cuts and breaks. Plugs and connectors are free of dust.
2. During the operation of the set-top box, a black or white screen appears . Channel frequencies go astray. Such a nuisance arises after the firmware has been updated or the electricity has been turned off. You need to search for channels again.
3. Blurry image . Small details are extremely difficult to discern. This nuisance indicates that the screen resolution was selected incorrectly. You need to choose the highest possible resolution, which will not be higher than what is indicated in the TV specifications.
4. Movies recorded on a flash drive cannot be read . Most likely, the STB does not recognize the format.
5. No internet connection . It is important to make sure that a wi-fi network with a speed of 2-3 Mbps is available. After the connection is established, and the information cannot be loaded, you should enter the set-top box menu and find the network settings. The user will need to specify the subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and the DNS server 8.8.8.8.

Note! The quality of the signal depends on the time of day. It is important to take care of using a powerful active antenna with a noise / static filter.

Pros and cons of SberBox based on practical experience and user reviews

SberBox media attachment, like any other device, has advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of SberBox are:

• simplicity and user-friendly interface;
• the ability to choose the character of the voice assistant;
• the most convenient online shopping, the ability to pay by QR code;
• the presence of TV channels Smotreshka / SberSvuk music / Okko films and TV series / various games.

The disadvantages of SberBox include:

• work exclusively with Sber ID;
• lack of a list with applications that are often used;
• inability to move application icons;
• the need to subscribe for the full use of all functions of the set-top box;
• the inability to install applications from other developers besides SmartMarket.

Real review-feedback on Sber Box – how things are in reality: https://youtu.be/w5aSjar8df8 It is also worth considering that you can make the initial settings after downloading the Salute application.

Purchase of the SberBox set-top box – price as of the end of 2021

SberBox is quite an interesting novelty on the market of media attachments. However, it is important to remember that in order to fully use the device, you will need a smartphone on which the SberSalut application will be installed. The price of the Sberbox set-top box is acceptable for most people, and is 2490 rubles for 2021 with an already built-in subscription to OKKO services and others, the cost of various options can be found on the official Sberdevices website https://sberdevices.ru/tariffs/:
Purchase of SberBox [/ caption] Therefore, we can definitely recommend purchasing a modern media attachment with such interesting functions.