Connecting and setting up terrestrial television on modern Smart TVs often raises questions among users accustomed to cable providers or IPTV. However, the ability to receive a free signal directly through an antenna remains one of the key functions of TVs Xiaomi. Owners of devices based on Android TV may encounter nuances during the initial configuration of the tuner, especially if previously only network applications were used.
The process of scanning frequencies and saving stations requires the correct physical connection and selecting the correct signal source in the device menu. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply plug in the plug, but without the correct settings in the Channels section, the TV will not be able to decode the digital stream. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail: from checking the antenna to fine-tuning the playlist.
Modern models, such as MI TV P1 or TV 4S, are equipped with built-in modules DVB-T2that support high picture quality without additional consoles. However, the shell PatchWall or clean Android interface may hide some options deep in the menu. The correct sequence of actions guarantees stable signal reception and the absence of artifacts when viewing.
Preparing equipment and checking the signal
Before delving into the software settings, you need to make sure that the physical connection is working properly. The antenna cable must be securely inserted into the appropriate connector on the back of the TV, which is usually marked as ANT IN or RF In. If you are using an indoor antenna with an amplifier, make sure that it is connected to a power source, as passive mode may not provide sufficient signal strength in areas of poor reception.
Image quality directly depends on the condition of the cable and the type of antenna. Damage to the insulation or oxidation of the contacts can lead to periodic loss of the picture or the appearance of “squares” on the screen. For digital broadcasting standard DVB-T2 the signal level is critically important, which must exceed a certain threshold for stable operation of the decoder.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using an old analog cable with a thin central conductor, replace it with a modern shielded version (75 Ohm). Old cables may not pass high frequencies of a digital multiplex, even if they physically fit into the connector.
It is also worth checking whether your antenna supports the decimeter wave range (UHF), since this is where digital packages are broadcast. All-wave models usually cope with this task, but narrow-beam antennas require precise orientation towards the nearest tower.
Use a double-shielded cable if power lines are laid near the antenna wire. This will reduce the level of interference and improve reception stability.
Selecting a signal source in the TV menu
After the physical connection, you need to switch the TV to the tuner mode. On the remote control, find the button Input or the square with an arrow icon. In the list of sources that appears, select the item responsible for terrestrial television. Depending on the firmware version and region, this may be called DTV, Live TV or simply Antenna.
If you see the message “No Signal”, do not rush to start searching for channels. First, make sure that the correct input type is selected. Some models Xiaomi have separate inputs for cable and antenna, although physically this is one socket. Programmatically, they can differ in gain settings.
In the interface PatchWall switching to TV mode can be done through a separate icon on the main screen or through voice search. Try saying “Turn on the TV” or “Switch to the antenna” if your remote supports voice control. This will save time on menu navigation.
| Source type | Menu designation | Broadcast standard | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-the-air antenna | DTV / Antenna | DVB-T2 | Home or outdoor antenna |
| Cable TV | Cable / CATV | DVB-C | Direct connection from the provider |
| Satellite | Satellite | DVB-S2 | Only with a built-in module |
| HDMI | HDMI 1/2/3 | External signal | Set-top boxes, consoles, PCs |
Selecting the wrong source will result in frequency scanning not yielding results or only finding noise. Make sure that in the input settings it is the digital tuner that is activated, and not the analogue (ATV), which is already disabled in many regions.
Launch automatic channel search
The easiest way to set up broadcasting is to use the auto search function. To do this, go to the settings section by selecting the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. In the menu, find the item Channels or Transmitting, then select the option Search for channels.
The system will prompt you to select the connection type. Here you need to specify Antennaso that the TV starts scanning the frequency range used for broadcasting. If you accidentally select “Cable”, the search may take longer or find non-standard frequencies that do not broadcast in your area.
During the scanning process, a progress bar and the number of stations found will be displayed on the screen. It is not recommended to interrupt this process as this may result in an incomplete channel list or an error in the frequency database. Typically, a full scan of two multiplexes takes from 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the power of the TV processor.
☑️ Auto search algorithm
If the automatic search is completed, but no channels are found, check the region settings. In some cases, you may need to manually enter your broadcast country to ensure your TV uses the correct frequency table. For Russia and most CIS countries, the current standard is DVB-T2.
Manual tuning of frequencies and multiplexes
Sometimes the automatic mode cannot detect the signal due to its weak level or interference. In such cases, manual configuration comes to the rescue. You will need to find out the broadcast frequencies of the nearest towers, which can be done on the official website of digital television in your region.
In the channel settings menu, select Manual tuning. You will be prompted to enter the channel number or frequency in MHz. Enter the details of the first multiplex and start the search. If a signal is found, the TV will show the level of quality and power.
Example frequencies for Moscow (approximately):Multiplex 1: 546 MHz (channel 30)
Multiplex 2: 498 MHz (24 channel)
After successfully detecting the first channel package, repeat the procedure for the second multiplex. This ensures that you receive a full set of 20 federal channels. The manual method is also useful if the TV stubbornly does not want to save certain channels during automatic search.
⚠️ Attention: Broadcasting frequencies may vary even within the same city, depending on your area and the direction to the tower. Always check the current data for a specific receiving point before entering.
What to do if the signal level is low?
Try changing the position of the antenna or raising it higher. Even a rotation of 10-15 degrees can critically improve digital signal reception due to its directionality.
Editing the list and sorting channels
After a successful scan, the channel list may contain duplicates, radio stations or empty positions. To organize the broadcast grid to suit your needs, use the editing function. Go to the channel menu and select the option Edit or Sorting.
Here you can move your favorite stations to the first positions, hide unnecessary ones or delete them from the TV memory. This is especially convenient if you watch only a few specific channels and do not want to scroll through the entire list each time.
The “Favorites” function allows you to create a separate list of frequently watched channels. Activate it by pressing the corresponding button on the remote control while watching to quickly switch between selected stations without scrolling through the entire range.
Please note that when you reset the TV to factory settings or when flashing the firmware, the entire configured list of channels will be deleted. It is recommended to take a screenshot of the final arrangement or remember the order so that you can quickly restore it in the future.
Regular updating of the channel list (once a month) allows you to add new stations if broadcasters change frequencies or launch new projects.
Solving problems with reception quality and sound
If the picture crumbles into cubes or the sound stutters, the problem lies in an unstable data stream. There is either a digital signal or it is not, so intermediate states often indicate a borderline level of reception. Try using a signal booster or replacing the antenna cable with a better one.
Sound problems may be related to the audio format settings. Some broadcasts use tracks that are not supported by the TV's built-in speakers without additional processing. Go to the sound settings and try changing the mode from Auto to PCM.
It is also worth checking if the power saving mode is enabled, which may limit the operation of the tuner. Disable any “eco mode” functions while diagnosing reception problems to eliminate software limitation of module power.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Picture with squares | Low signal level | Aim the antenna more accurately, check the cable |
| No sound on the channel | Unsupported format | Switch audio to PCM in settings |
| Black screen when switching | Decoder failure | Reboot the TV completely |
| Channels disappear | Memory failure | Perform auto search again |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the TV not see the antenna, although the cable is connected?
Make sure that the signal source is selected in the settings DTV or Antennaand not HDMI. Also check whether your antenna supports the UHF range required for digital broadcasting. You may need to activate the antenna power in the TV menu, if such an option is available.
Is it possible to tune channels without a remote control?
Yes, if you have a smartphone with an infrared port or an application Android TV Remote Controlconnected to one Wi-Fi networks. Control is also possible via a USB keyboard or mouse connected to the TV port.
How many channels are available on digital air?
In the standard package of digital terrestrial television, 20 federal channels are available, divided into two multiplexes, as well as several radio stations. The number may vary depending on the region and the availability of local broadcasters.
What to do if you found only 10 channels?
Most likely, only the first multiplex was found. Check the direction of the antenna and run a manual search on the frequencies of the second multiplex for your region. Perhaps the second tower is in a different direction.