Smart TV solutions: upgrade your television
In this category, you will find media players and TV boxes that allow you to quickly turn almost any HDMI-connected device into a smart TV. Stream movies and series, use your favorite apps, or mirror your phone's screen – all easily controlled from a remote.
You can choose from compact TV sticks and more powerful TV boxes, with Android TV or Google TV systems, up to 4K resolution, and support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. An ideal solution for refreshing older TVs and for modern home theater systems.
- TV boxes (e.g., Xiaomi TV Box S, Tvip S-box) – higher performance, better connectivity options
- TV sticks (e.g., Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, Xiaomi Smart TV Stick 4K) – ultra-compact, practical for travel
- 4K and HDR support for movies, series, and sports broadcasts
- Android TV or Google TV system – Hungarian language interface, Play Store, plenty of apps
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI – fast network, wireless peripherals, easy connectivity
What is an ideal use case for a smart TV box or TV stick?
The main use case for the devices in this category is streaming and playing multimedia content. Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+, Spotify, and countless other apps run on them, allowing you to turn your television into a full-fledged entertainment center. With the Google Cast / built-in Chromecast feature, you can easily send the screen of your phone, tablet, or laptop to the big screen.
Compact TV sticks, such as the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or the Xiaomi Smart TV Stick 4K Edition 2024, are ideal for travel, small apartments, and bedroom TVs. Simply plug it into the HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and you can start streaming. Larger TV boxes (for example, newer generations of the Xiaomi TV Box S or the Tvip S-box v.710) provide greater computing power, more stable operation, and often more connectivity options, making them recommended for main TVs or home theaters.
Important technical considerations before purchasing
When buying, the first question is what resolution and picture quality you need. If you have a 4K UHD TV, it is worth choosing a 4K-capable device that supports HDR formats (HDR10+, Dolby Vision) as well as surround sound standards (e.g., Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD). The generations of the Xiaomi TV Box S and the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd generation) are specifically designed for such needs.
Wireless connectivity is also important: dual-band Wi-Fi or WiFi 6 provides a more stable, higher-speed connection for 4K streaming, while Bluetooth (e.g., version 5.0) allows you to connect wireless headphones, speakers, and gamepads. If you play a lot or use multiple Bluetooth devices, it's worth paying special attention to this.
Operating system, usability, and future-proofing
Most devices run on Android TV or Google TV systems, which provide access to the Google Play Store, voice control, and Google Assistant. It is advisable to choose a model that comes with a newer system (e.g., Android TV 11) and regular updates, ensuring it remains secure and compatible with new applications in the long term.
- Android TV / Google TV – clean interface, app support, voice search
- HDMI 2.0 / 2.1 – high bandwidth for 4K 60 frames per second
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ – for a premium home theater experience
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, WiFi 6 – for smooth 4K streaming
- Bluetooth support – for connecting wireless audio and accessories
If you pay attention to these aspects, you can easily find the ideal media player for you, whether it's for simple TV upgrading, a travel device, or building a more serious home theater system.
