Using a MAG box for IPTV

MAG boxes, made by Infomir, are set-top boxes built specifically for IPTV. Instead of installing a player app and typing a username and password, a MAG box connects to a provider's portal, and the provider recognises your box by its MAC address. Once set up, it behaves much like a traditional cable box: switch on, pick a channel, done.

How MAG portals work

• MAC address: every MAG box has a unique MAC address, printed on a label underneath and shown in its settings. MAG addresses usually begin with 00:1A:79.
• Portal URL: the web address of the provider's portal, entered into the box's settings.
• Activation: the provider registers your MAC address to your subscription. Without that step, the portal won't load channels.

Which MAG models are around

Infomir has made many models over the years, and plenty of older ones are still in use. Older boxes such as the MAG 254 and MAG 322 are Full HD, which is fine for HD Premium. 4K models include the MAG 524, MAG 540 and MAG 544, which you'd need for 4K Premium. Models with a “w” in the name, such as the MAG 544w3, have built-in Wi-Fi; the others rely on Ethernet or an adapter, though a cable is the better choice for any of them.

Adding a portal

1. 1

   Open the settings

   Press the Settings or Setup button on the remote, or choose Settings from the home menu.
2. 2

   Go to the portals menu

   Choose System settings, then Servers, then Portals.
3. 3

   Enter the portal

   Give it a name and enter the portal URL exactly as provided, including http:// and any port number.
4. 4

   Restart the box

   Save, then restart. The box connects to the portal and loads channels and the guide.

Menu names differ slightly between models and firmware versions.

If the portal doesn't load

• Check the portal URL for typos, including http://, any port number and the exact ending.
• Confirm the MAC address you sent matches the one on the box.
• Restart the box, and check its network connection in the settings menu.
• Make sure the box's date and time are correct, and that its software is up to date.

“Your box isn't supported”

A portal can limit which MAG models are allowed to connect, and Infomir says this is the most common reason a portal rejects a box. Newer boxes have a workaround: on a MAG 540 or MAG 544 with firmware 2.20.05 or later, the Portals menu includes a Compatible model option that makes the box identify itself as an older model. Infomir suggests trying the MAG 322 setting first, then the MAG 254. If the option is missing, update the box's firmware first. If it still won't connect, message us with your model and we'll check it.

Pros and cons

Why people like MAG boxes

• Simple, TV-like operation with a proper remote and number pad.
• No apps to install or update, and nothing else running in the background.
• Wired Ethernet on most models for stable playback.

The downsides

• Only works with providers that offer portal access.
• No app store, so no Netflix, YouTube or other streaming apps on most models.
• Your access is tied to the box's MAC address, so replacing the box means re-registering.
• Portal set-up depends on the provider supporting your exact model.

If you want a box that does IPTV and everything else, an Android TV box with a player such as TiviMate is the more flexible choice. TiviMate's guide and channel layout will feel familiar if you're used to a MAG box.