Digital television is a clear image, excellent sound, no interference, the ability to add and exclude individual channels from viewing. Often, special equipment is needed to gain access to high-definition television. Viewers who decide to do without buying a new device for watching TV programs are increasingly thinking about how to choose digital set-top boxes for the TV, because these receivers allow you to take advantage of the high-quality signal.
Features of digital television
For many years, the population used analog broadcasting, the quality of which left much to be desired. The signal transmitted through the cable was usually accompanied by various noises and noises. The advent of modern televisions has radically changed the situation. New models of liquid crystal panels are no longer able to hide the disadvantages of the analog format, so there was a need to develop a better source of broadcasting.
The age of information technology cannot be imagined without digital television. The essence of this technique is to convert ordinary television signals into digital combinations of electrical pulses. This service involves the provision of television programs on cable lines, specially built for this purpose. Connecting the TV to the network is done using an antenna cable and a digital receiver. This process is so simple that the average user can easily do it on their own.
The main advantages of the "numbers":
- First-class broadcast quality, no interference during signal transmission;
- no additional cables are required; just an antenna, a TV, a digital set-top box and an outlet are enough;
- autonomy - allows you to take the system to the country or travel, and the picture quality does not suffer from this;
- a large number of television programs;
- simplicity and speed of connection;
- the provision of additional services, in particular access to the Internet.
There are three options for transmitting digital broadcasts: cable, satellite and terrestrial.
The first (DVB-C) receives the cable operator’s channels; for their decoding, the purchase of a special CAM-module is required. The second option (DVB-S, DVB-S2) works by connecting a tv to a satellite dish, no connection to a digital set-top box is required. Thanks to the CAM module, a large number of channels are decoded. For terrestrial or terrestrial (DVB-T2), a stationary indoor antenna is sufficient to receive the signal.
The concept of the console, features and characteristics
Receivers or digital set-top boxes are external devices in the form of TV tuners, the duty of which is to fix the signal and output it to the receiver. The latest generation of receivers is suitable for almost all old TVs. Where to buy a set-top box, which digital set-top box for a TV is the best?
The modern trading network offers a huge selection of devices that are not inferior to satellite and cable in the quality of the TV signal. Although today these consoles are designed for only 20 free channels, in the near future it is planned to add channels in 3D and HD-quality. Many providers offer their customers from one hundred to two hundred channels.
How to choose a TV receiver for your TV, what to look for:
- compliance with the DVB-T2, DVB-T standard - is considered obsolete today;
- support for all formats is a guarantee that the console will cope well with the function of a multimedia player;
- the presence of an additional remote control to control the console;
- the presence of the on / off / channel selector buttons on the set-top box itself allows you to use the set-top box when you lose the remote control;
- watching programs with exceptional sound requires, in addition to the traditional set of connectors, the presence of an HDMI connector;
- the function “TimeShift” (delayed viewing) will not be superfluous for fans of interruption of the program;
- the “scheduler” option is incredibly convenient, as it allows you to record TV shows while outside the home;
- high-quality devices are not cheap;
- manufacturer of equipment.
Overview of ten models of consoles
Your receiver does not accept digital channels - it's time to purchase a digital receiver for your TV. How to choose where to buy, what is the optimal price of the device, on the model of which company it is better to stay consider below.
SUPRA SDT-94
The console is small in size and easy to operate. Thanks to the HDMI connector, the device copes with the reception of a digital signal, the presence of USB allows you to not only record, but also listen to TV programs from various portable media. Choosing this gadget, buyers will receive an additional mode of "parental control". The receiver has the following functions: “teletext”, “delayed viewing”, a timer for recording TV broadcasts.
The price of this model is quite affordable.
Rolsen RDB-532
The presented model is considered perhaps the most compact among digital consoles. The main advantage of the device is its affordable price and ease of operation. This option is used for broadcasting digital signals in automobile transport. Thanks to USB, you can play or record audio and video files from a flash card. Additional features such as “teletext”, “recording mode” and “delayed start” are also present.
The disadvantage of the console: a limited list of supported formats.
Oriel 202
The package bundle of this set-top box is rather modest: a remote control, two batteries, an instruction manual. To connect the gadget to TV, use an additionally purchased cable. The device has a built-in power supply, works with flash cards, records and plays various files.
Disadvantages of the receiver: there is no sound in many videos, there are no control buttons on the panel, and the control panel is not too convenient.
Tesler DSR-11 Dolby DigitalPlus
Externally, a very attractive gadget is quite inexpensive. This device has excellent tuner sensitivity, the required connectors, records and plays files of all existing formats. The prefix can be used as a media player.
The disadvantage of this model is the inconvenient remote control.
BBK SMP129HDT2
This model belongs to the category of inexpensive consoles. The device has a small number of connectors, a fairly convenient control panel, works only with the latest TV models. The receiver allows you to view photos, videos, listen to music.
The prefix will help to use time effectively, recording various programs and managing already recorded programs. The presence of an HDMI connector on the back of the device guarantees a very clear signal.
TELEFUNKEN TF-DVBT 205
The console has an interesting appearance, on the front panel there is a fairly large number of buttons that facilitate the management of equipment. This device is considered the most multifunctional among similar models of the dvb-t2 standard. The receiver has good sensitivity, has the required connectors, a convenient control panel. This gadget can be called omnivorous, as it works with almost all formats. This model is always a stable and high-quality picture.
The minus of the prefix is the inability to recognize different files located in the same directory.
SVEN EASY SEE-150 DD LED
The prefix looks very modern, has a nice design, looks like a DVD-ROM. The package is supplemented with a standard remote control and batteries for it. The device is installed either next to the TV or on it.
The receiver has a delayed viewing option, a flash drive is used to work with various multimedia files, the presence of a USB port allows the device to be flashed. The rear panel of the console is almost completely occupied by connectors of various formats.
BBK SMP240HDT2
This model is considered one of the best among low-cost dvb-t2 devices. The prefix has small dimensions and practically does not heat up during operation, it has a clear menu. Buttons on the front of the panel and a convenient remote control facilitate the operation of the receiver.
Advantages of the device - USB port, maximum number of functions. The HDMI output guarantees first-class HD quality of the watched TV channels. The prefix will provide good signal quality, play the sound of any video files.
D-COLOR DC1302
The device looks quite stylish and neat. The receiver case is made of metal, the front panel is made of durable plastic. The set-top box is standard: the receiver itself, a remote control, two batteries, a cable and an operating manual. Convenient placement on the button bar greatly facilitates the work with the gadget. Additional options are “teletext”, “recording timer” and “delayed recording” mode. The set-top box is distinguished by good signal quality, HD format support, and reproduces the sound of almost all video files.
Minuses are insignificant: a short cord, slow switching of channels.
Oriel 963
A distinctive feature of this model is ease of control and simplicity of settings. The receiver case is made of metal, the working digs are located on the front panel of the device, which greatly facilitates management. The device has many different connectors, using USB you can connect a USB flash drive and an external hard drive to it. The prefix is capable of recognizing all formats, has the option of “delayed viewing”.
Some non-standard solutions for using digital consoles:
- a tuner that is out of order may well replace the prefix;
- connecting the receiver to the monitor will turn it into a TV (the main condition is the presence of HDMI or RCA);
- use of this gadget in a car;
- some models can be connected to a laptop, turning it into a new TV (just install the driver and connect the antenna).
Thus, the selected receiver will allow you to turn a cable analog signal into a digital one, and get an image of excellent quality. Multifunctionality of devices depends on the manufacturer of this equipment, as well as on the cost of the tuner. The more expensive the model, the more functionality. Prefixes not only receive, but also control the signal. Receivers can be installed not only in the apartment, but also in the country.
