The best set-top boxes for digital TV

What is Digital TV Box

A digital set-top box for a TV is a technical device used to receive a digital signal transmitted by a broadcasting station and decode it.

After decoding, the signal is transmitted to a television receiver (TV), regardless of its ability to receive one or another type of signal (analog, digital).

The presence of a set-top box allows you to use TVs operating with an analog type of signal, watch digital broadcasting channels.

The main characteristics of set-top boxes for receiving digital television

A digital TV tuner for TV (receiver), which serves to receive digital programs, like other electronic devices, has certain technical characteristics that determine the possibility of its use with one or another type of television receiver, as well as determining the parameters and quality of the output signal.

Resolution and standard

The set-top boxes used to receive digital terrestrial broadcasting comply with the DVB-T2 standard and receive a signal using a conventional television antenna (indoor, outdoor).

Previously produced devices of the DVB-T standard are taken out of service, therefore, this parameter should be taken into account when purchasing the device.

The DVB-T2 standard supports MPEG4 video compression and Multiple PLP mode.

Media formats

Digital set-top boxes for TV can be used as a multimedia player with which you can watch videos and listen to audio files.

Processing of files of various types is carried out in formats for:

• video - MPEG-4 and AVC / H.264, AVI and MKV, as well as DivX and XviD;
• Photo - JPEG, JPG and RAW;
• audio - MP3 and WMA, AAC and Dolby Digital.

Control

The digital TV set-top box is controlled using the buttons located on the set-top box body, as well as by means of the remote control.

With the help of the remote control, all the necessary settings are made and the current control of the device is performed (switching channels, controlling the sound level, turning on / off, etc.).

Interface

Different models of set-top boxes may differ in the set of connectors used to connect it to external devices.

As a rule, such devices always have an antenna input and output, a connector for connecting to a power supply network, a connector type RCA "tulip" (audio / video output) or SCART, as well as a USB port used to connect external compact drives.

HDMI-connector - allows you to watch programs and play files with good sound quality.

In addition to the above types of connectors, digital TV set-top boxes may contain: connections to a local network of the Internet type 10/100, headphones and a microphone, as well as mini-DIN and S / PDIF outputs.

Additional options

Among the additional functions that are equipped with digital set-top boxes, the following can be noted, such as:

• "TimeShift" - the ability to "stop broadcasting".

If this function is available in DVB-S and DVB-S2 (satellite TV) devices, the broadcast is interrupted, and it becomes possible to watch the stopped transmission or film in the future from the place of the stop. In DVB-T2 (over-the-air) devices, when this function is enabled, a screenshot is taken and the sound is muted, but the transmission itself continues.

• "TV Guide" - allows you to view the program guide on all channels of available broadcasting.
• "Scheduler" - allows you to turn on the device at the right time to record a program or movie of interest, broadcast on TV, and then turn off the set-top box.

Since the recording is made to an external storage device, its duration must correspond to the memory capacity of this device.

Recommendations for the correct choice of a digital set-top box of DVB-T2 standard

When the question arises of how to choose a digital set-top box for a TV, you need to decide on the criteria for choosing a device and pay attention to the following indicators of a particular model:

• Technical characteristics: signal coding method, screen resolution of a television receiver, type and availability of connectors for connecting to a television.
• The presence of additional functions that expand the technical capabilities of the receiver.
• Ease of use - the presence of control buttons on the body of the console.
• Reliability - depends on the manufacturer's brand, which controls the quality of the materials used and their assembly.
• Price.

The cost of the product directly depends on all indicators that influence the choice of a particular model. The better the technical characteristics and quality of the product, as well as the number of additional functions, the higher the cost of the device.

Which set-top box of DVB-T2 standard to choose, is decided by each user individually, based on the above indicators and personal preferences.

Review of popular models

Currently on the market of electronic devices that provide reception of television channels in the digital spectrum broadcast, there is a wide selection of models from different manufacturers, equipped with standard and optional functions.

BBK SMP240HDT2

One of the best models in the group of budget products. The receiver is equipped with control buttons on the body of the device and has a convenient control panel. The presence of an HDMI connector guarantees high quality of the viewed channels, and the presence of additional functions expands the capabilities of the device.

According to user reviews, some of the best set-top boxes for digital TV are the models of the companies - BBK, Galaxy and Supra.

BBK SMP240HDT2

BBK SMP129HDT2

The model is distinguished by ease of operation and a small number of connectors. Nevertheless, the presence of an HDMI connector ensures the clarity of the received signal, and the USB connector allows you to use external devices in both video, audio and photo formats.

BBK SMP

Oriel 421UD

This unit does not come with a connecting cable, which must be purchased separately. A distinctive feature of the model is its low cost, which explains the corresponding configuration. For the receiver, work with a flash card is available.
Among the shortcomings, it should be noted - the lack of control buttons on the body of the device and the poor sound quality of the files being played and the received channels.

TV tuner Oriel 421UD

Supra SDT-20

The model is small in size and easy to use. The receiver is equipped with connectors such as HDMI and USB, which allows the use of external storage media.
The model has the following additional functions: teletext, delayed viewing and timer, as well as the "parental control" mode.

Supra SDT-20

Selenga HD950D

This model is considered the most compact of the entire line of similar devices. Distinctive features of the model are low cost and ease of use. Additional functions available for this receiver are teletext, recording mode, delayed start. The model is equipped with a USB connector.

Selenga HD950D TV tuner

TV tuner Tesler DSR-320

Convenient receiver, especially when used as a player. The model is equipped with all the necessary connectors and works with files of all formats.
The disadvantage of the device is the control panel, which is inconvenient during operation.

TV tuner Tesler DSR-320

TV tuner TELEFUNKEN TF-DVBT227

The model is a multifunctional device. All the necessary control buttons are located on the body of the receiver, allowing you to work with the device without a remote control (if necessary). The control panel of the set-top box is convenient to use, the sensitivity when setting up the device is good. The model works with all picture and sound formats, the quality of their reproduction is high.

TELEFUNKEN TF-DVBT227

LUMAX DV-4205HD

The model is equipped with standard connectors, including USB. The design of the case is made in the style of DVD-ROM. Additional features include a deferred viewing function.

TV tuner LUMAX DV-4205HD

Digital broadcast standards

The advantages of digital broadcasting in comparison with analogue are the following indicators:

• Immunity to interference that affects the quality of the received signal.
• The ability to compress the transmitted information.
• High image quality.
• A large number of terrestrial channels in one frequency range.

Set-top boxes, depending on the type of signal received, are classified according to the following standards, these are:

1. DVB-C - used when working in cable broadcasting networks.
2. DVB-S and DVB-S2 - receive satellite TV.
3. DVB-H - broadcasting is carried out to mobile phones.
4. DVB-T2 - receive over-the-air digital broadcasting by means of a conventional television antenna (indoor, outdoor).

Using the DVB-T2 standard for broadcasting reception allows:

• increase the number of received channels broadcast on the air;
• carry out the implementation of "local" broadcasting;
• receive and reproduce a high-definition signal;
• perform the release of etheric frequencies.

The use of the DVB-T2 standard makes it possible to expand the possibilities of broadcasting both in terms of providing the number of services and their quality.

Currently, the main standard for digital broadcasting in the Russian Federation is the DVB-T2 digital television standard.

Set-top boxes for a different number of channels

Digital TV is broadcast on the public channels Multiplex 1 and Multiplex 2, which determine the number of programs available for free viewing.

Each Multiplex includes 10 channels, while the first package includes: Channel One and Russia 1, Match TV and NTV, Channel Five and Russia "Culture", as well as Russia 24, Karusel, OTR and TVC.

The second package includes: Ren TV and the Orthodox channel Spas, STS and Domashny, TV 3 and Sport + Friday, as well as Zvezda, Mir, TNT and Muz TV.

Multiplex 1 works wherever there is digital broadcasting, and Multiplex 2 is available in regions where the corresponding equipment is installed.

Digital set-top box for TV with 20 channels

A large number of digital set-top boxes are designed to receive 20 channels, which corresponds to the Multiplex 1 and Multiplex 2 packages.

This group of devices includes models from various manufacturers, differing in technical characteristics, number of additional functions and, accordingly, price. The main indicators of TV receivers for 20 channels are: input stream, sampling rate, and memory.

Digital set-top box for TV with 30 channels

Due to the fact that the development of technology does not stand still, and the search for new technologies is constantly underway, which fully applies to television broadcasting, the appearance of the Multiplex 3 package was quite natural.

This package is paid, and it is already being broadcast in a number of regions of our country, in connection with which, TV set-top boxes that allow receiving 30 channels have become in demand.

Devices of this group are more expensive than those that accept only 20 channels, but the main indicators that determine the criteria their choice, are the same indicators: technical characteristics, availability of additional functions, usability and reliability.

Receivers for more than 30 channels

If it is not possible to receive a terrestrial TV signal, you can always use a DVB-S or DVB-S2 set-top box, which provides reception via satellite.

Models in this group have the ability to receive over 30 free (FTA) as well as paid channels in high fidelity format.

To use such receivers, you need a special digital antenna with a converter, as well as cables equipped with special connectors.

How to connect and configure a digital TV set-top box to a TV

Connecting the device to modern digital television receivers is quite simple, because they are equipped with the necessary connectors.

The connection is made as follows:

• After purchase, the set-top box is removed from the package and the protective film is removed from it.
• The set-top box is connected to the TV using a cable equipped with RCA "tulip" connectors with printed color markings.

When connecting a cable with a "cinch" type connector, it is necessary to insert the plug marked with a certain color into the socket marked with the same color designation.

• The jack for the TV antenna input plugs in the plug of the TV cable connected to this antenna.
• The set-top box is connected to a 220-volt electrical network.

If you use an old generation TV that does not have the necessary connectors, you need to purchase a special adapter or cable equipped with the necessary connectors (SCART).

Setting up digital television using a set-top box is carried out after it is connected to a television receiver and connected to the electrical network.

The configuration process is performed in the following sequence:

• Using the remote control, you need to go to the "Menu" section. To do this, there is a corresponding button on the remote control.
• In the "Menu" section, find the "Settings" section and select it.
• The configuration system will prompt you to select a country - this is Russia and the standard of the received signal.

In the settings, as a rule, it is initially set by default - the standard of the received signal DTV-T / DTV-T2, which makes it easier to set up the receiver.

• The tuning system will prompt you to select the type of channel search - automatic or manual. Initially, it is better to select automatic search, which will simplify the process of tuning the receiver.
• The device will detect available video and radio channels in the location, after which it is necessary to save them, for which click "OK" on the "Save" window that appears after the search.

If for some reason the receiver found a small number of channels or did not find them at all, then you can use the manual search mode.

Where to buy a set-top box and the price of digital TV set-top boxes

You can buy a digital TV set-top box in stores and supermarkets that specialize in the sale of electronic equipment and household appliances. Dealers of well-known companies working in this segment of household goods are also selling such products.

In addition, to purchase a receiver, you can use the Internet resources, where a large number of companies that sell such products are also represented.

The cost of models varies significantly, with the main parameter influencing this indicator is the standard of the device.

Set-top boxes of the DVB-T2 standard, intended for broadcasting, cost from 800 to 3,000 rubles as standard.

Models of other standards (DVB-C and DVB-S2) are much more expensive, their cost can reach 25,000–35,000 rubles.

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