The best cable and satellite receivers on user reviews

Modern TVs without any difficulty receive the signal standard DVB-C or DVB-T2.It is in such standards that the signal of cable and digital TV is transmitted, respectively. Moreover, some TVs have learned to understand the DVB-S2 standard, so you can connect a satellite dish directly to them! But is it necessary to say that not all of us have a modern TV?At the disposal of many people - just a simple LCD TV, which was created even before the popularization of digital television. And the inhabitants of villages and villages do not have anything except a "pot-bellied" CRT TV.That is why cable and satellite receivers, which will be discussed today, will be in stable demand for a very long time.

Which satellite or cable receiver which company to choose

Some people believe that the TV receiver is the sameThe prefix required for receiving a signal in DVB-T2 format. But in fact, this is not so, the receivers are more intelligent devices and they are sharpened first of all for the DVB-S2 and DVB-C standards. In this regard, they look more impressive, the design of their enclosure often causes associations with Hi-Fi technology.

When selecting a satellite or cable receiver, be guided by the products of the following companies:

1. World Vision

2. GoldMaster

3. StarTrack

4. Opticum

5. Topfieldw

The products of these manufacturers are often the most qualitative. They can also please their functionality.

The best cable receivers

GoldMaster C-505 HDI

Comparatively inexpensive and compact device. It works with the DVB-C standard, namely, cable operators distribute the signal over fiber-optic networks. Among the supported broadcast formats are MPEG-2 and MPEG-4( H.264).This indicates that even if your operator goes to a more modern format( although almost everyone did it) - you do not have to change the receiver. And still here there is a function of recording the airtime on a flash drive, for which the usual USB port is used.

The maximum television broadcast here is broadcast in HD-resolution. Recorded on USB-movies can be displayed and, of course, in the resolution of Full HD.Among the formats supported by the built-in media player are not only AVI, but also liked by many MKV.Another flash drive can be used to update the software - fresh firmware can always be found on the official website of the manufacturer. To the technique of GoldMaster C-505 HDI is connected via HDMI 1.3 or traditional RCA-connectors.

Advantages:

• Stable working EPG electronic guide;
• The presence of HDMI and RCA;
• Support for the codec Dolby Digital AC-3;
• The front panel has a small display;
• USB port is present;
• The media player plays movies in MKV format;
• Updatable firmware;
• The RF modulator is not forgotten;
• It's possible to record TV.

Disadvantages:

• No internet connection;
• There is no support for the terrestrial standard DVB-T2;
• No CI slot.

Opticum HD XC403p

The rather large size of this device can initially surprise. Dimensions are explained by the presence of the CI-slot. This is allowed to watch not only traditional TV channels, which the cable operator offers by default. You can also connect to paid channels by getting a special card from your operator, which will be inserted into the CI-slot.

Even decent dimensions are explained by the fact that this device can indeed be called such a loud word as a receiver. The fact is that there are a lot of connectors here: they are much larger than on any set-top box. In particular, there is a digital optical output. In short, to the Opticum HD XC403p you can simultaneously connect and TV, and monitor, and the speaker system.

Advantages:

• There is a digital display;
• There is a CI-slot;
• There is an electronic EPG-guide for seven days;
• Compatible with MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 standards;
• A large number of connectors on the back;
• There is a USB port;
• You can write TV on a flash drive;
• There is an RF modulator;
• Firmware update via Internet cable.

Disadvantages:

• The cost may seem high;
• There is no DVB-T2 support.

The best combined receivers

World Vision Premium

This is already a real harvester. With its help you can watch cable TV.If you forgot to pay for the next month of viewing, then you can switch to the terrestrial DVB-T2 standard - digital TV signals can now be caught in every major Russian city.

The device was created based on the ALi M3821 processor. High power allowed to realize here viewing content contained on YouTube and some other online services. Connection is via Wi-Fi - there is no need to pull a separate cable. But the corresponding adapter will have to be bought separately. Of course, there is also a traditional USB-port, which connects the drive with the movies on it( including in the format MKV).Of the other features of the combined receiver is the presence of an RF modulator and a large number of audio and video outputs.

Advantages:

• Well-distinguishable digital display;
• Support for DVB-C and DVB-T2 standards;
• USB port available;
• Added ability to record TV programs on the drive;
• Ability to view Internet content;
• Can be connected to the antenna connector on an old TV;
• There is a coaxial digital audio output;
• The electronic TV guide works well.

Disadvantages:

• No CI-slot;
• There may be problems with 256 QAM modulation;
• The Wi-Fi adapter is not included.

Startrack SRT 3030 HD Monster

The device, which is easiest to describe with the words "all in one".There are two tuners built in here. One is grounded for DVB-T2 and DVB-C standards( terrestrial and cable TV, respectively), and the other for DVB-S2 satellite signal. Even if you regularly change the way you watch TV, the receiver will not be idle. But that's not all! On the back of the device, you can find the RJ-45 port. With its help, the device connects to the router( you can also connect a 3G-modem to the receiver), after which the owner can enter the web browser or YouTube.

Like the other devices considered today, the Startrack SRT 3030 HD Monster has a USB port. With it, you can watch content from a flash drive or an external hard drive. Also on the drive you can write TV, including on the timer. Of the other features, there are two card readers. This allows, if desired, to access paid channels. Simply put, this receiver makes it possible to watch a record number of TV channels - if only you had enough money for this. Unfortunately, the card readers are licensed here, they understand only the modules of the operator "Telecard"

Pluses:

• Many connectors, including SCART and digital audio outputs;
• USB port is not forgotten;
• There are antenna outlets;
• There is a function called Timeshift;
• Software based on Linux;
• You can access the Internet;
• Two TV tuners;
• The front panel has a well-distinguishable digital display;
• Two card readers.

Disadvantage:

• Paid channels can be viewed only from the operator "Telecard HD".

GI Matrix Lite

Solid combo receiver from Galaxy Innovations. Like the previous model reviewed, it has two TV tuners that allow you to watch terrestrial, cable and satellite TV.Available viewing in both standard and HD-resolution. In the box with the receiver, the buyer will find a special fastener. With such a small thing you can fix the device on the wall.

The device includes a licensed card reader that recognizes the Conax encoding. This allows you to use the receiver to view paid channels from the "Telecard HD" and some other operators. A curious feature of the device is the ability to connect an external IR receiver. This will help to hide the device from prying eyes, without losing the ability to control it with the remote control. In general, GI Matrix Lite can be considered an excellent choice, because at its not very high cost it offers all the standard functionality. There is even a view of online services, but for this you will additionally buy a special adapter Wi-Fi.

Advantages:

• The creators did not forget about USB-connector;
• The device consists of two TV tuners;
• You can connect an external IR sensor;
• There is a possibility to record aether;
• Many connectors, including - digital optical audio output;
• There is a card reader.

Disadvantages:

• Wi-Fi adapter sold separately;
• Recorded broadcasts of paid channels are not played on the PC;
• The card reader is licensed.

The best satellite receivers

HDBOX HB 2017

An excellent choice for those who have not yet decided which satellite operator to connect to. The HDBOX HB 2017 was created on the basis of the ALi 3612 processor. It received a card with Conax encoding support, in which several operators, including "Telecard", broadcast their signal. There is also a USB port on the case. With it, you can write video to an external hard drive or watch movies already stored on it. Also, an extension of the functionality is available by connecting a Wi-Fi adapter.

Actually, the HDBOX HB 2017 can be called the simplest device. It does not heat up, and the number of connectors here is reduced to a minimum - except for HDMI, you can select only a coaxial output. If your TV does not have an HDMI input, then it is recommended to use a 3.5mm to RCA cable.

Advantages:

• Miniature dimensions;
• Minimum power consumption;
• Stably working software;
• On the case there was a place for the USB-port;
• Built-in media player is omnivorous;
• Very low price tag.

Disadvantages:

• The card reader is firstly ground under the "Telecard";
• Minimum number of connectors;
• Limited functionality;
• Wi-Fi adapter sold separately.

NTV-PLUS 1 HD VA

As it is easy to guess, this satellite receiver was created specially for those connected to the operator "NTV-Plus".On sale, you can find different sets of delivery devices - with an access card and without it. In any case, the device itself is not different in these kits. At his disposal there are two USB-ports, with which help the recording of television broadcasts can be conducted. What is important, the recording is available not only on the timer, but also on the electronic guide. Not forgotten here and the function of playing content - are recognized, including movies in the format MKV.

The heart of the device is the STi237 processor. On the rear panel of the receiver, you can find an Ethernet port. But it is premature to rejoice, because in the first place it is intended only for updating the firmware. Other connectors include HDMI, RCA and SCART.The owner will have the opportunity to output digital audio - this is done using optical S / PDIF.By the way, this is how the sound is output to the home theater - while using the Dolby Digital 5.1 format.

Advantages:

• Full compatibility with NTV-Plus;
• There is built-in media player;
• Firmware is updated from time to time;
• Among the connectors on the rear panel there is an optical audio output;
• You can write an ether, using for this purpose the TV guide;
• Implemented a broadcast recording while watching another channel.

Disadvantages:

• Not the most extensive functional;
• Only one tuner;
• The card receiver is sharpened strictly under "NTV-Plus".

Which satellite or cable receiver to buy

1. GoldMaster C-505 HDI is designed strictly for watching cable TV.The ether signal DVB-T2 will have to be forgotten, since its support is not available here.

2. Opticum HD XC403p offers slightly more advanced functionality - with it you can subscribe to paid channels.

3. World Vision Premium has the support of both cable and terrestrial digital television. It also allows you to watch online content, but this will require a special adapter.

4. Startrack SRT 3030 HD Monster was created for those who want everything and immediately. There are two TV tuners here that recognize terrestrial, satellite and cable signals. When you connect a Wi-Fi or 3G-adapter, you can access the global web.

5. GI Matrix Lite is one of the most inexpensive ways to simultaneously connect to cable and satellite operators.

6. HDBOX HB 2017 is intended primarily for subscribers of "Telecard".But it can work with satellite signals from other operators, then you will only have to forget about paid channels.

7. In the direction of NTV-PLUS 1 HD VA it is necessary to watch subscribers of "NTV-Plus".