Today, satellite television is becoming increasingly popular. One of the most famous providers of these services is Tricolor TV. However, when buying a set of satellite equipment, you should focus on Tricolor TV receivers. The latest models will be preferable as they have more functionality compared to their predecessors. This means that in order to make the right choice and buy the optimal model, you need to know the differences between the receivers of this manufacturer. Selection criteria and a review of popular samples are in the material below.
Receiver selection criteria
When choosing a set-top box for Tricolor TV, you need to pay attention not only to the basic characteristics of the device, but also to other parameters. So, you need to decide whether the receiver is purchased with or without a dish, how many TVs will be connected to it, what maximum resolution it supports, and also what other capabilities the equipment has . All this will allow you to understand which receiver is best suited to the user’s needs, and choose the right device from a wide range of models.
Main characteristics
When choosing a receiver, you should pay attention to its technical parameters.
Important! The clock frequency must be at least 400 Hz, and the amount of RAM must be at least 256 MB. These parameters affect the performance of the receiver, as well as the ability to broadcast content in high HD quality.
When choosing, you should give preference to a combined tuner, as it will allow you to watch various types of television, eliminating the need to purchase additional devices. So, in Tricolor receivers there can be three combinations of tuners:
- satellite and terrestrial;
- satellite and cable;
- cable and broadcast.
With or without a plate
Typically, Tricolor receivers are sold complete with a dish and other satellite equipment, but the user can only buy a set-top box. This need often arises when you need to replace a broken receiver, exchange an old one for a new one, or purchase a client set-top box.
Advice! If you are buying a receiver for use as a client, you must tell the seller the brand of the existing set-top box so as not to encounter model incompatibility.
Number of connected TV receivers
The user can connect from one to several devices to Tricolor TV. If you plan to connect one TV receiver, you can choose a receiver with one or two tuners, as well as a CI+ conditional access module. When using a receiver with one tuner on a television panel, you can watch TV channels in Full HD quality. For the CI+ module, the TV receiver must have a corresponding CI connector and support the necessary standards. As for the dual-tuner receiver, you can connect a TV receiver and another device to it, for example, a tablet or game console. Also, a dual-tuner receiver will allow you to display images on two TVs and watch or record different TV channels on them.
Maximum image quality
The maximum possible image for Tricolor receivers is Full HD and Ultra HD. It will be available on HD set-top boxes with one or two tuners, as well as on conditional access modules.
Management and communications
When choosing a set-top box, be guided by its design, the location of the buttons, the card receiver, and the presence of connectors.
Advice! It is recommended to choose a device with a large display, because it displays the channel number and installed parameters. The buttons should be convenient and located on the front panel, this will allow you to control the receiver in case the remote control is lost or broken.
The following connectors may be located on the back wall of the set-top box:
- LNB IN – for connecting to the converter;
- HDMI – for connecting to a television panel and broadcasting content in the highest quality;
- Ethernet – for surfing the Internet or connecting to a home local network;
- VIDEO-RCA - for connecting to a TV receiver via tulips, but the output picture will be of low quality;
- AUDIO L, R – audio signal output to TV;
- LNB OUT – connection to a client receiver, however, when two receivers operate simultaneously, the number of frequencies is reduced;
- SCARD TV – transmission of audio and video signals to the television panel, as well as control of the receiver;
- SCARD VCR – auxiliary connector for transmitting image and sound to the television receiver, which is used if the main output is used to control the set-top box;
- RS232 – for the ability to update firmware via a computer;
- S/PDIF – for connecting to Hi-Fi equipment or home theater;
- POWER – to supply voltage to the receiver;
- 0v/12v – for power cable;
- CVBS – for transmitting a composite analog video signal;
- RF IN – for viewing terrestrial TV channels;
- RF OUT – for connecting to a TV receiver via a modulator at terrestrial TV frequencies.
Functionality
Modern receivers broadcast in accordance with the DVB-S (MPEG2) and DVB-S2 (MPEG4) standards. They come in the following types.
- FTA receivers are designed for broadcasting open television channels. Some models, using emulators, allow you to specify access keys. Many devices have an Ethernet port that allows you to connect to the Internet.
- Set-top boxes with a built-in decoder for possible access. To connect the equipment to the operator, you need to install the subscriber card in a special slot. Samples of this technology are used for broadcasting open and encrypted channels, as well as for accessing the Internet.
- Receivers with a CI slot for using a CAM module. They provide access to both free and closed channels, and also provide access to the Internet.
- Set-top boxes with CAM modules and several subscriber card receivers. Moreover, if this receiver has problems with the compatibility of various cards, then it is necessary to update its firmware.
- PVR receivers with built-in memory or USB connectors are designed for recording programs on USB devices.
- Combined receivers that can work as a satellite, terrestrial or cable receiver, and also have a built-in multimedia player for viewing various content.
Availability of additional functions
In addition to the basic functions, some Tricolor receivers have a number of additional features that simplify the setup of satellite equipment, allow you to view videos and images, and also solve other problems. Among the most important and in demand, the following functionality is highlighted: the use of a spectrum analyzer to facilitate setting up equipment for a satellite, the provision of technical information about the data flow, the presence of a multimedia player for viewing various content from USB devices, as well as support and playback of video files in JPEG format .
Also, some models are equipped with several tuners, which will allow you to simultaneously view and record various TV programs on different channels. In addition, it is very convenient when the receiver can be used as a web or FTP server, as well as for playing multimedia content from the famous video hosting YouTube.
Advice! It is recommended to buy a set-top box that has a network card with which you can connect to the Internet and local networks, or a built-in WiFi module.
No. 9. GS B527
A modern 2-tuner digital receiver that supports ULTRA HD, you can watch TV channels on the Internet using the device exchange system.
Price 3,800 rub.
Receiver GS B527
Characteristics:
- view: server;
- maximum quality: 4K;
- there is mirror streaming, TV guide, recording timer;
- external power supply 12V, 3A, 36 W.
pros
- the possibility of free exchange of the outdated Tricolor console for this one;
- you can connect a second receiver, since the device is 2-tuner;
- possibility of working with external storage media: HDD, not just flash drives;
- USB 3.0 and a minijack have been added to the external interface, which can be connected to 3RCA, HDMI via an adapter;
- you can connect an infrared sensor for the remote control;
- faster in terms of channel transitions;
- pleasant appearance;
- quite thin body.
Minuses
- You can view less content over a LAN than through a satellite dish.
Receiver GS B527
New functionality of consoles 2021
In 2017-2018, GS GROUP (the official partner of Tricolor TV) replaced outdated receivers with the newest models. These include:
- GS B531M;
- GS B532M;
- GS B533M.
The first model is intended to replace outdated receivers on sale, the other two are offered for free sale.
Important! The new products that have appeared have the following advantages: the presence of a built-in hard drive with a capacity of 8 or 16 GB, gaming applications, a TV guide with teletext, subtitles and a timer, support for HD, Full HD and Ultra HD resolutions, reading QPSK and 8PSK formats for DVB-S, as well as QPSK for DVB-S2.
In addition to the above, the new samples have a conditional access system and a “Gallery” function for viewing images on a large screen.
No. 6. GS B531M
The receiver interfaces with a client receiver (for example, GSC591, GSC5911 and GSC592) and mobile devices (you need to install the necessary programs). There is a built-in 8 Gb disk for downloading films from the “Cinema Halls” service and using playback control functions. The set-top box allows you to automatically search for Tricolor channels.
Price 3300 rub.
GS B531M
Characteristics:
- source: Internet, satellite;
- view: server;
- maximum resolution: HD;
- functions: viewing over time, recording, TV archive, smart home.
pros
- viewing SD and HD channels;
- access to broadcasts and viewing control;
- home theater with a selection of films;
- convenient transition through channels;
- digital program guide.
Minuses
- there are no batteries for the remote control or cords for connection;
- separate fee to broadcast via Wi-Fi to mobile devices.
Receiver GS B531M
Exchange of old equipment
The discontinuation of Tricolor television receivers is due to the transition to the more high-tech MPEG-4 broadcast standard and the emergence of more modern models. Thus, the first receiver developed by Tricolor was the DRE-4000. Today this model is not produced, but is exchanged for updated samples at an additional cost.
A similar fate befell the model series 2006-2007 (DRE.5000, DRS.5001, DRS.5003), 2010-2013 (GS.8300 - GS.8308), 2014 (GS.U210B - GS.B211). The Tricolor company offers owners of these models, as part of a promotional program, to exchange them for updated samples. Receivers that continue to be produced, but are functionally obsolete, can also be exchanged for modern devices . A detailed list of models subject to exchange and a list of equipment for which it can be made can be seen on the official page of the service provider.
Advice! It is recommended for all owners of old equipment to exchange outdated receiver models for new ones. This will allow them to get a larger number of channels, the highest picture quality, the ability to record or pause the broadcast, start watching a program from the first minutes, and also have access to an archive of programs for the last 7 days.
It is also recommended to exchange an obsolete model for a new one because the cost of exchange is cheaper than purchasing a new set of equipment, and an additional advantage will be broadcasting satellite channels on mobile gadgets. Detailed conditions for this procedure are published on the official website. You can submit an exchange request via the Internet in your personal account or contact the nearest office.
No. 5. GS B532M
A feature of the mid-budget receivers of the GeneralSatellite holding, a technical employee of Tricolor, is a dual-tuner device. Owners of these devices can simultaneously watch different TV channels. In addition, you need a router and user programs on a mobile device. To play on 2 monitors, you need to buy a specialized set-top box.
Price 6900 rub.
GS B532M
Characteristics:
- supports client receiver;
- resolution 1920x1080;
- built-in memory 8 Gb;
- formats: MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC;
- Ethernet, USB, HDMI sockets.
pros
- 2 DVBS2 tuners;
- built-in TricolorTV module;
- additional operator service.
Minuses
- binding to 1 operator;
- you need a splitter, a converter with 2 sockets;
- Works with third party remote controls.
Receiver GS B532M
TOP 5 best satellite set-top boxes
A comparative analysis of Tricolor receivers allows us to identify several of the best models that are the most popular and have received the maximum number of positive reviews. Among them there are both budget models with a basic set of functions, and premium ones with improved characteristics and greater capabilities.
GS E502
This Tricolor digital satellite receiver is not new, because it was released at the end of 2015. However, the extensive capabilities the device provides when used correctly make it one of the best receiver models from this service provider. So, the advantages of GS E502:
- the presence of two tuners;
- the ability to use it as a server: if you connect the set-top box to your home Wi-Fi network, the user will be able to watch satellite channels on their mobile device;
- built-in storage with a capacity of 500 GB, allowing you to record TV shows during broadcast or using a timer;
- the presence of HDMI, Ethernet ports, as well as 2 USB for connecting hard drives or flash drives.
The cost of the device ranges from 12,000 rubles. up to 14000 rub.
GS E502 on Yandex Market
GS E521
This model is very similar in functionality to the previous receiver, but it does not have such a large hard drive. The advantages of the GS E521 are:
- two DVB-S/S2 tuners;
- broadcasting satellite TV programs on mobile devices;
- wireless Wi-Fi module;
- 2 USB, Ethernet, HDMI.
Price – from 5000 rub.
up to 6000 rub. GS E521 on Yandex Market
GS A230
The key advantage of this receiver is the ability to broadcast content in Ultra HD format . This is the second improved model of this type from the Tricolor company; the first was unsuccessful and received many negative reviews. So, the advantages of the model:
- interaction with the receiver-client;
- 4K resolution support;
- 1 TB of internal memory;
- 2 USB (2.0 and 0), Ethernet, HDMI.
Price – from 12000 rub. up to 14000 rub.
GS A230 on Yandex Market
GS B522
Another high-quality budget receiver in the rating with a lot of positive reviews. Advantages of GS B522:
- maximum available resolution – Full HD;
- receiver-client support;
- work with additional services “Infokas”, “Infobanner”, “Tricolor TV Cinemas”;
- HDMI, Ethernet, USB connectors.
Price – from 5000 rub. up to 6000 rub.
GS B522 on Yandex Market
No. 10. GS B528
The receiver is multifunctional; you can connect an external infrared sensor or antenna tulips through a regular audio jack. The device can be updated via USB 3.0 and an external drive can be connected there to store video recordings.
Price 5,200 rub.
Receiver GS B528
Characteristics:
- interfaces: 3.5 connector, HDMI 2.0, LAN, USB 3.0;
- resolution 720-2160p;
- formats: HEVC MPEG-4, DVB-S2;
- signal source: Internet, satellite;
- separate power supply 12V, 3A.
pros
- channels do not freeze;
- TV online operates virtually without interference.
Minuses
- no AC3 sound;
- Dolby Digital can be viewed through the optical Spdif output.
Receiver GS B528
No. 1. GS C592
With the help of a wireless module, there is no need to lay an Ethernet cable from the router at home to the television receiver. But we must not forget that for stable and convenient viewing to work via Wi-Fi, the set-top box must be located near the access point with the least amount of interference, for example, walls or other objects that impede signal transmission.
Price 3,100 rub.
GS C592
Characteristics:
- 1 DVBS2 tuner;
- formats: MPEG2, MPEG4, HEVCH264 (no Ultra HD), HEVC H.265;
- channel quality: SD and HD;
- resolution: 576-1080p;
- stereo sound;
- dimensions: 22*13*3.5 cm;
- built-in memory 8 Gb;
- weight: 800 g;
- plastic case;
- there is Wi-Fi, an external power supply;
- connectors: 1xUSB 2.0/3/0, Ethernet, RCA, HDMI.
pros
- no need to register;
- faster channel switching;
- less heating (can also be used in hot climates).
Minuses
- no screen or external infrared sensor;
- when connected in pairs, if the main receiver fails, it is impossible to use it on both devices;
- The IP client does not connect to Ethernet and HDMI when plugged into a wall outlet.
Receiver GS C592
No. 4. GS B522
A high-quality receiver, relatively inexpensive, with a considerable number of positive reviews. A single-tuner receiver broadcasts from the TV display, “mirror” streaming – dubbing video to gadgets to implement TV to Go. The service is available from gadgets through the Play.Tricolor application. In order to stream video content, you will need to connect your TV receiver to your Wi-Fi router.
Price 6,000 rub.
GS B522
Characteristics:
- source: Internet, satellite;
- view: receiver without connection to the client;
- quality: FullHD.
pros
- you can use a client receiver;
- interaction with additional services, for example, “Infobanner”.
Minuses
- when switching from one channel to another, there is an abundance of advertising that cannot be turned off;
- short power supply wire;
- It freezes or reboots itself several times while in use.
Receiver GS B522
New features of GS receivers recommended for watching Tricolor TV
Recommended Features:
- simultaneous recording of several programs;
- integration with smartphones;
- convenient creation of playlists.
Common characteristics for most Tricolor receivers are:
- availability of Ethernet and USB connectors;
- one or more DVBS24 tuners;
- high image quality and resolution;
- memory card support;
- external IR receiver (not for everyone);
- interaction with various current sources of television content;
- support for various transponders;
- presence of an RF modulator.
