How to choose the right DVB-T2 set-top box
To tune in free channels, use digital television set-top boxes. To select the right receiver, you need to understand broadcast standards. DVB-T2 is gradually gradually replacing DVB-T. Most modern TV models support two standards. All TVs that were released after 2013 work with this standard, because... Manufacturers equip them with the appropriate module.
If you don't know if your TV supports the standard, check the device's specifications. Or enter your TV model into the search engine.
If you have an outdated model, then you need to choose a DVB-T2 set-top box to connect to the TV. According to experts, it is better to buy receivers with a CI encoding slot, since the number of multiplexes will expand. It cannot be ruled out that it is possible to upgrade the CI standard to CI+.
Audio codecs vary by manufacturer and model. To play content in .avi and .mkv format, it is better to buy a set-top box with AC-3. Otherwise, there will be an image on the screen, but no sound.
The presence of an HDMI connector is a particularly important element, since connecting the set-top box to a TV through such a connector helps to increase image quality.
If you don’t know which DVB-T2 tuner is best to choose, the rating of the most popular and reliable models will help with this. Below you can see this list.
IPTV set-top boxes
A special type of device designed for transmitting and receiving video content via IPTV. Let us remind you that this is how some cable operators transmit signals to their subscribers. But much more often, an IPTV receiver is used to distribute content throughout the apartment.
For example, some applications designed for Smart TV have IPTV support. Also, via IPTV, you can play content on a computer, smartphone or tablet - it’s not difficult to find the appropriate players. Setting up IPTV is very easy - just connect the set-top box to the router, after which the signal can be distributed either over wires or over Wi-Fi.
Please note that we are gradually starting to watch videos in higher and higher resolutions. If you're ever going to buy a 4K TV, your IPTV set-top box needs to be powerful.
Be sure to make sure that the device's processor is capable of processing images in 4K resolution (and don't forget to check the frame rate). You may also need support for H.265 (HEVC) - this is a new codec in which video is distributed with the best picture quality.
IPTV set-top boxes are also different. Some of them have Linux-based firmware, while others do not require the installation of additional software. They also differ in the number of different sockets on the rear panel. The cost of IPTV set-top boxes usually does not exceed 5,500 rubles.
Smart consoles for Android
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This device is capable of providing Smart TV functionality to your TV. Even if the set-top box is connected to the Rubin CRT, released 15 years ago. Also, purchasing such a device is relevant if you have a computer monitor, but no system unit or laptop. You just need to make sure that on the back of the laptop there is one of the connectors that the set-top box has.
This device is called smart because the Android operating system is installed here. This allows you to expand the functionality of the set-top box as widely as you like, as long as you don’t run out of free space in memory. The system control is slightly modified, because the user does not have a touch screen. As a result, you can activate certain functions using the remote control. The set-top box can also be synchronized with a smartphone or tablet.
As expected, a smart set-top box allows you to watch movies and listen to music. But she also knows how to access the Internet using a variety of network services. Roughly speaking, such a set-top box turns an ordinary monitor or TV into a simplified version of a computer.
Or, if you prefer, into a large tablet. Internet access is usually achieved via the built-in Wi-Fi module. But many smart set-top boxes also have an Ethernet connector. A wired connection is very important in cases where the user decides to watch a movie in 4K resolution.
Smart consoles come in a variety of varieties. Of course, their prices also differ. If you have a 4K TV or are at least planning to buy one, then the set-top box must be very powerful - a simple model is not capable of reproducing such heavy content. And don’t forget to check the speed ratings of the connectors. For example, to play the same 4K video from an external drive, USB 3.0 is required, the “tab” of which is colored blue.
Cheap smart consoles have a modest processor, which causes the operating system and applications to slow down from time to time. Therefore, we advise you not to save money, only then using the gadget will not bring negative emotions. See a detailed article reviewing the best TV set-top boxes for Android in 2019 -
What should you think about when choosing a set-top box?
When buying any TV box, people forget to think about the little things. In this regard, we decided to share some useful tips:
- Stock up on batteries. It will be a shame if you return from the store and don’t find batteries for the remote control in the box. And even if they are there, there will definitely not be an extra pair of batteries.
- Think about the future. If you know that someday terrestrial television will not be enough for you, then buy yourself a TV set-top box that supports not only DVB-T2, but also DVB-C. Of course, this only applies to residents of large cities where there is cable television.
- Don't forget about the antenna. Trite advice, but some people really remember about the antenna only after buying a TV set-top box.
- Buy yourself a USB flash drive or external hard drive. This will allow you to record your favorite programs and series at a time when no one is at home.
- Focus on reviews. Nowadays digital TV set-top box is a mass product, so you can find a lot of reviews on the Internet. If people only complain about a certain model, then it’s better to buy another one - miracles don’t happen, your copy won’t behave in the best way either.
What is the difference between receivers of different price categories?
When buying a set-top box for digital television, everyone asks the question: what is the difference between budget models and expensive ones? Does it make sense to overpay? This is a rather important question, since, indeed, the price of receivers ranges from 800 to 16 thousand rubles. Is there a big difference between them?
Remember that the most expensive models are smart set-top boxes with a very wide range of options. More affordable models are presented in the budget segment; their key difference will be the number of interfaces and signal transmission speed.
More advanced receivers support the “Video Recording” option. To use this function correctly, you will additionally need to connect an external hard drive or flash drive. Using this option, you can record a movie, program or news at any time. You can pause the content while watching.
The price of the device is also affected by the following features:
- Does the equipment support HD?
- Is there an alternative control system provided?
- Is there an internet connection?
- Brand.
- What connectors are available?
When choosing a DVB-T2 set-top box in 2021, it is important to take into account the price segment of the equipment. We will consider further what additional criteria you should pay attention to initially.
What to look for when purchasing
If image quality is important to you and you watch the latest in the world of cinema, then it is advisable that the set-top box supports Full HD or Quard HD.
The manual control system is presented in the form of special keys located on the receiver panel. The package also includes a remote control. Modern models support control of equipment using voice commands.
As for the interface, more budget models are equipped with HDMI. Models that were among the first to be released are connected via RCA. The first option is considered more convenient and reliable.
As for the brand or manufacturer, this factor is especially important because it affects the build quality, packaging and functionality. It is better to trust proven brands.
Don't know which DVB-T2 set-top box to choose in 2021? Additionally, check out the receiver ratings. Also study user reviews, this will allow you to understand the pros and cons of different models.
First of all, pay attention to the manufacturer. It is better to opt for well-known foreign and domestic companies. It is important that the cost is not too low; it is better to choose something average in price. Pay attention to the warranty period, it is better that it be maximum; if we are talking about a bona fide manufacturer, the warranty is 2 years.
Also look at what is included with the set-top box, whether there is a cable for connecting to the TV. Experts advise giving preference to models with a separate power supply, because... in case of failure, it can be replaced with a working unit.
Then you need to carefully study the list of functions. It is better to choose a multifunctional model, so that in the future, when you want to use additional functions, you do not need to buy another set-top box.
If you are a fan of watching new movies or TV series, it is better to choose a set-top box with HD (High Definition). The “Record” option of your favorite movie or show is considered convenient.
Consider control functionality. Experts note that models with a remote control and buttons on the front panel of the receiver are considered more practical.
Set-top box or TV receiver
Receivers and set-top boxes have a similar set of options, but there are still certain differences. DVB - T 2 receivers are focused specifically on receiving a digital signal. The range of additional functions is very limited. Theoretically, such devices can be considered as a media player, but practice confirms that this cannot be called an optimal solution.
A set-top box for digital television has a much larger functional range. Firstly, almost all devices in this group support the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Therefore, they will turn an ordinary TV into a full-fledged Smart TV. Secondly, they allow you to record the broadcast, pause and rewind. The user has access to online cinemas and various applications.
Receivers are focused specifically on digital settings, and smart set-top boxes are famous for their additional services. Modern TV boxes run advanced operating systems, such as Android. Price is another differentiating factor. A receiver with limited functionality costs much less than a smart set-top box.
How to choose a digital TV set-top box
A set-top box for digital television is a fairly simple device, but it also has several nuances that need to be taken into account when purchasing.
Supported Standards
The digital terrestrial television standard is DVB-T2. It is he who must be in the TV set-top box, otherwise the whole point of buying it is lost. The T1 tuner will also come in handy. Together they will provide excellent signal reception in any region of Russia.
On a note! If the device also offers an S2 and S tuner, then you can connect satellite TV through it. And DVB-C is a cable broadcasting standard.
Interfaces
The signal comes to the set-top box via a television cable, which is connected to the RF IN connector. After conversion, it is sent to the TV. If the device is very old, then you can use the same antenna output - RF OUT; more modern models use tulips (RCA), but the best option for transmitting high-quality images is HDMI. In addition, the presence of several of the connectors listed above will allow you to connect two TVs to one receiver.
An advanced set-top box can also offer a USB output. It is usually used to watch content from flash drives, or you can record your favorite broadcasts to an external drive. But there should be an appropriate option for this.
Functional
The main function of a digital tuner is to convert the signal in order to watch channels in a new broadcast format on an old TV. But it is better to buy a model with advanced capabilities.
- TimeShift allows you to pause your viewing and continue later from the same moment.
- The PVR option allows you to record the broadcast to an external drive.
- Built-in media player. Many devices have it, which allows you to watch not only 20 channels, but also movies from a flash drive, but it is important that the player supports different formats, otherwise you will have to search for a long time for a file with the desired extension.
Control
You usually have to control the set-top box using the remote control. They differ only in shape and location, so when buying, it makes sense to hold it in your hands to figure out whether it is convenient or not.
However, there is one more nuance with the control - if the remote control is lost, or its batteries run out, and the tuner was bought for the dacha, and there are no spare power sources, then you can find yourself in an unpleasant situation. To prevent this from happening, you need to make sure that the control buttons (at least the basic functions) are on the body of the receiver itself.
