How to choose the best TV tuner: review of 8 popular models

How a TV tuner works

A digital terrestrial receiver is a device for modulating an analog signal into a “digital” one. The tuner is useful to all TV owners who prefer to watch TV channels in a modern standard. Its picture and sound quality is higher than that of analog television. The principle of operation is elementary: the antenna receives a signal from a repeater or television center, transmits it to a tuner, where it is recoded and sent in finished form to a monitor or TV.

To enjoy the benefits of digital TV channels, you only need to set up the device once. All subsequent times the set parameters will be applied automatically.

Healthy! In fact, purchasing a TV tuner is a budget-friendly way to improve the picture quality on your TV without the urgent need to replace it.

How to choose a TV tuner?

To choose the best DVB T2 TV tuner, you need to consider the basic characteristics of the devices. Understanding technical parameters is a must-have skill when purchasing any electronics. The main thing is to pay attention to the following characteristics.

Kinds

Today, analogue television is rapidly dying out; it is being abandoned globally in favor of digital. All because of the low picture quality and vulnerability to interference from the old standard. Modern TV tuners can work to encode broadcasts from previously analog, satellite and cable TV channels. Each type requires a special receiver capable of working with a specific broadcast format.

The most popular tuners are DVB-T, DVB-T2, as they provide signal modulation from public television. Broadcasts via satellites are mainly carried out by mobile operators or channels with subscription access. For their operation, you will need DVB-S, DVB-S2 format devices. To watch cable TV digitally, you need a DVB-C tuner.

Most devices can support 1-2 types of broadcasting. However, the best TV tuners for TV can decode almost all signals. Their price is a little higher.

TV tuners are also divided by installation type:

• Internal . They are installed in a TV, which creates an additional load and has limited functionality.
• External . They include additional functions and take over the entire decoding process without affecting the resources of the monitor or TV.

Manufacturers

TV tuners are most similar to DVD players in their design, codecs and decryption algorithms. Due to the similarity of the devices, companies previously focused on producing DVD players quickly switched to producing receivers. The most popular brands are BBK, HARPER, D-COLOR. Younger companies from China have also performed well: Oriel, Selenga, World Vision.

Connection method

Built-in devices for connecting to a personal computer use a direct route - installation into a connector on the motherboard. External devices predominantly use triple wire and can be equipped with cinch connectors. Due to the obsolescence of the port, most companies are switching to a USB connection. The best connection standard now is HDMI. Advanced devices support several or all connection methods at once.

Control method

The remote control is mainly used to control the TV tuner. In terms of convenience and functionality, the approach is significantly superior to conventional buttons, especially buttons on the body of the device. The remote control resembles a regular television model, but with the help of programs it can be configured to control a computer. If there is an HDMI connection port, you can control the picture on the TV from a personal computer.

Criteria for choosing a set-top box for digital TV: what is important and what is not

The selection of a digital set-top box for TV is carried out according to certain criteria related to parameters and technical characteristics. First of all, you need to pay attention to the following:

• The number of encoding formats supported by the set-top box. It is desirable that their number be maximum. A prerequisite is support for MPEG-4 signal encoding.
• Screen resolution. Modern receivers support HD standards and higher. They will not work with older SDTV models. If the set-top box matches an outdated device, then the image quality will remain at the same level. The device will only broadcast digital channels. This must be taken into account when choosing game consoles for your TV.
• TV connector. They may differ in different devices. In early models it could be RCA - “tulip” or SCART. Modern models are usually equipped with HDMI ports. If the connectors of the set-top box do not match the television connectors, you need to use a special adapter. Please note that a direct connection via HDMI improves image quality.
• Number of supported media formats. In order to view photos, audio and video files on a digital TV, the set-top box must support the following standards: video – MKV, AVI, AVC/H.264, DivX, MPEG4, audio – MP3, WMA, AAC, AC3, photo – JPEG, JPG, RAW. This data is indicated in the receiver parameters.
• Card slot. It makes it possible to view not only the standard set of 20-30 programs, but also additional channels through a paid card provided by the provider.
• Additional functions. Among them are Internet access, Timeshift, connecting external devices, etc. In this case, there must be a sufficient number of USB ports.

Digital set-top boxes are presented in the widest range of products on the electronics market. All of them are conventionally divided into different categories according to their capabilities and functionality. The cost of each device depends on this, determined by the following indicators:

• Country of origin and rating of digital TV set-top boxes.
• Availability of ports and connectors, their number and variety.
• Possibility of connecting to the Internet.
• Control method.
• The ability to record TV shows for later viewing at a more convenient time.

In accordance with the technical characteristics, all consoles can be classified:

• Budget. The capabilities of these devices are significantly limited. They are used only for their intended purpose - to watch TV shows. A good inexpensive option for a summer residence.
• Economy class. They are only slightly superior to budget models due to the increase in broadcast channels. This expansion is achieved through a slot for a paid card. External drives can be connected to which the necessary information is recorded.
• Middle price segment. These set-top boxes are in high demand and are actively used by most users. They are distinguished by high broadcast quality and advanced functionality. The cost is relatively low and quite affordable for consumers.
• Products for premium TV. Equipped with a powerful operating system that speeds up the functionality. An Internet browser is installed that provides access to all network content. The capabilities of such set-top boxes are superior to other models in all respects.

Review of the 8 best TV tuners

It is best to compile the rating of TV tuners from models of different types, characteristics and price classes. This is exactly what the experts did - the review collected the most interesting representatives of different families.

D-COLOR DC1302HD

Opens the rating of TV tuners for the D-COLOR DC1302HD TV in a large case with a display. Information from the device screen is visible even to older people. It supports the popular DVB-T2 format, and an HDMI cable is used to synchronize with the TV, but there are also the usual “tulips”. There is no wireless connection in the device, but there is a USB connector. With PVR support, you can schedule a broadcast recording at a specific time. Delayed viewing will require the use of a flash drive.

Pros:

• HDMI and RCA ports;
• powerful tuner;
• recording broadcasts to a USB drive;
• Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder.

Minuses:

• significant heating;
• There is no way to listen to FM radio.

Price: 1,095 rubles.

D-COLOR DC1302HD

D-COLOR DC1501HD

Distinctive features of the TV tuner: the presence of DOLBY DIGITAL and work with sound in ac3 format. The model requires almost no adjustment. The device is produced in a metal case, which does an excellent job of dissipating heat. Can record TV programs in AVC at a speed of 2.5-3 Mbit/s. The multimedia center works with most formats.

Pros:

• 2 years warranty;
• decent picture quality;
• turns on quickly and changes channels.

Minuses:

• short power cord;
• not an ergonomic remote control.

Price: 1,238 rubles.

D-COLOR DC1501HD

World Vision Premium

A budget model that can convert signals from cable and public television. As a useful bonus, you can access the network via Wi-Fi. Comes with an HDMI cable and a classic tulip plug. The model supports connecting USB drives onto which you can record TV shows. The main disadvantage of the device is the difficulty of recording programs that run from 23:00 to 1:00. After the latest firmware, the problem was resolved.

Pros:

• includes all European standards;
• IPTV;
• easy settings management.

Minuses:

• there is no “autofill” screen;
• inconvenient channel editor.

Price: 1,290 rubles.

World Vision Premium

Oriel 421UD

The advantage of the model is a stable connection via Wi-Fi; the network does not disappear. Among other advantages, it is worth highlighting the presence of the DOLBY DIGITAL standard, as well as two USB ports (one on the front, the second on the back). As an addition, there is a remote control and a parental control system. One of the disadvantages is the built-in power supply, which leads to heating of the device. And also frequent freezing while watching channels that operate at 426 MHz. After the next update the problem disappeared.

Pros:

• compactness;
• shows all formats;
• a remote control with the ability to “learn” to control both the TV and the tuner.

Minuses:

• does not work with plasma TVs that are connected via a “tulip”;
• built-in power supply.

Price: 1,350 rubles.

Oriel 421UD

BBK SMP145HDT2

A modern tuner from an inexpensive series that can receive DVB-T/T2 video signals. The signal reception quality is at a high level, better than most pre-installed receivers. It is an elementary media player, which is provided by a USB connector. The main advantage of the model is that it works with multi-channel audio using the AC-3 codec. The TV tuner can interact with the EPG program guide, record PVR format data and has the TimeShift delayed viewing function.

Pros:

• resistance to heat;
• external power supply;
• multi-channel audio;
• support for most formats;
• The antenna amplifier is powered by the tuner.

Minuses:

• small and inconvenient remote control;
• uncomfortable work with EPG;
• long-term switching on.

Price: 1,590 rubles.

BBK SMP145HDT2

AVerMedia Technologies AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2

Compact device for external connection to a computer. Almost no different from a flash drive or router. Comes complete with necessary drivers, setup software, remote control, batteries and antenna for FM radio and TV. It also comes with a cable with composite ports and S-Video. All of the above allows you to capture an external video signal. The tuner app records video using the H.264 codec. The device can receive and process analog and DVB-T2 signals.

Pros:

• compatibility with older operating systems;
• recording of a broadcast at or after a specified time;
• support for digital and analog formats.

Minuses:

• not the best quality of bundled software;
• poor sensitivity;
• Electronics tend to heat up.

Price: 5,650 rubles.

AVerMedia Technologies AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2

MECOOL KIII PRO

The TV tuner runs on the Android operating system, which gives access to YouTube, IPTV, various Internet resources, the ability to play and an abundance of free content. The set-top box is equipped with a combined receiver that works with all digital TV standards DVB-C/T/T2/S/S2. The potential of the device is enormous, right down to controlling a satellite dish. However, it is possible to take advantage of all the built-in capabilities only if third-party firmware is installed. Even the use of 4k needs some work, namely an improvement in the cooling system.

Pros:

• support of all standards;
• many active users;
• 4k resolution.

Minuses:

• reduced functionality with factory firmware;
• weak cooling system.

Price: 9,490 rubles.

MECOOL KIII PRO

Opticum 4K HD51

The best TV tuner with a full range of functions for working with satellite TV. The receiver accepts DVB-S/S2/S2X standards. The device easily copes with displaying images in UHD (4k) quality. The DiSEqC protocol is used to control the antennas. Comes with card reader and CI+ port. The second slot provides the ability to install a selector for receiving cable or terrestrial television DVB-T2/C.

Pros:

• universal modular device;
• “top filling”;
• supports all popular protocols.

Minuses:

• difficulties during setup;
• high price.

Price: 13,990 rubles.

Opticum 4K HD51

Oriel 421 (DVB-T2/C)

The best digital TV set-top box in its price category. At least, this is what experts in this field say.

The package includes a remote control, but there are also mechanical buttons on the device body. The case itself is assembled of very high quality, is rich in various interfaces (for example, a pass-through antenna output and 2 USB), power can be supplied to an antenna amplifier. 3 modifications of the model were released: a basic one, supporting multi-channel audio, and also with a “learning” remote control.

There is a child protection system, the ability to work with a Wi-Fi antenna and record media content on a flash drive in real time.

Pros:

• Good sensitivity
• Rich interface equipment
• High quality performance
• Simple and logical menu
• Easy sorting
• Scheduled recording and TimeShift

Minuses:

• Difficulty finding a compatible Wi-Fi antenna
• Small remote control angle

Comparison of characteristics of 8 popular models

The key characteristics of the listed TV tuners are presented in the table.

Digifors HD 100 Premium

Russians really liked this premium model. The Rafael Micro R836 tuner shows high sensitivity to signals, and the MStar MSD7T01 processor is responsible for the fast operation of the system. The front panel contains six mechanical buttons, which duplicate the main operating modes. This will be very useful if it suddenly turns out that the batteries in the remote control are low.

The package includes RCA (“tulip”) and HDMI cables. The TV tuner supports multi-channel audio in Dolby Digital 5.1 format, so it can be used as a playback device for home theater. There is an LCD display, recording timer, 1 USB port and progressive scan.

Pros:

• Fast system operation
• Supports almost any media files
• Metal body
• Cables included
• Absolutely clear instructions
• AC3 decoder

Minuses:

• Price
• Firmware is not updated