Digital receiver for TV - how to choose?

Television has long entered our lives, and now the digital broadcasting standard is actively crowding out analogue channels. This is easily explained, since digital television provides a better, “live” picture. More and more people are turning down analogue broadcasting because they want to see a high-quality HD picture on the screen. But to taste all the delights of the “numbers”, you need a digital receiver for the TV. How to choose the device model you need, we will tell in the article.

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Digital TV - differences

For many years, people were satisfied with analog broadcasting. Such a television could be comfortably watched through any old electron-tube TVs. But with the advent of LCD panels, the situation has changed dramatically, since televisions with such panels required a higher quality broadcast source. The large diagonal of the device revealed all the shortcomings of the analog format.

Pluses of “numbers”

Unlike analog broadcasting, digital television has several significant advantages:

• High image quality.
• High immunity to interference.
• A large number of television programs, thanks to broadcasting in certain frequency ranges.
• To transmit a signal, a lower power transmitter is required.
• Choice of language and subtitles.

In connection with so many advantages, the popularity of just such a TV is not at all surprising, therefore the question of how to choose a digital receiver for a TV remains annually relevant.

Ways to submit “numbers”

The digital signal is transmitted in encoded form. The standard in this direction has become the MPEG format. There are three ways to transmit a digital signal:

• Cable.
• Satellite
• Essential.

Important! Most often, in order to access digital programs, it is enough to buy a new TV, as most models of modern units allow you to connect HD TV without a set-top box. However, before buying a TV, you need to make sure that the model you like is equipped with a built-in decoder. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the decoder can not always receive the desired signal, because it is all about the standards of digital broadcasting.

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Digital Broadcasting Standards

Digital broadcasting standards exist in every country. There are 3 types of broadcasting for the CIS countries:

1. DVB-C - the standard accepts a list of channels only from the cable operator of a particular region. The TV itself, in order to obtain the desired programs, must be connected through the cable of the service provider. Such a provider can be both a mobile and an Internet provider. In addition, to receive digital broadcasting, you must purchase a special “cam module” and a card that can decode broadcasting channels.
2. DVB-S, DVB-S2 (satellite TV) - the TV must be connected to a satellite dish, and the receiver is not needed in this case. But if you want to decode as many channels as possible, then buy the same “cam module”.
3. DVB-T2 - Terrestrial TV. To connect to digital terrestrial broadcasting, you must have a standard indoor antenna. In this case, you do not need to buy any additional modules and cards.

Important! The principle of satellite TV is based on the transmission of information from a station to a satellite in orbit.After that, the signal is sent back, while it covers a large coverage area. Such broadcasting has an advantage over the cable and terrestrial (terrestrial) best signal, since the data is transmitted directly to end users, bypassing various decoders, transmitters and other equipment.

When do I need to take a digital receiver?

If you are the owner of a modern TV that has the ability to receive standard broadcast DVB-T2, then you can safely enjoy digital television.

However, if you are the owner of a new device, then the receiver, that is, the digital set-top box, will help fix the matter. Today, numerous companies specializing in the production of digital set-top boxes provide a huge selection of different models that are distinguished by functional equipment, design and price. How to choose a digital receiver for your TV, read below.

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Features of using digital consoles

The set-top box for watching digital programs (receiver) is a special television tuner. It is a device that allows you to catch the incoming signal and display it on the TV screen in the form of a picture in the DVB-T2 standard.

Important! If you have an old model of a CRT TV at home, then there is simply no point in buying an additional device, since the characteristics of the TV's built-in systems will not allow you to enjoy either a good picture or high-quality sound. This applies to LCD and PDP TV models with a large diagonal and good resolution, since regardless of whether they support the DVB-T2 standard or not, anyway, the picture and sound will change for the better.

Key Features of Digital Consoles

In order not to overpay for unnecessary functions and options, we consider the main characteristics of the consoles that are responsible, namely for the playback quality. From this you will need to build on to choose a digital receiver for the TV.

Resolution and Standard

Receivers that support the DVB-T standard, after a while, will simply be put out of sale, due to their lack of demand. Therefore, pay attention to this particular parameter in order not to buy a device that you subsequently will not need. The receiver must comply with the DVB-T2 standard (encoding in MPEG-4 mode).

Important! If the resolution of your TV model is SDTV, then there is no need for a high-frequency signal, therefore you do not need a receiver either.

Formats

Digital consoles very high quality perform the function of a multimedia player. Thanks to the console, you can watch movies and show programs in excellent quality.

And if you plan to purchase a device for this purpose, that is, two in one, then pay attention to the processing of video and audio signals.

Important! Receivers must support all formats (USB PVP, MPEG-4 (AVC / H.264), SD / HD and others).

Control

Most receivers are equipped with an additional control panel. When purchasing a device, pay attention to its presence in the configuration, and to the presence on the case of the main hardware buttons: “On” and “Off,” a channel selector and others.

Important! Even if you lose the remote control, you can always switch to the desired channel using the hardware buttons. And since no one is safe from such situations, this is an important nuance when choosing a digital receiver for a TV.

Interface

Receivers have a standard set of connectors that are used when connecting additional external devices. If you want to watch TV shows not only in good resolution, but also with high-quality sound, then check with the purchase whether there is an HDMI connector on the set-top box.

Important! If you want to view media files from compact drives, then pay attention to the presence of a USB port in the device.

Additional features

To choose the right TV receiver for the TV, you must take into account the breadth of functionality.It is these options that add reliability to the device and provide ease of use.

For example:

1. Some receiver models support the “Time Shift” function. For fans of football matches, as well as moviegoers who, due to various circumstances, can interrupt watching a football match or favorite movie, this function will be to their taste. Thanks to an additional feature, you can watch everything you want, but a little later, using this option and putting the broadcast on pause.

Important! The recording time directly depends on the memory capacity of the external storage device. When choosing a device, pay attention to this factor. The larger the memory, the more interesting information you can see.

2. Another great option is the scheduler. You will need this function to set the start and end time of the recording. If you are forced to interrupt watching TV shows or are absent at the moment you start your favorite movie, then use the “scheduler” option. Thanks to her, you can see everything from start to finish.

Important! Thanks to the scheduler, you can use not very voluminous storage devices.

How many channels can I catch with the console?

Of course, each consumer is interested in the question of how many channels the tuner catches to the TV, because the solution to the problem of how to choose a digital receiver for TV will depend on this.

Today, in digital broadcasting, you can see the main federal channels for free - their set depends on the country in which you got connected to the digital. But this is not all - you can enjoy watching your favorite entertainment programs. Their selection is carried out individually - in the settings, and it is also desirable to voice their preferences to the provider when choosing the appropriate connection package.

Important! As a rule, up to 16 channels are available for free. If you decide to use the services of a provider, you can watch up to 250 channels. The viewing cost may vary significantly, depending on the operator, and on the region in which the provider provides its services.

To connect thematic channels, the digital device must have a special CI slot. It is in it that the “cam module” is installed, as well as a card for access to encoded channels.

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How to choose a receiver for the TV?

A wide assortment of digital set-top boxes makes you carefully choose special receivers. We examined the main characteristics of digital consoles above, and now we will answer the question of what else you need to pay attention to when choosing a receiver:

1. Cost and equipment. It must be remembered that the more functions in the device, the higher the price. The package must include a remote control and batteries for it. Some models are sold with a 3RCA-3RCA cord.
2. Main characteristics. Do not forget to check the compliance of the device with the main characteristics of DTV: Multiple PLP mode, DVB-T2 digital broadcasting standard, support for MPEG-4 video compression standard.
3. Main functions. Digital television is absolutely free today, but if you don’t have enough free channels, pay attention to the device’s ability to connect paid channels. To do this, select the receiver for the digital TV, equipped with a slot for a card. Almost every tuner model has the function of recording the video that you are viewing on the memory card. Pay attention to the function of watching TV shows in HD quality.
4. Manufacturing firm. Make a choice in favor of a reliable and trusted manufacturer, as he values ​​his reputation and does everything to ensure that his devices are of the highest quality.

Important! The most popular manufacturers of this equipment are: BBK, Orton, Strong, Openbox, Galaxy, Supra. High quality products are also distinguished by domestic manufacturers. Pay attention to the availability of the warranty period.Only reliable suppliers provide a 2 year warranty.

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Popular models of digital consoles

If we talk about inexpensive digital consoles, the following receivers are very popular.

Telefunken TF DVBT201

This is one of the simplest models. In fact, it only requires renaming channels. The prefix has a USB port, which can be used both for a flash drive and as a media player. The only drawback of the device is that the case is very hot.

Tesler DSR11

The device has an unusual design and is available in two colors (black and white). The receiver is capable of playing media files. The disadvantage is the lack of an AC3 codec, so movies in MKV format can be viewed, but only without sound.

BBK SMP136HDT2

The prefix is ​​Chinese-made, one of the cheapest. The device is equipped with a media player and a USB port, but does not support broadcasting.

Important! If we talk about multifunctional and better models, then preference should be given to the following devices: Sven Easy See 150 DD LED and Oriel 963. Digital receivers are distinguished by high-quality DACs, thanks to which you get the best, high-quality sound. In addition, these models are equipped with all kinds of functions and a huge number of connectors.

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Stock footage

Undoubtedly, digital television is much better than analog, so the purchase of a TV receiver is the right decision. The main thing - when choosing a device to familiarize yourself with all its functions, characteristics, and about the operation of the device, take an interest in the reviews on the Internet. Having enough information, it’s not at all difficult to acquire a high-quality, reliable product that fully meets your requirements and wishes. Interesting and high-quality views of your favorite programs!