Features of CETV
Digital terrestrial television (CETV) makes it possible to receive federal TV channels and radio stations included in the first and second multiplex in the MPEG-4 standard. Below you can find a list of these channels.
The peculiarity of this type of TV broadcasting is that you can watch the listed TV channels in high quality. As you know, the previous generation of broadcasting - analog terrestrial TV, is already outdated, since the broadcast picture has a low resolution, and on modern widescreen TVs the image is of very low quality and blurry. The new broadcasting format opens up new facets, giving subscribers a high-quality clear picture and high-quality stereo sound.
CETV broadcasting is carried out in principle, like the usual broadcasting of decimeter channels, only 10 digital ones are included in one channel. There are only 2 such channels, they represent the first and second multiplex. To process the signal, you need a special digital terrestrial receiver - set-top box.
Equipment
Let's take a closer look at the set of equipment that is necessary for receiving high-definition digital terrestrial TV channels.Necessary equipment:
- Antenna;
- Receiver (tuner);
- Amplifier;
- Coaxial cable;
- Cable for connecting the receiver to the TV.
To receive the CETV signal, you need a conventional decimeter antenna that receives channels at frequencies of 470–860 MHz. Antennas can be of two types: home (room) or external. The type of antenna must be chosen relative to the distance from the TV tower (repeater).
A home antenna is only suitable if there is a TV tower in your city, at a distance of no more than 15 km from your home. In this case, you can do with an indoor antenna. If your distance to the TV tower is more than 15 km, you must use an external antenna.
In a home appliances or radio electronics store, decimeter antennas for DVB-T2 will definitely be available. Purchase special antennas that are designed to receive a decimeter signal, they are designed according to all the rules of radio physics and will provide high-quality signal reception.
Talk to your neighbors, I'm sure some of them watch DTV, find out what kind of antenna they use and what is the level and quality of the signal.
If in doubt, buy an external antenna.
Receiver (tuner)
The first thing to do is to choose a receiver. The receiver is a special set-top box for the TV., as mentioned earlier, which processes the signal and sends it to, channel tuning and switching is also done through the receiver. To date, the market has a fairly wide selection of receivers for receiving DVB-T2 channels.
As for the choice, they are all almost identical and simple, choose a device based on the presence of additional functions: the functionality and design of the menu, as well as the availability of connectors for connecting to a TV.
In some modern TVs, from the middle and premium segments, there are models with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner, thanks to which you will not need to buy a receiver, but simply plug the cable from the antenna into the appropriate socket and tune the channels.
If you have, then some models support the installation of CAM modules, including the DVB-T2 module. Thus, you only need to install the module in the receiver, connect the cable from the antenna to the second input socket, and you can watch digital terrestrial television channels along with satellite ones.
Amplifier
Most decimeter antennas (both indoor and outdoor) include a built-in amplifier, the signal from which is amplified by the receiver, which is quite enough for reliable reception if the antenna type is chosen correctly.
Consider cases where a separate signal amplifier is needed. Using the DVB-T2 receiver, you can check the signal level, for this you need to enter the settings and the corresponding scale will be displayed there. Connect the antenna to the receiver - if the signal level is around 75%, and the picture quality suits you, then an amplifier is not needed. When the signal level is lower and the picture is noisy, it is recommended to install an amplifier.
Coaxial cable
This is an ordinary television cable that transmits the signal from the antenna to the receiver. We recommend purchasing a cable with a copper circuit and a screen, as it is of the highest quality, which will ensure good signal transmission and a long service life of the cable. Pay attention to the cable braid, the stronger it is, the better, since the cable will be less susceptible to external influences: interference and destruction.
Cable for connecting the receiver to the TV
If the receiver you choose includes an HDMI connector, which is also available on the TV, then it is better to use it for connection, as this type of connection provides the best picture quality. To do this, you will need an HDMI cable, which can be purchased at any hardware or computer store.
If there are no HDMI connectors, which is somewhat bad, then use SCART, RCA and other connectors.
Installation and setup
First, install the antenna. An indoor antenna is usually installed on a window. You can try to install an external antenna on the balcony or fix it near the window on a bracket if you live in the direction of the TV tower. Route the cable from the antenna to the receiver. In the case when the signal is weak enough, or the TV tower is located on the other side, then the antenna must be installed on the roof of the house. Direct the antenna towards the TV tower, for this it is enough to look at the direction of neighboring antennas.Unpack the receiver, connect the cable from the antenna to it, then connect the cable from the TV. Next, turn on the receiver to power, turn it on and make the initial settings: language, time and time zone, etc.
If the model supports automatic channel scanning, then you can use it. If there is no automatic search, then in manual mode you need to select the desired channels of the two multiplexes. In the regions, these channels may differ, most often these are channels 35 and 45.
Find the channel of the first multiplex and scan it, and then select the channel of the second multiplex and scan it too. The fact is that each of these channels has its own package of 10 channels. By the way, it is in this settings menu that the signal level scale will be displayed. If the signal level is low, you can rotate the antenna, choosing the best direction for it, based on the scale indicators.
That's it, now you can enjoy watching terrestrial digital television.
The introduction on the territory of Ukraine of terrestrial digital television of the DVB-T2 standard has made it possible to significantly expand the zones of reliable reception of the signal from TV towers, in comparison with the analog signal. Also, the ease of setup and installation of T2 did their job, they have become much more popular than satellite TV with MFA channels.
Let's move on to the practical side and talk about the direct installation of all the equipment necessary to receive a digital DVB-T2 signal. Many modern TVs are already equipped with an integrated DVB-T2 receiver, in which case it is enough to find out the position of the repeater, point the antenna at it and scan the available channels using the TV. In the case of a simple TV, the installation and connection of T2 is somewhat different, we will discuss it now. To install T2 in the standard version, you will need:
- DVB-T2 digital receiver
, the form factor you need, for example, for hidden installation with a remote IR sensor, etc. The choice is now huge, there is practically no significant difference, everyone can choose for their needs. Practice shows that it is worth buying in a reliable store with a guarantee, we suggest you buy a receiver from our partners who will provide you with service, warranty and repair.
Buy digital set-top box MINI DVB-T2 with delivery from China
- UHF Antenna , in practice, the so-called "Polish antennas" are often used, you can also purchase an antenna manufactured by Konvaliya, Margoon, etc., you just have to take into account that the antenna must be taken with a margin of gain, since it is possible to predict how the signal will be received in a particular case hard to say. It is also desirable that it has an amplification board that can be powered both from and from an external power supply.
- Cable, regular TV , almost anyone will do, but it is better to take with a percentage of filling with a braid of 50%.
- RCA or HDMI cable to connect receiver to TV may be included or must be purchased separately.
Connecting digital T2 using the World-Vision T38 receiver as an example
First you need to install the antenna, if it has not been installed before. It’s probably stupid to advise anything here, I’ll just say follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and at least first turn it in the necessary direction. In which direction to direct the antenna, you can find out by looking at neighboring antennas or calculate the direction, for example, using Google or Yandex maps.
Connecting the T2 digital receiver to the antenna will also not cause much difficulty, the manufacturer and standardization make this process simple and it is quite difficult to make a mistake here.
When connecting, it’s hard to confuse something, RCA - the cable is connected simply, just follow the color on the plug and on the socket, yellow to yellow, white to white, red to red. The antenna connector will also not allow you to connect other plugs to it, in this receiver model it is located on the left side. It is also possible to connect via HDMI, everything is simple here, the COAX connector is used to connect a digital audio signal amplifier and is practically not used in standard configurations.
After all the cords are in place, we connect the last one - the power supply connector, for this model it is located on the side panel.
This completes the connection of the T2 receiver. Next, you need to turn on the TV and receiver. By pressing the “AV-TV” switch button on the TV remote control, we switch from the antenna jack to the “tulips”, on newer TVs we select the input to which the receiver is connected. The following should appear on the screen:
The receiver will restart and a menu will appear with a search for channels and setting the initial parameters of the receiver.
The set-top box allows you to expand the functionality of your TV by providing dvb-t2 signal reception. This is true for models that do not support digital channels.
Price 1 500 rubles
Opens the ranking of the best dvb-t2 digital set-top boxes of 2016. The compact and affordable receiver has good digital signal reception, which is transmitted to the TV using the HDMI jack. Thanks to the presence of a USB port, the function of recording and playing audio and video on a portable device is supported. In addition, such an important function as parental control is supported here. The gadget has fairly simple settings that you can quickly figure out. The disadvantages of the SUPRA SDT-94 include the need to “aim” the remote control at the receiver, as well as the possibility of image jumps when connected via a composite input. The average price for a model from the Supra company is 1,500 rubles.
Price 990 rubles
Rolsen RDB-532 - the best digital set-top box dvb-t2 of 2016 in a low price category. The advantage of the receiver is its compactness and ease of use. It is ideal for digital broadcasting in the car. The device is equipped with a USB port, which allows you to play audio and video files by connecting a flash card, as well as record video. The disadvantages of the model include the inability to support some formats and the lack of a power adapter in the basic package. The cost of the gadget today is on average 990 rubles.
Price 1 300 rubles
Oriel 202 - a good simplified model of 2016 dvb-t2 digital set-top boxes. It does not require any additional settings for operation: just connect the gadget to the TV and connect the antenna. The receiver is equipped with a USB port that provides the ability to connect a flash card, from which you can run video and audio files, as well as record digital broadcasts. The disadvantages of the model include the lack of control buttons on the panel, a very uncomfortable remote control and strong heating of the device. Also, the device does not support sound in all videos. The average price of Oriel 202 is 1,300 rubles.
Price 1 400 rubles
Tesler DSR-11 Dolby Digital Plus ranked seventh in the ranking of the best dvb-t2 digital set-top boxes of 2016. The receiver, made in a white case, is equipped with a USB port, so it can be used as a media player. The gadget has a gas station codec that allows you to play videos in almost all formats. The device also has excellent digital signal reception. The main advantages of the model are stylish design, reasonable price, availability of necessary connectors, good tuner sensitivity. The only drawback of the gadget is not quite a convenient remote control.
Price 1 200 rubles
Sixth place goes to the dvb-t2 digital prefix BBK SMP129 HDT2 2016. This is one of the cheapest gadgets with a minimum number of connectors. It is designed exclusively for modern TV models. The device is suitable for listening to music, watching videos and photos. There is a good media player and there is a USB port available. The negative sides of BBK SMP129HDT2 are not very convenient menu and control panel. But for the price provided by the manufacturer, this is one of the best options. The average price for a model is 1,200 rubles.
Price 3,000 rubles
One of the most versatile dvb-t2 set-top boxes. The receiver provides the function of recording TV broadcasts, as well as the media player is able to read any format. The gadget has all the necessary connectors and has an excellent level of sensitivity. The model is equipped with a convenient remote control. The disadvantage of the device is not recognizing some files located in the same directory. The cost of TELEFUNKEN TF-DVBT205 is on average 3,000 thousand rubles.
Price 2 500 rubles
Sven EASY SEE-150 DD LED ranked fourth in the list of the best dvb-t2 digital set-top boxes of 2016. The device is provided with a media player that is capable of playing sound in any known format. The receiver supports the delayed view function, thanks to the presence of a USB port, which allows you to use a flash card for video recording. The gadget provides excellent quality, both video and sound, has a fast turn-on speed. The model provides the possibility of updating the software. The negative side of Sven EASY SEE-150 DD LED is a small range of the infrared key. The average cost of the model is 2,500 rubles.
Price 1 500 rubles
Opens the top three dvb-t2 digital set-top boxes of 2016. The receiver provides a maximum range of functions with intuitive and simple settings. The HDMI output allows you to watch channels in HD quality. The device supports the delayed view function, and the chipset has an ACS codec that allows you to play sound in most video files. The front panel has control buttons and a USB input. The device provides good signal reception and pleases with a low price. Among the disadvantages, buyers highlight the need to “aim” the remote control at the receiver, since the tuner may not respond otherwise. The average cost is 1,500 rubles.
Price 1 700 rubles
Ranked second in the list of the best dvb-t2 digital set-top boxes of 2016. The device receives a signal in dvb-t2 format without any complaints. The model can easily be used as a multimedia center, thanks to the support of the ACS codec, which performs the function of playing the sound of almost all video files. All control buttons are located on the front panel for ease of use. The device also supports HD format. The metal case has a combination with plastic, which has no odors. D-COLOR DC1302 provides reliable signal reception even on a conventional antenna. The negative sides of the model are a short cord and a slightly slower channel switching. The average price for a technical product is 1,700 rubles.
Price 1 900 rubles
Leads the ranking of the best set-top boxes of the dvb-t2 standard in 2016. The digital receiver is intuitive to set up that absolutely anyone can handle. The built-in USB port provides both for connecting a flash drive and an external hard drive. The local media player is capable of recognizing almost any video format and is equipped with a delayed view function. The case of the device is made of metal, and all control buttons are located on the front panel. There are a large number of connectors. Oriel 963 will cost an average of 1,900 rubles.
The Geneva Convention of 2006 approved that the transition to digital broadcasting should take place before 2015, which will entail the shutdown of analog TV.
As of 2011, the National Digital Television Network was built and launched in Ukraine, which covers about 95% of the country's settlements. Until 2015, it is planned to switch off analogue broadcasting in the country.
There are three formats for broadcasting terrestrial TV:
- DVB-T/MPEG2
- DVB-T/MPEG4
- DVB-T2/MPEG4
It was DVB-T2/MPEG4 that was introduced in Ukraine - the newest broadcasting format. The digital broadcasting format has greater noise immunity than the analog one. This means that the coverage will be greater, and the signal itself will be available where it was not before, while maintaining the quality of the image and sound.
It also entails a decrease in the size of the antenna, all other things being equal reception conditions. Receive excellent quality video on an indoor antenna? Watching high quality TV outdoors or in the car is now a reality!
With all this, transmitting stations that broadcast in digital have less power than analog ones. Therefore, they consume less electricity and are more environmentally friendly.
The system assumes the presence of basic 32 channels: 28 national + 4 regional and local. Viewing all 32 channels is free. Currently, all channels are broadcast in SD (standard) quality, but the project assumes that 22 channels will be in SD format, the remaining 10 will be in high definition HD.
Preliminary list of HD channels:
- MTV-Ukraine
- TONIS
- Ukraine
- Kinotochka
- Inter
- Bank-TV
- enter music
Digital broadcasting offers a number of additional possibilities. Along with the old teletext, various additional information is being transmitted: the current program, the next program, the name of the channels, the current time, subtitles and their language (if any), etc.
In turn, the tuners themselves are able to receive a new version of software (firmware, firmware) centrally, directly from the air.
From theory to practice
No matter how attractive DVB-T2 looks, it is not yet fully-fledged in Ukraine. The fact is that Zeonbud receives a signal from TV companies in MPEG-2 format with a bit rate of up to 2.5 Mbps, and then converts it to MPEG-4.
Although, this should be seen as a temporary solution, since not all broadcasters are able to quickly switch to MPEG-4. If Zeonbud limited itself to MPEG-4 only, it would create great difficulties for TV companies.
Digital TV receivers themselves, as well as their market value (~550 UAH), leave much to be desired. Well, let's hope that over time, all these nuances will be eliminated.
The very fact of Ukraine's transition to digital broadcasting should already please.
In the next topic, we will talk about the regional features of digital broadcasting in the Transcarpathian region.
Is it worth buying a dvb t2 digital TV tuner for a TV, which one is better and how to choose? For a city dweller, the question of buying a device to increase the number of interesting channels is not acute. Cable TV, which has become widespread, presents users with many different packages with a wide range of prices and a set of channels for every taste. Having a cable TV connection, the user can choose and watch any TV channel within the purchased package. The situation is quite different if the user lives in a village or a small town. In this case, the townspeople are content with terrestrial analog television channels, which are not always transmitted in good quality. The analog signal transmission is not immune to interference and, depending on the antenna, some channels cannot be tuned at all. In this case, users install special satellite dishes.
Satellite TV is quite popular among users of small towns. It gives access to a large number of channels. But not everyone can afford the purchase of special equipment for connecting satellite television. In addition, satellite TV has a number of disadvantages:
- to tune the antenna to different satellites to increase the number of channels, you need to buy additional heads;
- you need to call a specialist to configure and install equipment;
- Recently, many channels are encrypted and in order to access them you need to pay extra.
Therefore, a t2 tuner will be a good alternative for residents of small towns and villages, as well as summer cottages.
The concept of digital broadcasting and the dvb t2 format
Before choosing which digital set-top box for a dvb t2 TV is suitable, let's consider what digital television is and the dvb t2 format.
Digital television is a method of transmitting video and audio data streams by encoding them over digital channels. There are several standards for digital broadcasting, which are established by special international organizations:
- Japanese standard;
- European;
- American.
For the territory of the Russian Federation, the European digital television standard is used.
According to the type of signal transmission, digital television can be:
- Terrestrial or terrestrial television DVB T2 is a new generation format for digital terrestrial broadcasting. When using dvb t2, data is transmitted by special repeaters that transmit sound and picture. To receive data from the repeater, special set-top boxes, or tuners built into the TV, are used. Moreover, a conventional street antenna is suitable for receiving data.
- Satellite. This format uses a satellite signal to transmit data, which is transmitted to a satellite in low Earth orbit, and then received by a special satellite dish.
- Cable television is a method of transmitting a digital signal through a cable connection. As a rule, cable TV companies are provided by providers who charge users a monthly fee depending on the connected package.
Positive aspects of digital data transmission:
- high level of resistance to interference. We can say that with a digital data transmission format there is no interference, the picture is either in good quality or completely absent;
- low power transmitters are used for digital format;
- excellent image and sound quality;
- more television programs;
- the ability to customize the language and subtitles;
- additional opportunities for recording, storing and managing video.
When transmitting data digitally, there are also disadvantages:
- if the signal level is not strong enough, then the image is taken in the form of small squares;
- dependence on weather conditions. During a thunderstorm, snowstorm or strong wind, the signal is practically absent;
- the need for a large number of signal repeater centers.
What are digital T2 tuners for?
A digital tuner is a device that provides the reception and transmission of digital data, their conversion into a format understandable to the TV.
DVB T2 set-top boxes are designed to receive terrestrial television. There are two types of receivers:
- Embedded. Devices that are initially included in the basic package of the TV. They are part of the device. Information about whether the TV has a built-in receiver is indicated on the packaging.
- External. These receivers are an independent device, they are connected to the TV through special connectors or a USB port.
Benefits of using dvb t2 tuners:
- low cost of the device;
- there is no need for additional expenses for equipment, since the tuner works with a conventional analog antenna;
- increase in the number of received terrestrial television channels;
- better picture and sound quality;
- the device is well suited for settlements with no cable TV. For example, a remote village or a suburban area.
On the other hand, receivers are inconvenient because the signal quality depends on:
- because how far is the repeater tower;
- from the height of the antenna used;
- from weather conditions.
Overview of DVB T2 set-top boxes
Let's review some models of receivers so that each of the buyers can decide which of the set-top boxes is the best dvb t2 digital set-top box specifically for him.
- Tuner Lumax DVB T2 model 1000 hd. A compact prefix, shaped like a regular whistle. Connects to TV via USB port. The device works when the TV is turned on, so it does not require a power connection. A fairly sensitive device that provides good quality signal transmission.
- Selenga model HD860D. An inexpensive receiver that provides fast channel switching and high image quality. The high sensitivity of the device allows you to choose it for places farthest from the transmitting tower.
- World Vision T A fairly simple and inexpensive tuner with the ability to connect various drives, which allows the user to view video in AVI, MP3 and MKV format. This set-top box supports only the possibility of receiving a direct terrestrial signal, and cannot be used for scrambled pay TV channels.
- GI Matrix Lite. A universal device that works with satellite, terrestrial television formats. Additional features of this tuner include a built-in media player, WI-FI connection, and a card reader.
- BBK series SMP124HDT2. The receiver, working with the T2 format, has a built-in player and the ability to connect additional media. One of the advantages of this device is an electronic TV program.
- Galaxy Innovations model VU/Duo 2. A receiver that is notable for its rather high cost, but despite this remains the leader in sales among devices of this type. Provides high quality image transmission, has the ability to connect WI-FI and access the Internet. The device provides additional connectors for the ability to connect other types of cards, as well as a receiver for pay channel cards.
The choice of a receiver for terrestrial television is not so difficult, since often these devices are intended and used only for receiving and decoding one type of digital broadcasting. More sophisticated models are equipped with built-in players that read various video file formats or the ability to connect flash cards, hard drives, and access the Internet. If the device has a pay TV card receiver, then the user can connect to one of the providers at any time and increase the range of received channels. Receivers with additional functions, in addition to the function of receiving terrestrial television, allow you to expand the capabilities of even the most ordinary TV of the old model. This attracts users, as it is much cheaper to purchase a receiver with additional features than to buy a newer TV model. Terrestrial television receivers are especially relevant for residents of settlements that do not have the ability to connect cable TV.
