Digital TV set-top boxes DVB T2: what is it and how to choose. How to choose a digital set-top box

So, if you are interested in the topic of digital terrestrial television, then most likely you want to know what channels you will receive if you connect it to yourself. I'm right? Then read on) maybe you don’t need it?

What are digital TV multiplexes

Today in Russia DVB T2 format broadcast 20 channels. They are divided into two packages, these are the so-called multiplexes. Both packages are free to watch, there is no subscription fee. It is enough just to have a TV that receives a DVB T2 signal and.

That's what the "figure" broadcasts in Russia

First ten channels (First multiplex)

The first package, or the first multiplex, is general information, news and development channels (boring things). Here is a list of digital television channels of the first multiplex:

• First channel
• Russia 1
• Russia 2 Match TV - a channel with sports broadcasts
• Channel Five
• Russia "Culture"
• Russia 24
• Carousel - children's channel, cartoons, programs for children
• OTR - Public Television of Russia

The first multiplex operates wherever there is digital television.

I knowingly wrote the time of publication of the article. The fact is that sometimes the composition of the channels changes on the basis of a competition that is held by the state every year. So things may change in 2016.

Just recently, a replacement took place in the second multiplex and "Sport +" was replaced with the entertainment channel "Friday" ... Also, the channel "Russia - 2" in the first multiplex was replaced by Match TV.

Third package of channels (Third multiplex)

And yet, they promise a third multiplex, but it will already be with a subscription fee. So I don't think it will be wildly popular. Since, as soon as the on-air "figure" becomes paid, it will be easier to stretch a cable with 40+ channels for 120 rubles. per month.

And here is what they write on the project about this:

It is too early to talk about the exact date of the start of broadcasting of the third (regional) multiplex. To begin with, principles for the formation of a regional multiplex at the government level should be determined, after which competitions will be organized to determine the channels participating in the third multiplex. Only after the composition of the third digital package becomes known, RTRS will be able to start broadcasting it. It should be noted that this fall, the Government Commission for the Development of Television and Radio Broadcasting postponed consideration of the issue of the principles for the formation of the third multiplex until 2018.

Currently, Russia (as well as other countries of the world) is switching to digital broadcasting (DVB-T and DVB-T2). Russia started much later digitalization of broadcasting, due to which it passed the stage of the first DVB-T standard and immediately introduced a new, more advanced DVB-T2 standard. This uses MPEG-4 compression instead of MPEG-2 (most European countries). MPEG-4 compression allows, with a small loss in signal quality, to provide a significantly lower bit rate, which makes it possible to place a significantly larger number of programs in one package (multiplex) and even use high-definition television (HDTV).

What gives the consumer the transition from the traditional analog broadcasting familiar to us to the DVB-T2 standard?

Excellent signal quality. The digital signal has a very characteristic feature - either it has an excellent (original) quality, or it does not exist at all. The analog signal has a smooth transition from excellent to poor reception quality.

Increased number of channels with the same frequency resource. Physically, this means that several programs (from 6 to 18) are simultaneously broadcast on one physical channel with a bandwidth of 8 MHz. A set of programs placed in one physical channel (8 MHz) is called a "package" (they are, as it were, "packed" into one single digital stream) or a "multiplex".

Simplified admission conditions. Physically, this means that where analogue channel reception was previously difficult or impossible, DVB-T2 reception is becoming a reality. DVB-T2 signals are perfectly "readable" when they are very noisy. This is their feature.

No repeated pictures on the TV screen. A very important factor in practice. Now, the presence of re-reflected signals does not affect the reception quality in any way (of course, within reasonable limits).

Ability to broadcast high-definition channels (HDTV). As a rule, such programs are necessarily present in any of the broadcast packages. Anyone who has seen the quality of an HDTV signal no longer wants to watch even the quality of a DVD signal from DVD players. HDTV quality can really be enjoyed. There are no fundamental restrictions on the broadcasting of 3D programs (at present, there is little interesting content in 3D).

Reception of programs not available on satellite broadcasts. As already noted, satellite (SAT) broadcasting is characterized by the peculiarity that not all desired programs are broadcast from a given satellite. In addition, SAT broadcasting is paid, and on-air state broadcasting is free, which also plays an important role. It is also important to add that the image quality at DVB-T2 broadcasting is much better than SAT broadcasting due to higher transmission speeds.

Ability to receive on the move. Standard DVB-T/T2 was originally formed with such a characteristic feature. Now it can be received reliably and stably in a car, plane, train, etc. The maximum travel speed depends on the DVB-T/2 signal broadcast format and is usually between 220-440 km/h. Thus, almost every motorist can now install a small-sized flat-screen TV (battery-powered) in their cabin and enjoy high-quality digital signal reception (reliable reception is observed even in short tunnels).

in Moscow DVB-T2 channel broadcast room 30, room 24 and room 34(see frequency grid). In digital packages, both free standard definition (SD) channels and paid high definition (HD) channels are broadcast.

Our company will select for you (and, if necessary, install) a small-sized antenna for high-quality reception of DVB-T/T2 signals.

We can also supply you with an economical tuner (STB) DVB-T2 - HDTV/MPEG-2/4 for receiving digital channels.

If necessary, we can distribute the digital signal to several rooms (according to the number of STBs), or the already received demodulated signal to several rooms (no additional STBs are required, but all TVs will only show the same programs received by a single tuner).

The most economical way is for you to install one or another set recommended by us for DVB-T2 broadcasting. At the same time, only 1 UHF band antenna.

Moreover, if you already have a community cable network, then we will help you "mix" digital packages into the cable network without any damage to you. Naturally, we can also mix satellite (SAT) broadcasting signals into your home network. In this case, all signals will be broadcast over a single cable.

There are many options for solving a particular problem, and everything is determined by the wishes of the Customer and his financial capabilities.

Relevance: February 2019

TV receivers (set-top boxes) are designed for broadcasting digital terrestrial broadcasting, providing viewing of open channels in high quality and without a monthly fee. The set-top box is compact in size, easy to set up and operate, which allows you to connect it to almost any TV, including older models with kinescopes.

Manufacturers of digital TV receivers are constantly improving their products, expanding the functionality of products. In addition to traditional models that catch channels in T2 format, there are set-top boxes with Internet access via Wi-Fi, with the ability to record broadcasts to an external drive, with a built-in HD player and other additional features.

We have compiled a list of the best DVB-T2 set-top boxes based on expert reviews and real customer reviews. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the global equipment market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

1. LUMAX
2. world vision
3. Selenga
4. HARPER
5. D-COLOR
6. Oriel

Inexpensive Multifunctional Recording timer IPTV support Video Standard: Full HD

* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

DVB-T2 set-top boxes: Inexpensive

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

This set-top box with a wide range of functions showed good results in HD image quality, as well as in playing Full HD video from a flash drive. But the main thing is that it supports the AC3 codec, which means that your films will always come with sound, and you won’t have to dance with a tambourine.

There are channel switching buttons on the front panel, but they are useless without a remote control. The remote control is small, but it is not critical. The IR signal receiver is capricious, you have to aim.

Channels change within about a second. During testing, the store manager dropped the device on the floor, but there was not a scratch on the metal case.

Advantages

• HD image output
• metal case
• AC3 codec support
• Channel switching buttons are displayed on the front panel

Minuses

• Not the most comfortable remote
• You have to aim at the IR receiver

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer / Multifunctional/ IPTV support

Main advantages

A full-fledged media player and a standard TV receiver, I would call it that. From the point of view of digital signal reception, this is a good average: with a good UHF antenna, it catches the available channels with a bang.

The control is only from the remote control, the remote control itself is not bad, the IR receiver saw it well, I didn’t have to aim.

But the player frankly pleased. Two USB ports, omnivorous playback, network card, good Wi-Fi module. I managed to watch a couple of videos from YouTube - they go without slowdowns, the quality is not brilliant, but you can watch.

The device works quickly, the channels switch briskly, the menu is also smart. The Amlogic S805 Cortex A5 processor (1.5 GHz) with the Mali-450MP graphics accelerator and 1 GB of RAM make themselves felt. Firmware - Android 4.4.

Advantages

• Good signal reception quality
• HD image output
• Omnivorous player
• Ability to watch video content from the Internet
• Two USB sockets
• HDMI cable included

Minuses

• Pre-installed applications in the firmware do not work
• Remote control only

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

A fairly inexpensive universal set-top box with two tuners for receiving both digital and cable television.

The setup seemed quite intuitive to me, although more complex than on simple devices. Be sure to select the start channel, otherwise every time you turn on the radio channel will go first.

The quality of the digital TV signal is decent, it catches on a simple antenna. It is possible to connect a Wi-Fi adapter, not all models are suitable. Internet features are limited: YouTube, RSS feeds, weather forecast, Web-TV.

Recording TV content on a USB flash drive is possible, but it loads the device very heavily, which sometimes causes slowdowns. In my opinion, the device is convenient for those who already have cable, but I also want digital channels, and I’m too lazy to constantly plug the plugs.

Advantages

• Good quality digital signal reception
• Two built-in tuners
• HD image output
• Ability to connect a Wi-Fi adapter
• metal case

Minuses

• Not all Wi-Fi adapters are suitable

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

• The contrast LED display shows the broadcast channel number while the set-top box is in operation, as well as the current time in standby mode
• Wi-Fi support (to connect, you need to purchase an adapter separately) provides quick access to various Internet resources (IPTV, You Tube, Megogo)
• The special software "LUMAX Cinema Hall", which is included in the package, allows you to connect to a large online video content library (more than 2500 films)
• The set-top box is protected against short circuits, which guarantees the device a long service life even with unstable power parameters
• The powerful RT850 tuner ensures stable reception of TV channels in digital broadcasting even at a weak signal level

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

• Firmware upgradeable via front panel USB or Wi-Fi
• Internet connection gives access to a large number of popular online services, including You Tube, Megogo, IPTV, weather forecast and news
• Support for Multiple PLB mode provides simultaneous transmission of several channels in one data stream, allowing you to switch between programs without time delay
• Broadcasting HD video allows you to watch content in high definition
• Built-in "parental control" and "TV guide" modes, as well as the ability to record broadcasts on external media, expand the functionality of the set-top box

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

• The case with perforation on the bottom panel and on the lid provides efficient heat dissipation and natural cooling of radio elements even during long hours of operation of the set-top box
• On the front panel there are control buttons for the set-top box, as well as a digital display that displays the current time and broadcast channel.
• The presence of the HDMI interface allows you to connect the set-top box to the TV via a single cable, improving the quality of picture and sound transmission.
• The built-in tuner provides not only reception of digital terrestrial, but also open cable channels
• Thanks to two USB connectors (on the back and on the front panel), you can connect a Wi-Fi adapter to the set-top box to access the network, as well as an external drive

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

• Thanks to the built-in media player, the set-top box supports HD video playback, and also works with the AC3 codec
• The EPG (electronic guide) function displays information about digital broadcasting programs and allows you to record programs at specific time intervals
• To connect to modern flat panel TVs, you can use the HDMI interface, but if the TV is old, you can use a traditional RCA cable ("tulips")
• USB connector on the front panel allows you to connect any compatible external drive
• Thanks to MultiPLP Technology, several broadcast channels are transmitted simultaneously in one stream, which ensures switching between programs without time delay

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

• Time Shift mode allows you to watch your favorite programs in delayed mode at a convenient time for the user
• You can connect an external HDD or Flash drive to the set-top box via the USB port to view photos and videos
• Thanks to the PVR function, you can record digital broadcasting on external media
• EGP - an electronic guide that will show the online broadcast grid with a brief description of the programs
• You can connect the set-top box to modern TVs via an HDMI interface, and to old classic models - via a traditional RCA cable (“tulips”)
• The built-in tuner with high sensitivity ensures high-quality transmission of digital terrestrial broadcasting even in places with a weak signal level

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

• Supports AC3 audio format for 6-channel surround sound
• Two USB ports allow you to connect various external devices to the set-top box (Wi-Fi antenna, HDD drive or Flash drive)
• Thanks to the function of accessing the Internet through an external Wi-Fi module (purchased separately), the user gets access to various popular services with the ability to broadcast video content online
• The possibility of a delayed start of the broadcast, recording to an external medium and "parental control" significantly expand the functionality of the set-top box
• The front panel display shows the broadcast channel while the set-top box is in operation, and also serves as a standby clock

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD/ Recording timer

Main advantages

• The "parental control" function allows, if necessary, to block access to certain channels
• Almost any external drive can be connected to the set-top box via the USB port, which allows you to play audio and video content on the TV screen
• Broadcast recording function (including scheduled recording) will not miss your favorite show
• To connect to modern flat-panel TVs, an HDMI interface is used, and classic kinescope models are connected via an RCA cable with "tulips"
• Russian-language menu with automatic and manual channel search allows you to quickly set up the set-top box

USB memory playback/ Cheap / Video Standard: Full HD

Main advantages

• Enhanced sensitivity tuner ensures excellent signal reception even in remote areas or in mountainous terrain
• Through the USB port, you can connect a USB flash drive or external HDD drive and watch movies from it
• The Time Shift function allows you to record live broadcasts to an external device so that the user does not miss a single moment of the broadcast
• The HDMI interface allows you to connect the receiver to any modern flat-panel TV via a single cable (for older models there is a standard cable with "tulips")
• A convenient and friendly Russian-language menu with an auto-search function allows you to quickly set up the set-top box

Surely, many Russian users interested in terrestrial television have already heard about the gradual transition to digital broadcasting throughout the country. Many viewers do not suspect what needs to be done to switch to digital TV, whether additional equipment needs to be purchased or not. In this material, I will try to answer all the questions of users who plan to use digital TV on their TVs, because the digital television standard, thanks to information technology, is being transformed into a new service for the viewer.

The advantages of digital TV and the disadvantages of analog

The main disadvantage of the analog signal is weak protection against interference, as well as a rather wide band of the radio frequency spectrum required for broadcasting one channel. Therefore, on the air, we were limited to a maximum of two dozen color channels, and on cable networks an average of 70. With an analog signal, it is quite difficult to make a service convenient for the user and operator (for example, to implement the ability to quickly connect and disconnect channel packages). In addition, analog TV needs high power transmitters with a large coverage area.

The digital signal is devoid of these shortcomings. The main advantage of digital TV is that the signal can be compressed using modern algorithms (eg MPEG). By compressing the signal in the frequency range of one analog television channel, you can fit up to 10 digital channels with approximately the same picture quality. How exactly to encode and compress a signal is determined by a single standard. Today, in Europe and Russia, the main family of standards is DVB, a product of the international consortium DVB Project. The family includes standards for satellite, terrestrial, cable and mobile television, which differ in the degree of compression, noise immunity and other parameters (depending on the transmission medium used).

Benefits of Digital TV

• noise immunity, the possibility of compression;
• image quality improvement (digital signal is less sensitive to noise than analog signal);
• more terrestrial channels compared to analogue broadcasting.

World Digital TV Standards

In America, the ATSC standard developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee is widespread, in Japan ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting) is rapidly developing, Russia has followed the European path, adopting the DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) standard as a basis.

Switching to digital

A massive transition to digital television broadcasting standards in the world took place in the early 2000s. In our country, state broadcasting channels have begun the transition to digital since 2009 as part of the federal program "Development of television and radio broadcasting in the Russian Federation for 2009-2015." DVB-T2 was chosen as a single standard for digital broadcasting, which allows you to place more digital channels on the frequency band than its predecessor DVB-T, but this does not mean an increase in the resolution of the broadcast picture. HD-quality on the air, we should wait only in the distant future. To date, DVB-T2 transmitters are already operating almost throughout the country. Somewhere so far only the first multiplex (a package of 10 digital channels) is on, in other areas the second one is already available. This means that if you have the appropriate TV or an additional set-top box, you can receive and watch 20 channels for free in decent quality and almost without interference. The program for the development of digital television in Russia involves updating only distribution and transmission equipment. Viewers have to think about replacing receivers on their own, because in order to receive a digital terrestrial television signal, DVB-T2 TV tuner, and a similar one is provided only in . To receive a signal with old devices, viewers will have to purchase and install a set-top box at home.

DVB video compression formats

DVB standard- this is not a complete description of the digital television format, but a method for a specific implementation of the broadcast. Various video coding systems (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, etc.) can be used within this standard, but not all of them are backwards compatible. The most common compression formats are MPEG-2 (the best picture quality) and MPEG-4 (the best compression). Russian digital TV will use MPEG-4 compression. TVs that support the MPEG-4 standard can also work with MPEG-2, but not vice versa, since MPEG-2, in turn, is used by cable operators that are not limited in bandwidth and the picture compressed by this codec is much better.

Analog dish or satellite dish?

The principle of operation from a satellite dish. You need to buy and install a set of equipment that receives a signal: a “dish”, an access card to satellite channels and a set-top box (satellite receiver), which ensures the transformation of the received digital signal into an analog TV understandable. Satellite receiver- This is a device that provides signal transformation from DVB (various decoding systems) into a format that is perceived by a household TV. To such a set-top box, you can connect the wire of a cable operator or a familiar terrestrial television antenna. Intermediate equipment may not be needed, as many modern TVs support the standard DVB-T, which means compatible with MPEG-4 compression, and no special antenna is required to receive a digital signal.

In order not to change the TV, there is an alternative - CAM module. It is a kind of expansion card that is inserted into the TV and gives it the functionality of a set-top box, but to use this component, the TV must have a CAM interface. I will tell you more about the CAM module in the section on digital cable TV.

Satellite platforms officially operating in Russia use the DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards. Reception requires a properly installed antenna (the diameter of which depends on the geographic location of the subscriber and the selected satellite), a receiver with a valid access card and a TV.

DVB-T2 - the new digital TV standard

DVB-T2 standard- This is the second generation of the European digital broadcasting standard DVB-T. It is designed to improve the capacity of television networks by at least 30% compared to DVB-T with the same network infrastructure and frequency resources.

Advantages of the DVB-T2 standard:

• increase in the number of channels of the broadcast package;
• the possibility of organizing "local" broadcasting;
• the possibility of developing high-definition television;
• release of ethereal frequencies.

The use of the DVB-T2 standard in subscriber devices creates a technological basis for providing additional services and HDTV via digital terrestrial television networks. In the future, it is possible to introduce a new interactive technology, thanks to which the capabilities of a familiar TV will become an analogue of Smart TV. So when buying a TV, pay attention to the support of the DVB-T2 standard.

Image resolution in digital television

A typical television signal is "standard definition" ( Standard Definition,SD), there is also an improved quality signal option ( "increased clarity") - 480p, 576p, 480i or 576i. The number indicates the number of pixels in height, and the letter indicates the type of scanning - interlaced (i) or progressive (p). The number of pixels in width depends on the aspect ratio of the picture, which leads to the existence of several more varieties of high-definition signal. There are no less than four variants of SD in today's analog TV. If your TV has DVB-T support, there will be no compatibility issues. Cable and satellite operators typically offer some form of "enhanced definition" picture. At the moment, the DVB-T standard is considered obsolete and has been replaced by DVB-T2. In Russia, on-air digital broadcasting is carried out in DVB-T2 standard with support for MPEG4 video signal compression standard and Multiple PLP mode.

High definition television (High Definition TV, HDTV) – the best quality so far. HDTV comes in two versions - 1080i and 720p. The 720p format has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and progressive scan, and the 1080i format has an image resolution of 1920x1080 pixels with interlaced scan. Formally, the number of pixels in a 720p image is half that of 1080i, but in 720p a whole frame is formed in one pass, and in 1080i half. 1080i is more suitable for footage with a minimum of movement and a maximum of detail, while 720p is the opposite, for this reason there is no need to compare them.

Digital cable television

In parallel with the transformation of terrestrial television, cable operators also thought about optimizing the frequency spectrum and developing services. In the field of cable television, a typical development path is the launch of broadcasting in the DVB-C format (a version of the DVB standard for cable networks, which has a lower degree of compression and less noise immunity compared to the on-air standard, which is quite acceptable in a “cable”). When switching to digital, operators get the opportunity to manage content flexibly, for example, allocating channel packages, opening and closing access to them for users, etc. So-called access cards are used to decrypt encrypted channels by the subscriber. Each coding system has its own, but the standard provides a universal connector for connecting a CAM module to a TV or set-top box for a certain type of encoding, into which an access card is already installed.

Like DVB-T2, the cable version of digital TV supports high definition (HD) content. But whether or not to include HD channels in their network, each operator decides independently. It should be noted that almost all cable networks in Russia, where digital television has been launched, offer HD channels. Some even experimented with 3D channels.

Equipment for receiving DVB-T2 and DVB-C

To view a digital cable network signal, you need equipment that accepts the appropriate standard. TVs and set-top boxes with DVB-C support appeared on sale back in 2007, so if you have changed your TV receiver in the past few years, then you most likely have support for the cable version of the DVB standard. Ideally, to connect to cable digital television, the owner of such a TV just needs to purchase a CAM module from the operator and install an access card there. But since each operator determines the policy of the service, CAM modules are sometimes not offered, and then subscribers need to purchase an intermediary device - a set-top box with support for the conditional access system (CAS) used by the operator. Most often, such devices are “sharpened” for only one COURT.

If the cable operator offers HD channels, then the equipment must also accept HD resolution in order to view them. In general, DVB-C (DVB-T/T2) support does not mean Full HD support (image resolution 1920×1080 pixels for both TVs and set-top boxes). A similar situation is with 3D channels.

The fact that the TV supports the cable version of the DVB standard does not mean at all that it also decodes the on-air version of the “numbers”. Deliveries of equipment with DVB-T2 support to our country began only in 2012. So it's safe to say that if your TV was purchased earlier, then it will not "understand" the DVB-T2 standard. Cable set-top boxes also rarely accept DVB-T2. If your TV device does not allow you to receive the on-air "digit" by default, it is not necessary to change it. You can limit yourself to buying a set-top box for DVB-T2. Digital TV tuners of this standard are available in various designs, including as compact accessories for tablets and computers with a USB connector.

TV over the Internet

An Internet channel is also used to transmit a digital television signal between the telecom operator and the viewer's TV. Global network television projects can be divided into IPTV and OTT. Although OTT is a subset of IPTV, they are usually treated as separate services. It is generally accepted that IPTV is a service within the operator's network that provides real-time broadcasting of channels, and OTT (Over The Top) is any video service (not only broadcasting channels, but also a cinema, that is, video on demand) provided via the Internet . Many common operator platforms support both options within the same service, so it makes no sense to talk about a strict separation of IPTV and OTT.

Equipment for IPTV or OTT

At the moment, TV manufacturers have not yet agreed on a single standard for IPTV services (OTT). Therefore, for now, viewers are forced to choose between several available options for watching TV over the Internet:

• – operators provide applications to connect the service. It is important that you cannot use a third-party solution here: the only one who can release such a program for this particular network is the operator providing the service.
• - the ability to connect to an IPTV TV is determined by the presence of connectors for connecting a set-top box. The cost of such devices, however, is somewhat higher than that of ethereal set-top boxes. There are even universal devices that work in the networks of different operators (reconnection may require changing the firmware of the gadget, but at least not buying new equipment), as well as acting as a home media center (for example, Dune HD).
• watching channels on computer often the “computer” package is smaller and HD channels are less likely to be found there.
• television on mobile devices.

Note that HD, 3D and even channels can be broadcast in IPTV. But to view them, you need a set-top box and a TV that supports these standards and resolutions.

TV on mobile devices

The idea of ​​mobile television has become widespread when combining high-speed mobile Internet and IPTV. Its advantage over terrestrial, cable and satellite digital standards lies in the fact that potentially a television signal can be received not only on specially produced devices, but also using any mobile device, including a smartphone or tablet. This is used by many telecom operators who have previously deployed IPTV (OTT) projects. To work with encoded content, telecom operators release applications for mobile gadgets. Moreover, often such programs allow you to manage a subscription to channels or a home set-top box. Recently, many projects have appeared that are not related to any telecom operator or provider at all, but only offer video content for smartphone users, such as Amediateka, free IVI, etc.

I hope now you understand the differences between the types of digital TV: cable, Internet TV, satellite and terrestrial.

Now the T2 tuner has become widespread. Channels that are broadcast by such a device, as a rule, have high quality both sound and image.

Such a device works necessarily on one or more standards. The most popular in the Russian Federation are the following: DVB-T (obsolete) and DVB-T2 (modern). This means that this tuner is broadcasting European digital TV. There are others. For example, the ISDB-T standard provides access to Japanese and some South American channels.

The receivers themselves can be of several types. Now consumers are turning to stores for help in finding a good one. Unfortunately, some of them only work with free channels, and in order to recognize paid channels, you will have to look for the appropriate receiver with a special option.

The article discusses special models that have become widespread. They are in demand among consumers and are considered the most optimal in terms of their characteristics. When buying, you need to pay attention to them.

BBK SMP001HDT2

This tuner T2 has long won the favor of buyers. It can often be found at specialized points of sale. Judging by the reviews, the device has good image quality, a huge number of available functions, ease of operation and ease of use.

What else can be noted? The interface of the receiver is quite clear, it is completely unique and developed by the BBK team. Signal reception is carried out due to special antennas and radio channels. The T2 tuner works without interference, the image and sound quality is not affected by the range of the repeater. There is a function of delayed viewing of the air and stop. If desired, you can record any movie or program on an external storage device. There is also permission to rewind ad blocks.

The body is made of plastic. Built-in special electronic version of the program guide. Weighs 200 g.

BBK SMP017HDT2

The following T2 tuner is a powerful device that runs on a stable and high-quality processor. It is due to him that this device is able to spend a fairly large number of years in operation. The model is equipped with many functions that will be useful to everyone. The kit comes with special cables and wires that allow you to connect to the TV. You can also interact with peripheral media, playing various media files from them. The case is made of plastic, like most models from this company. One of the sold versions is made in black, so the device will easily complement absolutely any interior. The T2 tuner has a built-in high-quality player that works with all formats, which clearly facilitates the operation process. In the kit you can also find a special instruction and remote control. The small size of the device will help to install it in the smallest places.

AverMedia AVerTV Mobile 510

The next receiver is small in size, it is suitable for use with gadgets. After all, many users prefer to carry a T2 TV tuner with them to watch TV at any time. But you need to pay attention - the device works only with gadgets based on the Android operating system. The device is equipped with a special adapter that connects to the connector on your phone or tablet. This allows anyone to watch TV without being connected to the Internet. Such a digital tuner will be convenient for anyone who prefers to move from place to place. There are also communication interruptions. That is why many people prefer this tuner. Works with two standards at once: obsolete and its follower.

The mass of the device is a little less than 8 g. The weight and minimum dimensions of the device will not give discomfort when using the receiver to any person.

SUPRA SDT-90 Black

This external digital tuner T2 is also referred to as a set-top box. The Supra manufacturer has installed software on the device that supports both standards. A recording function is built in, which allowed, at the request of the user, to save any program, movie or entire broadcast in the internal memory or on external media. There is an option to allow each consumer to set a timer to start recording. This is quite convenient and users note this feature as useful as possible. There are options to increase or decrease the playback speed. That is, you can watch your favorite moment for a long time, peering into every movement, and squander the uninteresting moment. Moreover, this model of the tuner is equipped with the function of working with subtitles and teletext. There is also a built-in program guide. In general, the characteristics of the device are high, so they attract buyers.

Rolsen RDB-528A Black

T2 RDB-528A will allow you to record all the necessary movies and programs on memory cards and flash drives. The device supports many media formats that can be opened additionally from another source. The device is able to synchronize the time, and it also has access to the program guide.

Customer reviews make it clear that this model gives pleasure from viewing. It not only produces a good quality image, but also a stable radio signal.

The appearance of the receiver is rather modest, but this is more of a positive side than a bad one. Not all buyers prefer bright accents in design, many are drawn to minimalism and a sense of solidity.

The device works well, there are no failures. The service life, in general, is suggestible, although some complaints do occur. However, you just need to take care of your tuner, then it will work for a long time.

Rolsen RDB-902

This receiver catches a signal in both satellite format and terrestrial digital. This model is known for its powerful feature list as well as its cute design. It allows you to happily watch your favorite movies, listen to music, and all this in good quality. The device is quite successful, and this T2 tuner receives only laudatory reviews.

Strong SRT 8500

The T2 "Strong SRT 8500" tuner is sold complete with a cable for connecting to a TV, instructions, a control panel and batteries for it. The body of the device is made of metal, and the front part is made of plastic. It looks like aluminum. The total weight of the device is just under 1 kg. Of all the devices that are described above, this one is the heaviest, but it's worth it. The assembly of the tuner is of the highest quality, as are the materials used.

Consumers call this device balanced. All technical details are in harmony with each other. Of course, it is a little noticeable from the outside that the manufacturer tried to make the product as cheap as possible. He overdid it a little, but for his price category, these characteristics are already enough. Its cost is about 1000 rubles. But I must say that against the background of other devices, more powerful, this receiver has poor performance and low query processing speed. But since Russian buyers prefer to use cheap devices with average quality, this receiver is also quite optimal.

Telefunken TF-DVBT207 Black

This tuner T2 received good reviews. It is a quality receiver that is essential for watching TV. Works with two European standards. Among competitors, this device differs in that it has its own player. He is able to independently read the necessary files from the memory card. The device sees external media up to 2 TB in size. A memory function is built in, which will allow you to record the necessary broadcast. If you suddenly need an urgent distraction while watching, you can always press pause and return to the movie a little later.

The package includes a manual, warranty, remote control, batteries for it, the device itself and a cable for connecting to a TV. Many convenient functions are built in, in addition to those that have already been described. There is also an on/off timer. It will allow you to enjoy the device. In general, this receiver is of high quality and deserves attention from the domestic consumer.