Relevance: February 2019

Television 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 picture tubes.

Manufacturers of digital TV receivers are constantly improving their products, expanding the functionality of products. In addition to traditional models that catch channels in the T2 format, there are set-top boxes with Internet access via Wi-Fi, with the ability to record air on 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 opinions and reviews from real buyers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the world market for equipment, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend that you pay special attention to them:

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

Inexpensive Multifunctional Recording Timer Support IPTV Video standard: Full HD

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

DVB-T2 Set-Top Boxes: Inexpensive

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

This set-top box with a wide range of functions has shown 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 will not have to dance with a tambourine.

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

The channels are switched within about a second. During the testing process, the store manager dropped the device to the floor, but not a scratch remained on the metal case.

Dignity

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

Minuses

• Not the most convenient remote
• Have to aim at the IR receiver

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Recording timer / Multifunctional/ IPTV support

The main advantages

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

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

But the player is 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 it.

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

Dignity

• Good signal reception
• HD image output
• Omnivorous player
• The 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 playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

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

The setup seemed to me quite intuitive, albeit more complicated than on simple devices. It is imperative to select the start channel, otherwise each time you turn it 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. The set of Internet functions is 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 leads to slowdowns. In my opinion, the device is convenient for those who already have cable, but also want digital channels, and are too lazy to poke the plugs all the time.

Dignity

• Good digital reception
• Two built-in tuners
• HD image output
• Wi-Fi adapter connectivity
• Metal case

Minuses

• Not all Wi-Fi adapters are suitable

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

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

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

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

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

• The case with perforation on the bottom panel and on the lid provides efficient heat dissipation and natural cooling of radioelements 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 a TV through one 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 playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

• Thanks to the built-in media player, the set-top box supports video playback in HD format, and also works with the AC3 codec
• EPG (Electronic Guide) function displays information about digital broadcasts 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")
• Front USB connector accepts any compatible external storage device
• Thanks to MultiPLP Technology, several broadcast channels are transmitted simultaneously in one stream, which ensures switching between programs without time delay

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The 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 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 broadcasting schedule with a brief description of the programs
• You can connect a set-top box to modern TVs via the HDMI interface, and to old classic models - via a traditional RCA cable ("tulips")
• Built-in high sensitivity tuner ensures high quality digital terrestrial broadcasting even in weak signal locations

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

• AC3 audio format support for six-channel surround sound
• Two USB ports allow you to connect various external devices to the set-top box (Wi-Fi antenna, HDD disk or Flash drive)
• Thanks to the function of accessing the Internet via 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 delayed start of the broadcast, recording to external media and "parental control" significantly expand the functionality of the set-top box
• The front panel display shows the broadcast channel during the operation of the set-top box, and also serves as a clock in standby mode

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD/ Timer recording

The main advantages

• The "parental control" function allows you to close access to certain channels, if necessary
• Almost any external storage device 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
• Live broadcast recording (including scheduled recording) so you don't miss your favorite show
• The HDMI interface is used to connect to modern flat-panel TVs, while classic CRT models are connected via an RCA cable with "tulips"
• The Russian-language menu with automatic and manual channel search allows you to quickly configure the set-top box

USB playback/ Inexpensive / Video standard: Full HD

The main advantages

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

DVB-T2 multiplexes of digital terrestrial TV in Moscow

Multiplex (English multiplex - mix, mixed) is a digital combined package of TV channels in digital broadcasting. TV channels are mixed before being transmitted over a transport channel with subsequent division on a subscriber receiver or TV with a built-in digital tuner.

Definitions of the term multiplex

There are two similar but nonetheless not identical interpretations of the multiplex in digital TV:

In digital terrestrial television DVB-T2 in Moscow and Mo - transmission over the same frequency band of several SD, HD TV channels generated by different signal sources. Plus, even radio channels, subtitles, teletext and TV guide can be included in the multiplex.

The first multiplex of digital terrestrial TV DVB-T2 in Moscow (RTRS-1) is a package of publicly available digital channels and digital television radio channels, the list of which was approved on June 24, 2009 by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 715 "On all-Russian compulsory public television channels and radio channels"
March 3, 2012 According to the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation of No. 287-r, starting from 2012, digital broadcasting of the first multiplex in Moscow is conducted in the new DVB-T2 standard. TV channels of the first multiplex in Moscow are broadcast in SDTV format.

The first on-air multiplex is broadcast in open (free) access for reception (FTA), in the first DVB-T2 multiplex the conditional access system is not used. For non-terrestrial commercial television broadcasting, the concept of the first multiplex is not directly defined, all TV channels are publicly available and compulsory. Subscribers of various paid networks (cable, satellite and IP-TV) throughout the Russian Federation can receive TV channels that are included in the first multiplex free of charge, without resorting to digital DVB-T2 television reception.

The first digital television multiplex in Russia includes 10 TV channels and 3 radio channels

Digital TV channels DVB-T2 of the first multiplex can be received in Moscow and Moscow region under one of two conditions:

Frequencies of digital terrestrial television DVB-T2 in Moscow and the Moscow region
Channel number

Channel frequency

TV channel number and name

Channel number - 30
Channel frequency - 546 MHz
Range - UHF (21-69 channels)

1. First channel
2.Russia 1
3. MATCH!
4.Russia 24
5. Culture
6. Carousel
7.5 channel SPb
8. NTV
9. OTR
10. TVC

The second multiplex of digital terrestrial DVB-T2 television of the Russian Federation "RTRS-2" is a package of all-Russian digital television channels in Moscow, which was formed as a result of a number of competitions of the Federal Commission on Television and Radio Broadcasting.

By the decision of the State Commission on Radio Frequencies on December 15, 2009, the frequency-territorial plan of the second multiplex for digital DVB-T2 broadcasting in the range of 470-862 MHz was approved in the Russian Federation. The network of the second digital multiplex covers border regions, regions of the Far East, as well as large populated centers of Russia with a population of 100 thousand inhabitants or more. Unlike the first digital multiplex, the launch of the second one initially took place in the new DVB-T2 standard. Broadcast format - standard definition (SDTV).

The second digital terrestrial multiplex is also open and free and for reception (FTA), the signal encryption system is not applied. After the amendments were made to the Law of the Russian Federation “On Mass Media”, the TV channels of the second multiplex Dvb-t2 received the status of public. The TV channels of the second DVB-T2 multiplex became obligatory for broadcasting by various TV broadcasting operators unchanged at their own expense, and paid operators (cable, satellite, IP-TV) received the opportunity to receive TV channels included in the second multiplex in Moscow and the cities of the Moscow region for free.

Digital TV channels DVB-T2 of the second multiplex in Moscow can be received in Moscow and Moscow region under one of two conditions:

A) if the TV supports the DVB-T2 standard;
b) if there is a special DVB-T2 receiver (set-top box, receiver).

Channel number - 24
Channel frequency - 498 MHz
Range - UHF (21-69 channels)

11. Ren TV
12.TV3
13. Spas
14. STS
15. Home
16. NTV Plus Sport
17. Star
18. Peace
19. TNT
20. Muz TV

The third multiplex of digital terrestrial DVB-T2 TV - federal-regional package of digital TV channels

According to the principles approved at the meeting of the Government Commission on the Development of Television and Radio Broadcasting, the third digital terrestrial DVB-T2 multiplex in Moscow is formed from the following TV channels:

When it comes to buying a new TV, most people turn their attention only to the quality of the transmitted image, as well as the technical characteristics on which it depends. The price of the device is also important. But the presence or absence of a digital tuner, as well as its type and quantity, is of little interest to anyone. Not many people pay attention to this. As a result, when there is a desire to connect and watch DTV for free, problems arise and you have to spend money to buy a DVB-T2 tuner separately.

Today we will look at what a digital tuner is, what it can be and how it works. This will allow you to approach the choice of a new TV more carefully and decide for yourself whether you need such a device built into the TV or not. Moreover, as already mentioned, the digital tuner can always be purchased separately.

What is DTV T2

Before considering the features and types of tuners that exist in TVs today, you need to understand what, in principle, this device is and what it is for. A digital tuner is a receiver or, as it is also called, a decoder that allows a TV set to directly receive signals of various types of broadcasting and decrypt them.

Many newer TV models already have a built-in T2 digital receiver. In addition, there are divisions in which there are two tuners at once - T2 and S2. You can find out which type of device is built into your TV by looking at its specifications. If you have a built-in decoder that accepts a signal of a different format, then the necessary tuner can always be purchased separately.

External tuners are very popular today, since not many Russian citizens have the opportunity to spend a large amount of money to buy a new TV, and such a set-top box allows you to expand the capabilities of an existing device. The most popular are T2 set-top boxes, which allow you to connect and watch, as well as the DVB-S2 set-top box. They buy it if they decide to install a satellite TV antenna, but there is no such type of decoder on the TV.

Broadcast standards

As already mentioned, the tuner built into the TV can receive one or more signals of different broadcast formats. Let's consider the most common options.

• DVB-T. Such a receiver can receive a digital television signal, which transmits a picture of a higher level of quality and clarity. To connect it, you need a regular TV antenna.
• DVB-T2. This is the second generation of DVB-T decoders, which differs from its predecessor in increased channel bandwidth, higher signal characteristics and its architecture. On the territory of Russia, it is this DTV signal format that is mainly used. It is impossible to receive it through a DVB-T decoder, as these formats are incompatible.
• DVB-C. A very popular format that can decode a digital cable TV signal. To start using it, you need to insert the provider's card into the corresponding slot.
• DVB-S. With it, you can directly connect a satellite dish to your TV.
• DVB-S2. Like T2, S2 is the second generation of DVB-S receivers. S and S2 are also incompatible, so an appropriate decoder is needed to receive this type of signal. This format is distinguished by increased channel bandwidth and the use of new types of modulation.

When buying a TV, you should pay special attention to the labeling. So, you can see the inscription DVB-T2 / S2. This means that the TV will be able to receive both terrestrial and satellite digital channels.

Features of DVB-S2 and DVB-T2

The built-in digital satellite TV tuner has certain features. In order to watch free available TV channels, it will not be enough for you to simply connect the satellite dish to the TV directly. You will also need to additionally purchase a CAM module.

The fact is that without it you will not be able to view the encoded channels, but only those that are fully open. This is due to the fact that the companies involved in the production of such TVs do not really think about this. In addition, it will be impossible to change the firmware or enter the code. External satellite tuners sold by us have firmware, which already contains all the necessary codes.

At present, Russia (like other countries of the world) is switching to digital broadcasting (DVB-T and DVB-T2). Russia began much later to digitalize broadcasting, due to which it passed the stage of the first DVB-T standard and immediately introduced a new, more advanced DVB-T2 standard. It uses MPEG-4 compression instead of MPEG-2 (most European countries). MPEG-4 compression allows, with low signal quality loss, to provide a significantly lower bit rate, which allows a much larger number of programs to be placed in one package (multiplex) and even to use high definition television (HDTV).

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

Excellent signal quality. The digital signal has a very characteristic feature - either it has excellent (original) quality, or it is not 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 in one physical channel with a bandwidth of 8 MHz, several programs are simultaneously broadcast (from 6 to 18). A set of programs located in one physical channel (8 MHz) are 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 previously analogue channel reception was difficult or impossible, DVB-T2 reception becomes a reality. DVB-T2 signals are perfectly "read" when they are very noisy. This is their feature.

Absence of repeated pictures on the TV screen... A very important factor in practice. Now, the presence of multiple reflected signals does not affect the reception quality in any way (of course, within reasonable limits).

The 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 HDTV signal, he no longer wants to watch even the quality of DVD signal from DVD players. HDTV quality can really be enjoyed. There are no fundamental restrictions on the broadcasting of 3D programs (currently 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 the desired programs are broadcast from this satellite. In addition, SAT broadcasting is paid, while 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 the increased transmission rates.

The ability to receive on the move. Standard DVB-T / T2 was formed initially with such a characteristic feature. Now it can be taken reliably and stably in a car, plane, train, etc. The maximum speed of movement depends on the broadcasting format of the DVB-T / 2 signal and usually lies in the range of 220-440 km / h. Thus, almost every motorist can now install a small flat panel TV (powered by a battery) in his car and enjoy high-quality digital signal reception (reliable reception is observed even in short tunnels).

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

Our company will select (and, if necessary, install) a small 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 show only 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 range antenna.

Moreover, if you already have a shared 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) broadcast signals into your home network. In this case, all signals will be broadcast over one 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.

By 2017, Russia should completely switch from analog broadcasting of all television channels to digital transmission. In connection with this circumstance, ordinary citizens must purchase the necessary equipment to receive a signal in a new format. This fact will not affect the owners of modern LCDs. Their equipment has already been adapted for digital broadcasting. Owners of TVs of earlier models will have to purchase an external dvb receiver that supports transmission and reception of channels in T2 format.

Channel broadcasting: formats and standards

Before running to a store or ordering a tuner on the Internet, you need to familiarize yourself with the formats in which the channels are broadcast, as well as what are the standards for their transmission. Knowing this, you can easily determine the basic requirements for the necessary equipment. This approach will greatly facilitate the selection of the desired device.

Advice. Digital transmission of television channels is preferred over analogue signal. Digital is capable of broadcasting in high definition format, and weather conditions practically do not affect the signal quality.

Standards

Digital broadcasting is carried out in a single international standard DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting), literal translation from English is digital video broadcasting. Signal transmission in digital format can be carried out from various sources, depending on this, the general standard is divided into several categories:

• DVB-C - cable broadcasting. The signal is broadcast via cable and a specific provider.
• DVB-S - satellite image transmission. The broadcast of channels from the source to the consumer is carried out via satellite.
• DVB-S2 - satellite broadcasting of channels in high quality HD or Full HD format.
• DVB-T is a standard for terrestrial broadcasting of channels in digital format. The channels are broadcast on traditional radio air, and the reception is carried out by means of an analog antenna.
• DVB-T2 is an advanced digital terrestrial broadcasting standard. It supports broadcasting in HD or Full HD quality, as well as in 3D.

The external tuner is selected based on the TV signal broadcasting standard.

Attention! Tuners of unknown manufacturers and low cost do not have good quality and reliability.

Formats

Initially, digital television, as well as satellite broadcasting, were broadcast in MPEG2 (compression level). With the development of technologies and the introduction of innovative solutions in them, the already standard MPEG2 compression ratio has evolved into MPEG4, which is used in the DVB-T2 signal transmission standard. Modern equipment is capable of transmitting a television signal in HD (High-Definition) high quality and Full HD with high resolution ranging from 1080x1920 and higher. In the resolution marking, an index may be indicated: i - interlaced format, p - progressive format.

Advice. Progressive format allows you to transmit images in higher definition than interlaced.

When choosing an external receiver, you need to take into account the technical characteristics of the TV, in particular its ability to support the broadcast format. This is due to the fact that outdated models of equipment do not reproduce images in SDTV format and do not perceive broadcasts in high quality, and even more so in 3D. Also, signal transmission can happen free of charge (FTA) and in an encoded format. To receive the latter, the tuner must be equipped with decoding technology: Irdeto, Viaccess or Conax.

External for receiving digital television must meet the basic technical requirements:

• Tuner chipset. It is analogous to a personal computer. Responsible for the speed of data processing and the sensitivity of the receiver to the signal level. Accordingly, a more powerful processor receives even the weakest signal, has a high performance for processing video and audio data from an external medium.
• Format and standards. It is important that the tuner supports reception of a signal compressed in MPEG4 and in the standard of terrestrial television broadcasting DVB-T2. Based on the TV model, support in HD and Full HD quality is also important.
• Control. All external set-top boxes are equipped with remote control panels (RC), and the presence of function buttons on the tuner body is an important option in case of a remote control breakdown.
• Multimedia. For movie lovers, an indispensable function will be the presence of a USB connector or Wi-Fi module for watching videos from an external device or the Internet, as well as support for common video formats: AVI, XviD, DivX, MKV.
• Connection. The presence of connectors such as "tulip" or SCART is mandatory, since TVs of all models are equipped with sockets for this type of connection. HDMI or YPbPr connectors are for HD and Full HD quality.
• TimeShift function. It is designed for recording a television signal to an external storage medium.

Advice. According to the reviews of consumers and professionals, the leading positions in the ranking of tuners are occupied by: Strong, Openbox, BBK.

A properly selected receiver will allow you to enjoy watching channels and videos in high quality, as well as save money. Additional options, which are equipped with external attachments, can further expand the capabilities of the equipment.

How to connect a digital set-top box dvb t2 to a TV - video