Taking into account the fact that digital broadcasting has been carried out in Russia since 2012, the article is belated. But given the time I spent on the roofs of my neighbors in the country, the material is quite relevant, since most consumers understand the essence of the matter superficially, believing that it is enough to acquire a DVB-T2 digital TV receiver (tuner) and an antenna for digital TV.
As usual, it's not that simple!
Landmark Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 985
On December 3, 2009, by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 985, the federal target program (FTP) "Development of TV and radio broadcasting in the Russian Federation for 2009 - 2015" was approved, which determined the stages and deadlines for the implementation of the country's transition to digital technologies in television broadcasting.
We read in detail.
Now let's see what I have. I have a Delta H311A.02 antenna.
"Delta H311A.02" is essentially two antennas combined into one design, consisting of a meter range antenna made in the form of two vibrators (whiskers) and a decimeter range log-periodic antenna. The antenna has a built-in amplifier. That is, in principle, there is everything that we need to receive DVB-T2. But the soul of a radio amateur will not rest until all the juices are squeezed out of the device.
Break off the Delta's horns!
It seems that there is nothing to squeeze out. The antenna is self sufficient. But, let's think... Without delving into the wilds, we can assume that the amplifier works on both ranges simultaneously, respectively, along with the signal, it pulls out the noise of both ranges. In the model range of Delta antennas, there are antennas with an amplifier for UHF only. In my opinion, the receiver still has a harder time with a wider bandwidth signal.Therefore, I decided to try to make life easier for the antenna amplifier and receiver - break the horns of the Delta! I unscrew the vibrators of the meter range.
Here is such a “tamed Delta” now ...
We try. Yes, the result has improved by 5-7%. In addition, the antenna has become more narrowly directed.
A couple of weeks later, my antenna friend called, informed me that he had brought what was promised. Come to him and be amazed! He gives me almost my hornless Delta. The geometry is one to one, only the amplifier is located at the signal pickup point. Well, let's try, suddenly the amplifier will be better here. Tried. No, it didn't get any better. Even a little worse. So I left my Delta.
Chasing two multiplexes...
No, I haven't let up yet. After all the upgrades, I decided to turn my eye again towards the second multiplex from the commercial channels. One is good, but two is better! I deployed the antenna, tried to tune in, a signal appeared, it twitches, but it is there.We start the search for channels - we found something that was not there before.
Saved the settings. However, the picture still disappears from time to time.
OK, let's turn back and watch the first multiplex for now. For now, because I decided to make my own antenna, with the best KU. I hope that, coupled with my own, higher gain and signal amplifier, I will still be able to catch two birds with one stone - the first and second multiplexes. If the experiment is successful, I will definitely let you know.
DVB-T2 tuning method outside the city
Now, for the most patient, a brief point-by-point tuning technique that I have developed over all this time. It is assumed that you have a set of equipment and everything is properly connected.1. Collection of information. We go to, look at the location of the nearest broadcasting stations and which channels are broadcasting.
2. Determine the azimuth of the station (see below).
3. We direct the antenna.
4. On the set-top box in the manual search, we set the broadcast channel known to us. If after two or three seconds you see a signal on the power and quality scales, then you are on the right track. At this stage, you can try to further correct the direction of the antenna for more confident reception.
5. We start the search for channels.
6. Save. Watch digital TV and enjoy.
So how can we, comrade surveyors, determine the azimuth of the station? What is azimuth anyway? And this is just the angle between the direction to the north and the direction to any given object. Azimuth is usually measured in the direction of the apparent movement of the celestial sphere (clockwise on maps) and is measured in degrees.
There are several ways to determine the azimuth.
1) As I said, I used a satellite navigator.
Everything in one bottle - a compass and a map, modern and fast.
2) You can do it the old fashioned way. We take a paper map, put a compass oriented north on it, set the azimuth.
3) And one more way - virtual, advanced. You need a computer and internet. Azimuth and distances can be determined using the Google Earth program. Download and install the program "". We launch. We find ourselves on the map and the location of the broadcasting station.
Digital television opens up many opportunities for the viewer, it provides viewing of a large number of channels in any part of Russia and failures.
However, this requires knowing how to set up a TV set-top box, taking into account its type, antenna features, all this indicates that during the installation of equipment it is necessary to use a receiver with an appropriate antenna and channel settings.
A set-top box for playing digital TV is a fairly common device in modern times. Stores sell models of television receivers of various versions and from different manufacturers, but at the same time, the characteristics of the devices are identical, so it is important to focus on their functionality when choosing.
For example, when using a media player, the playback format and the presence of additional ports are important. The most expensive of the set-top boxes allow you to record a TV show without user intervention according to a pre-installed program.
So, connecting to a TV set-top box consists of successive stages using certain technical devices:
| Components | Explanation |
| Cable | You need to use 2 - a classic antenna cable or coaxial to connect the receiver to the antenna and with an hdmi connector to connect the set-top box to the TV |
| Antenna | For this purpose, you need the usual decimeter version that works with classic analog TV, since digital also has a measurement in decimeters and provides a signal at a frequency of 470 - 860 MHz, while it is better to use an antenna for outdoor installation, since the internal one is only suitable when a source is found signal distribution at a distance of no more than 15 km |
| Amplifier | Sometimes you have to purchase a receiver for a television antenna, since it is not built into some equipment, but in order to understand whether it is required or not, you should initially test the antenna in operation in the state in which it is |
Important: it is better to use the cable only with a copper screen, as it is the guarantor of uninterrupted signal reception, and in choosing an antenna, it is advisable to focus on the reviews of neighbors who are already using the device.
Connection
An HDMI cable is the best connection option.
However, this is possible if the equipment is up to 7 years old, but if the device is older then there are the following connection methods:
- Using scart on rca
Ports for scart cables on rca provided devices that could function with set-top boxes, VCRs and video receivers. To perform setup in this way, you must first turn off the power on the TV and receiver. Next, connect in turn the wires that match in color with the sockets on the receiver, and the cable is connected to the TV in the same way.
Then provide power and set channels using the "AV-in" menu button. - Connection via antenna cable
This option is ideal for very old devices with no video input. All that is required to be done is to connect the antenna to the set-top box and set up free channels.Important: the purchase of a receiver in the presence of outdated equipment must be carried out taking into account the fact that it must have an input for the antenna, since not all types of receivers have it.
This option is not ideal, because as a result, the user will not get good signal reception quality.
- Using digital TV without a set-top box
The latest models of devices have a built-in function, then you can not buy a prefix at all, since he already has everything that the user needs. You only need to connect the antenna and you can tune the channels.
After applying any of the connection options, you can immediately configure free channels in the amount of 10 pieces, which are included in each of the 2 multiplex blocks.
The TV and set-top box will automatically scan channels, if this function is not available, you can manually configure the receiver.
In any of the cases, act according to the setup instructions:
- on the universal remote you need to find the "Menu" button;
- a window will appear to go to the settings;
- the country of residence should be the default, if there is no setting, in the list that opens, you need to make a choice in favor of the Russian Federation;
- then select the signal standard DTV-T / DTV-T2, so that the search will be carried out 20 channels - analog and digital;
- then a search option will be offered - manual or automatic, you need to mark the use of autosearch assistance and click OK;
- when connected correctly, after a while the screen will show all available channels, if everything is according to the user's desire, the settings are saved.
At the same time, if there is a desire to receive additional iptv channels, they purchase and pay for a card.
Which TV box to choose
Each set-top box has its own characteristics, for example, the set-top box from BBK:
- equipped with T2 decoder;
- hd 1811p;
- has an HDMI output and a coaxial digital audio output, an antenna output on the rear panel;
- on the front side USB-connector;
- the receiver works through a router, with flash drives and drives;
- it can be connected to a laptop via hdmi;
- it also has a tulip connector.
TV set-top box from the manufacturer TTK has the following hardware capabilities:
- processor type Realtek RTD1195;
- ARM architecture;
- over 4,000 DMIPS;
- 1 GB RAM;
- 4 GB Flash;
- 2D/3D accelerators, Open GL;
- OS Android 4.4;
- H.265;
- 4K p30 decoding;
- WiFi 802.11ac.
In addition, the presence of ports, a tulip connector, an antenna, flash drives and other devices.
You can use the MTS TV set-top box, which has many parameters necessary for playing digital TV and using various devices that provide listening to music or connecting to Internet resources.
Installing the X96 mini set-top box will provide the user with all the necessary benefits for the full use of digital TV.
The characteristics of this attachment are as follows:
- operating system - Android 7.1.2 Nougat;
- processor - Amlogic S905W;
- the presence of 4 cores 2.0 GHz;
- RAM - 1 GB;
- built-in memory - 8 GB;
- optional microSD card up to 32 GB, USB Flash connection or ;
- 4-core Mali-450 graphics card;
- access to WIFI-2.4Hz 802.11 b/g/n; LAN-10/100Mbps;
- connectors and TV-out - AV, HDMI 1080P (Full HD); 4K;
- the presence of a wireless keyboard, mouse, Air Mouse, etc .;
- audio: MP3, WAV, AAC, MIDI, online music, etc.;
- video: AVI, WMV, MPEG, DivX MP4, 3GP, online video, etc.;
- the opportunity to have fun with over 1 million free games and applications in the Google Play catalog
Conclusion
As you can see, TV boxes are available in huge numbers with different functions and devices. they are fully available for use according to the instructions.
At the same time, the user receives a large number of benefits already at the initial stage, since he has 20 free channels, to which you can add paid ones by purchasing a card.
Related videos
Even as a child, living in the country, I always tried to set the TV to a good reception of a large number of channels. The only option that I figured out for myself from these attempts is that the higher the antenna is, the better the quality of the channels and the greater their number. But the height of the mast for the antenna has a limit. Therefore, some of the channels were always shown well, some were not shown very well, and some were not shown at all. Now, living in the city, you don’t experience problems with the quantity and quality of TV channels provided, but when visiting the village, sometimes you want to turn on the TV, switch channels, choosing an interesting program. But in the countryside, time flows more slowly and modern technologies arrive there late, and sometimes do not come at all.
In this regard, I set myself the goal of setting up as many television channels as possible in the village. To begin with, I propose to consider what options are available today to obtain a high-quality signal and picture on the TV:
1Cable TV- television, in which the signal is distributed through a television cable that is directly connected to each television set
Pros: Quality TV.
Cons: Subscription fee, available only in major cities.
2 Satellite television. Satellite television broadcasts via a satellite "suspended" in near-Earth orbit. The signal is received by viewers on an individual dish antenna.
Pros: Quality TV.
Cons: Cost of equipment, subscription fee.
3 Terrestrial television. Terrestrial television distributes the signal using ground repeater stations, in order to receive this signal it is necessary to use an antenna.
Pros: low cost.
Cons: often a low signal level, the display and quality of channels depends on the weather, distance from the tower, mast height, etc.
You can also say that TV channels can be watched via the Internet, but in this article I would like to talk about watching channels without using a computer / laptop, and even more so the Internet.
Of all the methods described, only the use of satellite TV was suitable for me, but I really didn’t want to spend money on buying equipment, and then paying a subscription fee. After digging around on the Internet, I found an alternative way - terrestrial digital television. The essence of digital television is as follows - the transmission of a television image and sound occurs by means of digital coding of the video signal and the sound signal using digital channels. Digital encoding, unlike analog, provides signal delivery with minimal losses, since the picture and sound are not affected by external factors (interference). Of the nuances of using digital television, I note the following - a television channel in digital television has two provisions, it will either work in good quality, or it will not work at all. Unlike analog TV, there is no boundary condition and interference, the only exception is if the channel has a very poor communication quality, it can slow down, turn off and turn on again, in order to avoid this, you need to use another antenna, raise the existing one higher or turn towards the TV tower .
What you need to watch digital TV:
TV antenna;
TV or set-top box (Set Top Box) with tuner DVB-T2(namely DVB-T2, outdated DVB-T will not work), support for the MPEG4 video signal compression standard and Multiple PLP mode.
You do not need to buy an additional antenna, just use the antenna for the analog signal. But the antenna itself is not enough, to watch digital TV you need a set-top box with a DVB-T2 tuner (some modern TVs do not need such a set-top box, since it is built into the TV, this information can be obtained from the documentation for the TV or on the manufacturer's website, which considers a similar case ). Prefixes are not expensive, on average from 1500 to 2000 rubles. In fact, apart from this prefix, you do not need to buy anything. Another plus is that you do not need to pay a subscription fee for terrestrial digital television.
It is important to note that digital TV allows you to view a limited number of channels, at the time of writing there were 20 of them (maybe less depending on the region of residence).
Digital television is not tuned according to the principle - the higher it is raised, the more it is caught. You can only tune these 20 channels, plus you can add more analog channels that your antenna will catch (if the DVB-T2 set-top box or your TV has such a function). You can get more detailed information about the number of channels and the possibility of using digital television in your region by calling the RTRS hotline: 8-800-220-20-02 (free calls within Russia) or on the website: www.rtrs.rf.
So, I propose to move from theory to practice. In my case, a conventional television antenna was used, which was very popular 15 years ago. With this antenna, I was able to catch about 3 analog channels in good quality, 2 in satisfactory quality, and a couple more channels appeared in poor quality in good weather.
I purchased a DVB-T2 set-top box. Regarding the choice of prefixes, I did not rack my brains, because technically they are all alike as two drops of water. Most of them have two outputs - a tulip (some SCART) and HDMI, there is a USB connector for viewing the contents of USB media. I got the impression that they are all made in the same Chinese factory, only equipped with different boxes and labels. When buying, pay attention to the control panel of the set-top box, since you will use it all the time (switch channels, turn the volume down, up, etc.).
I connected the antenna to the DVB-T2 set-top box, and connected it to the TV using a tulip (it usually comes with the set-top box).
Tulip - RCA connectors for video signal and stereo sound. Yellow is for video signal, white is for mono signal or left channel of stereo two-channel audio signal, red is for right channel of stereo two-channel audio signal.
I’ll make a reservation right away, I connected the set-top box to an obsolete kinescope TV, so I chose a tulip cable, if you have an LCD or plasma TV with an HDMI output, then you should connect it with a nominal HDMI cable (it must be purchased separately), since the image quality will be much higher.
I switched the TV to AV mode and got to the DVB-T2 set-top box interface. Setting up the set-top box requires a minimum of effort, all default settings will satisfy most users. The main thing to do is to set up channels. To do this, I went to the channel search menu and selected Auto search.
A few minutes later, the DVB-T2 set-top box found those same 20 channels + 3 radio stations. But a few days later, from 11 to 20 channels disappeared, on the rtrs.ru website I saw that the towers to which I connected did not support 2 multiplexes (from 11 to 20 channels), and the fact that they worked for a couple of days, most likely there were tests. As a result, to view all 20 channels, I purchased a high-quality, "strong" antenna. Test video below.
ANT-T2-MAX antenna test video
In order to understand the capabilities and settings of this set-top box, I offer a photo of each of the menu items (I apologize for the low quality of the photo).
A digital set-top box, as I wrote earlier, can play files from a USB flash drive. To do this, insert a USB device into the set-top box, go to the menu, select "USB" - "Multimedia", select the playback format (music, pictures, video).
In addition, digital set-top boxes have the ability to record an image from a TV to a USB flash drive. To do this, it is enough to press the "Rec" button on the control panel of the DVB-T2 set-top box, after which the recording will start on the USB device.
To summarize, I am very pleased with the quality and quantity of digital TV channels (of course, more channels are possible, but not all at once). In my opinion, for remote places, dachas, villages, towns, where people are not ready to spend 10,000 rubles to purchase satellite TV + pay a monthly fee, I consider this option the most suitable.
To receive digital terrestrial television channels, you need the following equipment: a DVB-T2 receiver (tuner), an on-air antenna for receiving a UHF signal, a coaxial cable and, if necessary, a signal amplifier. How to install equipment and set up digital television reception at home - you will learn by reading our article.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.
In most apartments and even private houses within any even a small city, there are almost no problems with the quality of television signal reception, since cable television is almost everywhere. In most multi-apartment buildings in cities with a population of over a million, there may be several cable TV operators, which gives residents a pretty good choice.
But as you move away from the city center, the availability of high-quality cable TV is gradually "reduced to nothing". And outside the city, as a rule, cable TV completely missing.
Therefore, summer residents, for the most part, are content with the fact that they watch from the strength of several channels of on-air television, which they manage to catch on. And image quality often leaves much to be desired. Especially if the summer cottage is located far from the radiating terrestrial television station, then on the TV screen you can see a lot of interference from "snow" to "streaks" and black and white instead of color.
In most of the territory of Russia, terrestrial television is still transmitted in analog format. This method of signal transmission has one significant drawback: the signal-to-noise ratio drops sharply with distance from the emitter.
Noise (interference) with the distance from the television center begins to more and more prevail over the main signal. This just manifests itself in the appearance of "snow" on the screen. If the cottage or village is very far from the transmitting station, then the noise will eventually interrupt the signal completely, and it becomes impossible to watch TV channel at all.
Now the country is introducing digital TV signal transmission, and over time it is planned to completely abandon the transmission of television programs in analog format.
What are the advantages of digital TV over analog TV?
The transmission of a signal "encoded in digital" compared to the direct transmission in analog format gives several advantages:
- Improving the noise immunity of the transmission and recording paths of television signals.
- Reducing the power of transmitters.
- Significant increase in the number of TV programs transmitted in the same frequency range.
- Improving the quality of image and sound in TV receivers.
- Creation of TV systems with new standards of image decomposition (high-definition television).
- Creation of interactive TV systems, when using which the viewer gets the opportunity to influence the transmitted program (for example, video on demand).
- "Start of Transfer" function.
- Archive of TV programs and recording of TV programs.
- Transmission in the TV signal of various additional information.
- Choice of language (more than usual two) and subtitles.
- Expanding the functionality of studio equipment.
- Possibility of adding to radio multiplexes
But there are also some limitations:
- Fading and scattering of the picture into “squares” with an insufficient level of the received signal, the data is either received with 100% quality or is restored, or is received poorly with the impossibility of recovery.
- Almost complete fading of the signal in a thunderstorm.
- Even a transmitter with a power of 10 kW and a height of a transmitting antenna of 350 m provides reliable reception at a distance of 50 km, and as a result, the need for a larger number of transmitting centers than with analog TV (more frequent location of transmitting antennas).
Since we are discussing from the point of view of an ordinary user, basically only image quality, then we can single out only one main feature of digital terrestrial TV in front of outdated analog:
Digital TV is very resistant to interference. To do this, the signal is encoded with some redundancy. The digital tuner will produce a perfect picture even in the presence of a large amount of interference. And he will do this until the signal-to-noise ratio drops to a minimum, when the signal comes already completely on the verge of the capabilities of the equipment.
That is, in analog broadcasting, as the signal level drops, you will see the picture worse and worse. In digital broadcasting, you won't notice a signal drop until the tuner is no longer able to recover the lost pieces of the picture, and it "splits into squares" and then completely disappears.
Types of digital television
According to the transmission channel, digital TV can be divided into four types:
- Cable (DVB-C)
- Terrestrial (DVB-T2)
- Satellite (DVB-S)
- Internet TV (IP TV)
We will not consider cable TV and IP television in the country because of their great rarity. But satellite and terrestrial digital television broadcasting in the country is relevant.
Moreover, satellite DTV has been used by consumers for quite a long time, and in especially remote areas there are no alternatives to it at all. We will consider it in our separate article.
But terrestrial DTV began to enter the life of gardeners and summer residents relatively recently. Let's talk about it in more detail today.
Terrestrial digital television in the country
The terrestrial digital television broadcasting network in the Russian Federation is still in the process of being built and available so far mostly near major cities. But it already covers a significant part of the suburban areas. Therefore, the issue of connectivity has become very relevant in recent times.
How to connect to the terrestrial DTV?
If you want to try connecting digital television in the country, first you need to determine does your site fall within the coverage area of one of the DTV transmitting antennas. The location of the site will determine how your TV receiver will catch the digital signal.The most reliable way to find out is to interview your neighbors in your summer cottage, perhaps some of them already watch TV channels in digital form. Then you can be completely sure that "the signal reaches you."
If no one in the area has heard of digital TV yet, then you need to try to find out if your site falls within the boundaries broadcasting radius of the local radiating DTV station.
Coverage
The broadcasting radius of a DTV station usually lies within 20-50 km, depending on the terrain and building density. On average, about 30 km is reception area.
Each region has its own local organization - on-air DTV operator, which is responsible for building and maintaining the network. On their website you can usually see the locations of broadcast stations and even coverage maps. Or you can get information from them by phone or in writing.
The DTV network in the Russian Federation is being built by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network.
Each region has a division of this organization.
You can call and find out everything by phone numbers in your region from the page.
If you are lucky and you found out that your dacha is located in the “numbers” broadcasting zone, then it's time to decide on necessary equipment to receive DTV.
Equipment
So, you already have a TV in the country, a plot in the DTV broadcasting area. We proceed to the installation of digital television in the country. What else is needed to receive a signal? At least you need an antenna.
Antenna for receiving digital television
Universal MV / UHF antenna for digital TV reception
If a digital TV tower is nearby, then it is enough and indoor antenna. I will say even more, I personally confidently caught the DTV signal in the city of Ufa on a meter-long piece of wire.
If not everything is so perfect with the signal level, then you will need to install an antenna in the country to receive digital channels. Now most antennas on the market are well suited for this, as they support reception of signals in the decimeter range (UHF / UHF).
For example, you can put the antenna "GAL", "Locus", "Zenith", "Meridian", "Ether", etc. I bought my antenna in Auchan for 1000 rubles.
If you know the exact location of the DTV tower, then everything is simple: direct the antenna on her and everything. Usually this is enough to catch the signal and watch digital TV without any problems.
If the exact direction is not known, then you need to gradually turn the antenna until you find the best position. Most digital set-top boxes have signal level and quality indicator, which is displayed on the TV screen, and by which you can find the best position of the antenna. They usually do this together: one person turns the antenna, the second monitors the signal level.
When you have found the maximum possible signal level and the antenna is installed in the right direction, you need to search for channels on the set-top box.
Setting up digital television in the country
The easiest way is to find the “Auto search for channels” item in the set-top box menu, and then the set-top box will do everything by itself: it will find all available digital channels and number them in order.
List of digital terrestrial television channels
Now the fun part: what channels does digital tv show for free?
Since my dacha is in the suburbs of Ufa, and I am writing from my own experience, it means that I am considering digital terrestrial television in Ufa. But as far as I understand list of channels throughout Russia will be the same with rare exceptions, so the information will be useful to everyone, and not just the residents of Bashkortostan.
At our dacha, TsTV shows 20 channels: 10 on each multiplex.
List of digital television channels
Here full list of channels in Ufa:
| 1 | "First channel" |
| 2 | "Russia 1" |
| 3 | "Match TV" |
| 4 | "NTV" |
| 5 | "Petersburg-5 channel" |
| 6 | "Russia K" |
| 7 | "Russia 24" |
| 8 | "Carousel" |
| 9 | "Public Television of Russia" |
| 10 | "TV Center - Moscow" |
| 11 | REN TV |
| 12 | "SAVED" |
| 13 | "The first entertainment STS" |
| 14 | "Home" |
| 15 | "TV-3" |
| 16 | Friday |
| 17 | "STAR" |
| 18 | "WORLD" |
| 19 | "TNT" |
| 20 | "Muz TV" |
I hope I helped you understand all the nuances of digital TV. If you have any questions, write, I will definitely try to help you.
