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

* 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

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 yourself. I'm right? Then read on) maybe you don't need it?

What are digital TV multiplexes

Today in Russia in DVB T2 format broadcasting 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. You just need to have a TV that accepts a DVB T2 signal and.

This is what digital is broadcasting 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 - channel with sports broadcasts
• Fifth channel
• Russia "Culture"
• Russia 24
• Carousel - children's channel, cartoons, programs for children
• OTR - Public Television of Russia

The first multiplex works wherever digital television is available.

It was not in vain that I wrote the publication time of the article. The fact is that sometimes the composition of the channels changes, based on a competition held by the state every year. So in 2016, that could change.

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

Third channel package (Third multiplex)

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

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

It is still too early to talk about the exact date of the start of broadcasting of the third (regional) multiplex. To begin with, the 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. Note 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.

Even as a child, living in the village, I always tried to tune the TV to a good reception of a large number of channels. The only option that I figured out for myself, from these attempts, the higher the antenna is, the better the quality of the channels and the greater their number. But there is a limit to the height of the antenna mast. 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 do not experience problems with the number and quality of the TV channels provided, but when visiting the village, sometimes you want to turn on the TV and switch channels choosing an interesting program. But in the village, time flows more slowly and modern technologies come there with a delay, and sometimes do not come at all.

In this regard, I set myself the goal of setting up as many television channels in the village as possible. To begin with, I propose to consider what options are available today to get a high-quality signal and picture on the TV:

1Cable TV- television, in which the signal is propagated through a television cable that directly connects to each television

Pros: high-quality TV.

Cons: Subscription fee, available only in major cities.

2 Satellite television. Satellite TV broadcasts by means of a satellite "suspended" in near-earth orbit. The signal is received by viewers on an individual "dish" antenna.

Pros: high-quality TV.

Cons: Cost of equipment, subscription fee.

3 Terrestrial television... Terrestrial television broadcasts a signal using terrestrial repeater stations, in order to receive this signal it is necessary to use an antenna.

Pros: minimum costs.

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 over 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 did not want to spend money on the purchase of equipment, and then pay a subscription fee. Having rummaged through the Internet, I found an alternative way- terrestrial digital television... The essence of digital television is as follows - the transmission of television images and sound occurs using digital coding of a video signal and a sound signal using digital channels. Digital coding, in contrast to analogue, ensures signal delivery with minimal losses, since the picture and sound are not affected by external factors (interference). From the nuances of using digital television, I will note the following - for a television channel in digital television, there are two provisions, it will either work in good quality, or either will not work at all. Unlike analog TV, there is no borderline state and interference, the only exception is if the channel has 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 with tuner DVB-T2(namely DVB-T2, outdated DVB-T will not work), support for the MPEG4 video compression standard and the Multiple PLP mode.

You don't 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, in which a similar case is considered ). Set-top boxes are not expensive on average from 1500 to 2000 rubles. In fact, you don't need to buy anything other than this set-top box. Another plus is that you do not need to pay a subscription fee for digital terrestrial television.

It is important to note that digital TV allows you to watch a limited number of channels, at the time of this writing, there were 20 of them (perhaps 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 your 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 call 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. On this antenna, I managed to catch about 3 analog channels in good quality, 2 in satisfactory and a couple more channels appeared in poor quality in good weather.

I purchased a DVB-T2 set-top box. Regarding the choice of consoles, I did not rack my brains, because technically they are all alike as two drops of water. Most of them have two outputs - tulip (some have SCART) and HDMI, there is a USB connector for viewing the contents of USB media. I got the impression that they are all made at 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 constantly (switch channels, make the volume quieter, higher, etc.).

I connected the antenna to the DVB-T2 set-top box, and with the help of a tulip (it usually comes with the set-top box) I connected it to the TV.

Tulip - RCA connectors for video and stereo sound. Yellow is for video, white is for monaural or left channel for stereo two-channel audio, red is for right channel for stereo two-channel audio.

I'll make a reservation right away that I connected the set-top box to a morally outdated CRT TV, so I chose a tulip cable, if you have an LCD or plasma TV with HDMI output, then you should connect 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 interface of the DVB-T2 set-top box. Setting up the set-top box requires a minimum of effort, all default settings will suit most users. The main thing that needs to be done is to configure the channels. To do this, I went to the channel search menu and selected Auto search.

A few minutes later, the DVB-T2 prefix found the same 20 channels + 3 radio stations. But after a few days from 11 to 20 channel disappeared, on the website rtrs.ru I saw that the towers to which I connected did not support 2 multiplexes (channels 11 to 20), and the fact that they worked for a couple of days was most likely tests. As a result, for viewing all 20 channels, I purchased a high-quality, "strong" antenna. Test video below.

Antenna test video ANT-T2-MAX

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 the USB device into the set-top box, go to the menu, select "USB" - "Multimedia", select the format to be played (music, pictures, video).

In addition, digital set-top boxes have the ability to record images from the TV to a USB flash drive. To do this, it is enough to press the "Rec" button on the DVB-T2 control panel of the set-top box, after which the recording will go to the USB device.

To summarize, I am very pleased with the quality and number of digital TV channels (of course, more channels are possible, but not all at once). In my opinion, for remote places, summer cottages, villages, settlements where people are not ready to spend 10,000 rubles to purchase satellite TV + pay a subscription fee, I think this option is the most suitable.

With the advent of the era of digital terrestrial television, many cable and satellite subscribers began to think more and more about connecting free broadcasting... Indeed, according to the FTP, on the development of the digital broadcasting network, more than twenty television channels in excellent quality absolutely free. Which includes the compulsory federal television channels.

The question arises - how to connect digital terrestrial television at home?

This is not difficult. To receive digital terrestrial television, you will need any subscriber equipment of the standard DVB-T2 / MPEG-4 with mode support Multiple PLP and decimeter antenna ( UHF) range. The antenna can be either collective (installed on the house, it is also called common in the house) or individual, installed directly in your house or apartment. Depending on the distance to the transmitting center, it is necessary to select the desired antenna. They are divided into active (with an amplifier) ​​and passive. When buying an antenna, you can first check the power of the transmitting equipment installed in your region and the distance to the transmitting center. Based on the data received, select an antenna.

Approximate coverage radius of transmitting stations:
10 watts- about 3 km;
50 watts- about 5 km;
100 watts- about 15 km;
500 watts- about 25 km;
1 kW- about 30-35 km;
2 kW- about 35-40 km;
5 kW- about 40 - 50 km.

Let's go directly to the equipment for receiving. There are three main groups: TVs with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner, set-top boxes of the same standard and digital computer DVB-T2 tuners. Their setup is similar, if not the same.

Check if your TV can receive a DVB-T2 signal

Video: how to set up digital terrestrial television DVB-T2

It is best to connect a digital terrestrial set-top box according to the manufacturer's instructions, it is almost impossible to make a mistake there. Also, you can watch the official video from RTRS:

Several recommendations, also from RTRS:
connect the plug of the antenna cable and, if necessary, the digital set-top box to the TV;
connect autosearch of channels - the TV will tune to the corresponding digital terrestrial channel, when tuning to a channel in manual mode, you must specify the channel frequency (for example, 35 TV channel, 685 MHz);
Most digital TVs (and set-top boxes) have a built-in signal level and quality indicator, which will allow you to optimally tune your antenna to receive a digital terrestrial signal (see the instruction manual for your TV).

On TVs with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner, all manipulations are carried out through the TV menu. Difficulties should not arise there either.

We recommend updating the software of your subscriber equipment to the most current one. This can be done in specialized services, or on your own (if you are confident in your abilities). The software can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's official websites.

Frequencies of digital channels DVB-T2:

21st television channel- receiving frequency 474 MHz;
22nd television channel- receiving frequency 482 MHz;
23rd television channel- receiving frequency 490 MHz;
24th television channel- receiving frequency 498 MHz;
25th television channel- receiving frequency 506 MHz;
26th television channel- receiving frequency 514 MHz;
27th television channel- receiving frequency 522 MHz;
28th television channel- receiving frequency 530 MHz;
29th television channel- receiving frequency 538 MHz;
30th television channel- receiving frequency 546 MHz;
31st television channel- receiving frequency 554 MHz;
32nd television channel- receiving frequency 562 MHz;
33rd television channel- receiving frequency 570 MHz;
34th television channel- receiving frequency 578 MHz;
35th television channel- receiving frequency 586 MHz;
36th television channel- receiving frequency 594 MHz;
37th television channel- receiving frequency 602 MHz;
38th television channel- receiving frequency 610 MHz;
39th television channel- receiving frequency 618 MHz;
40th television channel- receiving frequency 626 MHz;
41st television channel- receiving frequency 634 MHz;
42nd television channel- receiving frequency 642 MHz;
43rd television channel- receiving frequency 650 MHz;
44th television channel- receiving frequency 658 MHz;
45th television channel- receiving frequency 666 MHz;
46th television channel- receiving frequency 674 MHz;
47th television channel- receiving frequency 682 MHz;
48th television channel- receiving frequency 690 MHz;
49th television channel- receiving frequency 698 MHz;
50th television channel- receiving frequency 706 MHz;
51st television channel- receiving frequency 714 MHz;
52nd television channel- receiving frequency 722 MHz;
53rd television channel- receiving frequency 730 MHz;
54th television channel- receiving frequency 738 MHz;
55th television channel- receiving frequency 746 MHz;
56th television channel- receiving frequency 754 MHz;
57th television channel- receiving frequency 762 MHz;
58th television channel- receiving frequency 770 MHz;
59th television channel- receiving frequency 778 MHz;
60th television channel- receiving frequency 786 MHz;
61st television channel- receiving frequency 794 MHz;
62nd television channel- receiving frequency 802 MHz;
63rd television channel- receiving frequency 810 MHz;
64th television channel- receiving frequency 818 MHz;
65th television channel- receiving frequency 826 MHz;
66th television channel- receiving frequency 834 MHz;
67th television channel- receiving frequency 842 MHz;
68th television channel- receiving frequency 850 MHz;
69th television channel- receiving frequency 858 MHz.

The introduction on the territory of Ukraine of terrestrial digital television of the DVB-T2 standard made it possible to significantly expand the zones of reliable reception of the TV tower signal, in comparison with the analog signal. Also, the simplicity of setting up and installing T2 did the trick, they became much more popular than satellite TV with MFA channels.

Let's move on to the practical side and talk about the direct installation of all the equipment necessary to receive a digital DVB-T2 signal. Many modern TVs are already equipped with an integrated DVB-T2 receiver, in which case it is enough to find out the position of the repeater, point the antenna at it and scan the available channels using the TV. In the case of a simple TV, the installation and connection of T2 is a little different, we will now discuss it. To install T2 in the standard version, you will need:

1. Digital receiver of DVB-T2 standard , the form factor you need, for example, for hidden installation with an external IR sensor, etc. The choice is huge now, there is practically no significant difference, everyone can choose for their needs. Practice shows that it is worth buying in a reliable store with a guarantee, we suggest you buy a receiver from our partners, who will provide you with service, warranty and repair.

   Buy digital set-top box MINI DVB-T2 with delivery from china

1. UHF antenna , in practice, the so-called "Polish antennas" are often used, you can also purchase an antenna manufactured by the enterprise "Konwalia", "Margoon", etc. hard to say. It is also desirable that there is an amplification board in it, which can be powered both from and from an external power supply.
2. Cable, regular television , almost any will do, but it is better to take it with a braid filling percentage of 50% or more.
3. RCA or HDMI cable to connect the receiver to the TV , may be included or need to be purchased separately.

Connecting digital T2 using the example of the World-Vision T38 receiver

First you need to install the antenna, if it has not been installed before. Here it is probably stupid to advise something, I will just say follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and at least first turn it in the required direction. In which direction to direct the antenna, you can find out by looking at neighboring antennas or calculate the direction, for example, using Google or Yandex maps.

Connecting a digital receiver T2 to an antenna will also not cause great difficulties, the manufacturer and standardization makes this process simple and it is quite difficult to make a mistake here.

When connecting, it's hard to confuse something, RCA - the cable is connected simply, you just need to observe the color on the plug and on the socket, yellow to yellow, white to white, red to red. The antenna connector will also not allow you to connect other plugs to it, in this model of the receiver it is located on the left edge. It is also possible to connect via HDMI, everything is simple here, the COAX connector is used to connect a digital audio signal amplifier and is practically not used in standard configurations.

After all the cords are in place, we connect the last one - the power supply connector, for this model it is located on the side panel.

This completes the connection of the T2 receiver. Next, you need to turn on the TV and receiver. By pressing the "AV-TV" switch button on the TV remote control, we switch from the antenna jack to the "tulips", in newer TVs we select the input to which the receiver is connected. The following should appear on the screen: