What is a digital TV set-top box, how to connect and use a DVB T2 receiver

Many modern TVs are equipped with a built-in tuner that allows you to pick up a high quality signal. If you use a TV without this functionality, then to watch movies and TV shows with an excellent picture and high-quality sound, you can buy a special device called a digital TV set-top box (digital tuner, digital receiver).

What is a digital TV set-top box

A digital TV set-top box is a small device that allows you to capture a digital radio signal with the possibility of its subsequent transmission to a digital TV. This device is also called a digital tuner, receiver or decoder. The official international name of the standard is
DVB-T2. The digital TV box improves picture and sound quality. After connecting, you will receive free access to all major state and regional channels (about 15-20 pieces). Additionally, you can buy access to closed cable channels from digital providers, and companies such as Beeline, MTS and others act as the main providers today. The digital set-top box connects to the TV to output the signal and to the antenna to receive the signal. Many set-top boxes are equipped with an amplifier to ensure uninterrupted reception of a high-quality digital signal. [textbox id=’alert’]Pay attention! After connecting, you need to configure the device, and many modern devices are equipped with an automatic signal search and tuning system, which simplifies the operation of the tuner.[/stextbox]

What are digital television receivers used for?

Most modern tuners have the following features:

• Receiving and decoding the DVB-T2 digital radio signal.
• The presence of USB connectors for connecting external devices (in fact, if such connectors are available, the set-top box can be used as a media player).
• Reception and interpretation of the DVB-S2 satellite signal.
• Compression and storage of video in MPEG-4 format.
• Support for high definition video (1080p and above).
• Ability to connect to the Internet using a LAN input.
• The presence of a built-in browser.
• Multithreaded video playback.
• The ability to record and store the signal (recording can be carried out both on removable flash drives and fixed hard drives).
• Create high-definition surround sound.
• The ability to control the tuner using the remote control.

TVs with built-in set-top box

Many modern televisions have a built-in tuner for receiving digital television, which automatically broadcasts a digital signal. The principle of operation and technical properties of such devices are no different from removable attachments. All built-in tuners provide free access to all major national and regional channels, and to access cable channels, you need to buy and insert a SMART card into a special slot. Today, almost all digital TVs have a built-in set-top box, and the most popular TV manufacturers are companies such as LG, Samsung, Philips, and so on. [textbox id=’alert’]Pay attention! In addition to the modern DVB-T2 broadcasting standard, there is also an outdated DVB-T standard. Today it is practically not used, however, some televisions may be equipped with a built-in DVB-T set-top box. It is not recommended to buy such TVs, because they cannot reproduce the DVB-T2 signal.[/stextbox]

Popular manufacturers and providers: how to choose a digital set-top box for a TV

Let’s now look at the main digital set-top boxes that can be found on the Russian market:

1. DC1002HD . The device catches the signal well, has a convenient built-in menu and the cost is lower than that of competitors. The main disadvantages are that the device does not work well with sound and tends to overheat. Some users complain about the inconvenient design of the remote, although this is not a serious drawback. In general, the device is well suited for summer cottages and kitchens, while it is not recommended to connect the main TV to it in the house.
2. TF-DVBT201 . The device picks up signals well both in the city and in the countryside, and the device itself is not too expensive. There are several USB ports, so this set-top box can be used as a media player. It may overheat during prolonged use, but this problem can be solved by peeling off the protective film. It slows down a bit when turned on. The device can be suitable for summer cottages and kitchens; it can be connected to the main TV.
3. DSR-10 . This device can be called the best economy class prefix. The main advantages – it catches the signal well, rich functionality, the presence of a large number of connectors, low price. The main disadvantage is not very user-friendly menu and relatively weak audio adapter. This model can be put both at home and in the country.
4. SMP136HDT2 . The main feature of this device is the fact that it perfectly catches a weak signal. This model has a powerful cooling system and is not too expensive. However, it also has drawbacks – few connectors, an inconvenient menu, and a remote control that is not very convenient. This device picks up the radio signal well, so it is perfect for the village and the village, which are located quite far from the repeaters. But in the case of the city, it is recommended to give preference to other prefixes.
5. SMP242HDT2. The device catches the signal well, has many connectors and easily connects to the TV. This set-top box includes many programs for recording and playing video. The main disadvantage is the rather high price of the device and the not very convenient menu for setting up. This device is well suited for the home, while for giving it is better to buy a simpler device.
6. M8 Android TV Box . In fact, this device is not so much a set-top box as a complex multimedia device. The main features – there are many connectors for connecting external devices, there is the possibility of direct connection to the Internet, there is a browser for browsing Internet pages, there is advanced functionality for recording and playing videos, and so on. The main disadvantage is the rather high price of the device. This set-top box is recommended to be connected to the main TV in the house.

https://youtu.be/fG0TVl2KND0 To get access to pay-per-view cable channels, you can buy access from a local provider. Today, provider services are provided by companies such as MTS, Beeline, Rostelecom, Tricolor and so on. At a fundamental level, these companies differ little from each other, however, tariff plans, quality of access and cost of services may differ slightly. The cost of access to paid channels usually ranges from 100 to 900 rubles, depending on the chosen tariff plan.

How to choose a DVB T2 set-top box for digital TV:

https://youtu.be/P_uQz5tcQUI

Using a digital receiver in the country

The use of a digital set-top box can be justified both in the city and in the country, however, before buying a device, it is advisable to check the quality of the digital signal. Fortunately, in all large regions of Central Russia, the signal quality in many small towns and villages is good, so buying a digital tuner there makes sense. In general, the broadcast looks like this:

1. The region’s main TV tower broadcasts a high power signal.
2. Far from the tower, repeaters are installed that pick up and amplify the weakened signal.
3. The amplified signal can be caught using a digital set-top box. By default, the user will have access to about 20 TV channels, and for an additional fee, he can connect cable channels from a local provider.
4. To catch a signal in the country, it is recommended to install an antenna right in the house. If the signal is weak enough, then it makes sense to put the antenna outside on the roof of the house.
5. Additionally, it makes sense to install an amplifier to get a stable broadcast.
6. After installing the antenna, you need to stretch the cable to the set-top box.

You also need to think about proper signal wiring:

1. If you are using old tuners that can only work with one stream, then you need to install a tuner on each TV. Otherwise, all residents will have to watch one channel on all TVs.
2. This problem can also be solved by purchasing a more expensive device that allows the signal to be split into several streams that will work independently. Luckily, today multi-threaded devices are cheap enough that buying them won’t be a heavy financial burden for you.

Good to know! If the tuner will stand in a country house in a village that is located far from the city, then when buying, give your preference to models that catch and decipher the signal well.

A digital TV set-top box is needed to watch TV shows and movies in high quality. The set-top box provides free access to all major TV channels, and to connect cable channels, you need to contact your digital television provider. The main models of set-top boxes are DC1002HD, DSR-10, SMP136HDT2 and others.