All about set-top boxes for 20 channels for TV

Progress does not stand still, and gradually Russian residents are switching to a new broadcasting format - digital. Unlike analog TV, the picture quality is much higher here. Modern TV models already have a built-in digital receiver, but what about the owners of outdated models? Ordinary users most often do not follow the appearance of any new products on the market, so difficulties may arise in the process of choosing a receiver.

An analog signal is transmitted on each channel at one specific frequency. With the advent of digital, streaming has also developed, that is, now several channels are broadcast from one frequency.

A set-top box (tuner, docker, receiver) for TV is a square or rectangular mechanism to which an antenna is connected. Such a device is connected to the TV using a special cable.

DVB-T2 is a new type of receivers. They differ from DVB-T in improved characteristics and channel bandwidth functions. It is this format of television that is widespread in Russia, but it will not work to accept it through the old model, since they are incompatible. This set-top box allows you to increase the functions and capabilities of the TV, not all users have the capabilities and funds to buy new equipment in which the T2 docker is already built-in.

Digital TV set-top boxes for 20 channels are made by different manufacturers. Their difference lies in the main characteristics of the set-top box - first of all, the input stream, recognition frequency, built-in memory, the number of synchronizing pulses per second (processor frequency) and initial formats.

The channels sent by telecentres on one frequency are combined on special equipment - a repeater. It turns out a set of television and radio broadcasting channels - multiplex.

Only two free multiplexes operate on the territory of the Russian Federation - RTRS-1 and RTRS-2. Both are tuned to 20 digital TV channels. They include the main set of TV channels and the second. The main one appeared first and is now so developed that it is available anywhere in the country. It includes the following TV channels - Channel One, Russia-1, Russia-24, NTV, Match TV, Channel Five, Karusel, Russia-K, OTR "And" TV Center ". The second began its work later, it also includes 10 channels, among which are Ren-TV, SPAS, STS, Domashny, TV-3, Friday, Zvezda, TNT "," MIR "," Muz-TV ".

Is it possible to connect a DVB-T2 receiver to an old TV? Yes, it is possible with an RCA cable or in common parlance - "tulip". It is not included with digital dockers, so you will have to purchase it separately. This article describes the most popular and user-tested models of set-top boxes.

One of the most affordable models, connection is possible even to old TV models via an RCA adapter. There is a possibility of connection via HDMI and USB support. This makes it possible to view photos and videos from a flash drive, phone or other electronic media. The compact mechanism of the model is also pleasing. Its weight is only 350 grams, it is usually made of black plastic. Does not overheat from prolonged work, unlike many other models.This happens due to the fact that there are special holes on the underside of the case through which warm air is removed.

On the front side there is a connector for a USB flash drive or hard drive. Nearby is a small sensor for receiving a signal from the remote control. There is no screen on the receiver, but there is an on / off indicator light - green and red light, respectively. On the back of the device there are “inputs” for connection. The included remote control is very small, so people with vision problems will not be very comfortable.

VVK products have been on the market for a long time. Supports standards - DVB-T, DVB-T2 MPEG-2 / MPEG-4 and radio. The signal is received using a television antenna. The manufacturer has provided access to interactive and deferred viewing. HD is supported in various formats - 720p, 1080p, 1080i. The set includes a remote control, instructions and a tulip cable. The main feature of this receiver is the presence of an external 5 volt power adapter.

A set-top box that accepts free digital broadcasting in DVB-T2 and DVB-C formats. The front panel is equipped with a mini-display, control buttons and an off / on signal indicator. The case is metal, so the model is quite heavy. There is a built-in power supply. Supports a program that converts a digital signal into a sound file, so the mechanism can be used as a media player.

This combination type set-top box can accept DVB-T, DVB-T2 and DVB-C cable TV broadcasting. There is support for Wi-Fi and AC3 audio codec. The receiver's casing is metal, in front there is a display, a USB connector, and control buttons. On the back side of the housing there are “inputs” for connection.

Docker supports the broadcasting format DVB-T2, DVB-T, DVB-C, has a USB input, which allows you to open files from various media and record videos to a USB drive. Supports video in several modes - 720p, 1080p, 1080i.

When choosing a digital set-top box, buyers first of all pay attention to the brand that manufactures the products. The name, not always well-known, satisfies the price-quality ratio. Focusing on the market leaders, you can roughly understand what to expect from technology.

1. LUMAX - the official manufacturer of equipment for receiving multiplexes, there is no doubt that the device may be incompatible with the broadcast format.
2. HARPER Is a Taiwanese manufacturer, cooperating with Russia since 2014. A modern, developing company.
3. BBK Is one of the largest companies in China. Manufactures a full range of all kinds of television equipment. Economical and reliable technology.
4. Selenga Is a company founded in Russia in 2011. Manufactures and sells digital set-top boxes and accessories for them.
5. World vision - has been distributed on the Russian market for more than 10 years. Many models in different price categories.

In addition, there is such an important criterion when choosing a receiver that you should pay attention to - its functionality. The possibilities that each model has are as follows.

• Free viewing of digital television - sometimes manufacturers indicate that it is with their set-top box that free viewing of channels is possible. No matter which company, there is no charge for broadcasting.
• Delayed viewing - the ability to record a program or movie.
• Viewing the desired content using a USB drive.
• Full HD mode, currently the highest resolution is 1080p.
• HDMI connection.
• Control panel, nowadays even the most inexpensive and unknown brands make equipment with a control panel.

Since the operation of the receiver involves processing a digital signal, the TV set-top box should work quickly, "freezing" when switching from channel to channel for 4-5 seconds indicates a low quality of technology. A simple interface is also an important detail that you should pay attention to when choosing.

When connecting the receiver to new TV models, you must first connect the antenna and power supply, and then the device itself to the television equipment. Docker can be installed either using an RCA cable or via an HDMI connector, it all depends on the model of the TV itself. If there is an RC-OUT input, the device can be connected to a TV through the antenna input, then it will be possible to watch both digital and analog channels.

Do not forget that in everyday life there are also Soviet TVs, on which there are no connectors for the "tulips" cable, respectively, the installation of the set-top box is not directly possible. The task is solved using an RCA-SCART adapter, which is installed through the SCART input on the TV itself. Some very old models do not have this input either, there is only an antenna, then it is worth purchasing a special modulator that converts the digital broadcast signal into a high frequency signal available on an old TV. You will also need an antenna that receives digital signals at a frequency of 470-860 MHz. It can be either room and located indoors, or outside.

The set-top box is successfully connected, now it can be configured. The TV must be turned on (a green indicator light on the front panel of the receiver will light up). Then the TV is manually switched to the video input mode. This must be done using the tuner control panel by pressing the appropriate button - AV, TV / AV, SOURCE, INPUT. A menu appears on the TV screen, in which the OK key is pressed to automatically search for TV channels.

After completing the search, which may take several minutes, the STB will save the caught channels by itself. If the menu does not appear, then the cables were not connected correctly.

Sometimes, after tuning TV channels, problems with broadcasting may arise - this means that the receiver does not pick up the signal, because it is very weak. Each device is sensitive in its own way, on some TVs the image quality will delight, while on others there will be interference. First of all, you need to check the antenna - perhaps you need to amplify the signal, the integrity of the cable is broken, or you need a higher position.

The receiver does not work - it does not turn on at all, or the red indicator is constantly on. The reason is most often the power supply, the equipment does not turn on - this indicates its complete breakdown, if the unit is partially out of order, the set-top box "will try" to turn on, but will not be able to enter the operating state due to lack of power.

If the tuner does not find all the channels, and the TV shows 10 instead of 20, the first step is to check the correctness of the connection and the quality of the contacts. It is also possible that only one multiplex operates in the location where the set-top box was installed. You can check this using the interactive map or by calling the organization that installs the antennas.

How to connect and configure the set-top box, see the video.