All about TV tuners for phones

Currently, some models of smartphones are released with a function that allows you to broadcast various TV channels to them. This option is provided by special TV tuners. Today we will talk about the main features of such devices and their types.

TV tuners are able to easily pick up TV signals at certain frequencies.

These tuners will allow you to broadcast programs not only on smartphones. Previously, they were also used for some models of push-button phones (for example, Nokia N92, released in 2005) - the latter were equipped with small antennas that could protrude slightly. After the appearance of the Android operating system, which is installed in most smartphone models, the need for such antennas disappeared, but this function has become even more popular among users.

In modern smartphone models, the antennas are hidden in the inside of the case.

Today, developers can offer consumers various types of TV tuners for smartphones that allow them to broadcast programs without access to the Internet. Such devices can be divided into two large groups.

• Analog. These models are capable of receiving and processing incoming data from traditional television broadcasting. These types of tuners receive signals that come from TV towers, as well as from satellite and cable systems. Analog views turn them into a new signal that will be available to your technical devices.

• Digital. These tuners are considered to be the most popular among cell phone users. They are a device that is capable of receiving and processing digital signals. Models of this type fall into several distinct categories depending on what format they can support. So, it is worth highlighting the tuners that support SDTV, EDTV, HDTV resolutions. But at the same time, the first 2 options are practically not supported on the territory of Russia, so an HDTV device would be the best option.

In addition, all TV tuners for mobile phones can be further subdivided into two broad categories depending on which way they connect to the device.

• Internal. These types are expansion boards, they are installed directly inside the technical device. Internal tuners are considered a budget option. But to install them, you will have to open the smartphone case in order to insert such a product in the right place, and not every user can do this procedure on his own.

• External. These varieties are considered a more convenient option, since you do not need to open the phone case to install them, but their cost will be higher compared to the first sample. External USB tuners look like flash drives. They can be connected to and disconnected from the device at any time.

Nowadays, in almost any electronics store, you can find different types of TV tuners for smartphones. The most popular models of such devices include several copies.

• AVerTV Mobile 510. The model is produced in a small blister, inside which is the tuner itself and two small antennas (one of them is telescopic for mobile use, and the other is on a wire, it is intended for stationary use). This model is a miniature black rectangular structure with a total weight of only about 8 grams. On one side of the product there is a special plug for connecting to a smartphone, on the other - you can find a connector for the antenna. To get started, only one antenna (telescopic) should be inserted into the device. The second element on the wire is attached using the provided attachment (most often it is a suction cup or clothespin). It can be firmly fixed to almost any surface. This model can receive the required signals in DVB-T / T2, HDTV formats. In addition, it is capable of scanning TV broadcasts and recording TV broadcasts as needed.

• PAD TV PT 360. This TV tuner for your phone allows you to watch channels that are broadcast in a certain region (about 20 different channels, including several radio stations). The device looks like an ordinary flash drive, it is miniature in size, so it is convenient to take it with you on long trips. There are 3 antennas in one set together with the tuner. One of them is a sliding system, a small suction cup is attached to it at the bottom. This product antenna can be attached to any surface and is often installed in machines. All other elements are attached directly to the smartphone.

• Lunas TV-1. Such a device is a miniature unit that can function thanks to a lithium battery. The design is equipped with a thin retractable antenna. The model makes it possible to watch TV programs in good quality at a distance of about 30 meters. The product allows the connection of several different technical devices at once. This tuner is usually charged using a conventional charger, which has a micro USB connector. One full charge lasts at least 4 hours of continuous operation.

In electronics stores today you can find models of cell phones that are already equipped with a tuner for broadcasting programs. These examples include a number of varieties of smartphones.

• Texet TM-607 TV. This model is equipped with a high-quality and durable display (its diagonal is 3.5 inches) and a processor with a high level of power. This phone comes with a small retractable antenna. The internal memory of the device is 128 MB, the amount of RAM is 64 MB.

• Alcatel Tribe 3041. Cellular smartphones made in France with built-in tuners have the longest lifespan, with a screen size of 3.5 inches. The built-in memory is 128 MB. These smartphones come in a variety of colors.

• LG Optimus VU. The Korean smartphone with a built-in TV tuner is equipped with a high-quality display with a diagonal of 5 inches. Camera 8 megapixels. The RAM is 1 GB, the internal memory is 26.5 GB.

• ZTE Leo M1. This Chinese model belongs to the most budgetary options. It provides for the ability to use 2 SIM cards at once. The sample comes with an analogue tuner, which makes it possible to watch TV programs in high quality. In this case, a special headset will serve as the receiving antenna, which is sold together with the phone itself in one set. The viewing itself is carried out using an application that must be downloaded to the device in advance.

• ZenFone Go. The model is equipped with a built-in tuner that can support most TV broadcast formats. For viewing, first connect the included antenna to the device. It is a special headphone adapter.

Before buying a TV tuner for your mobile phone, pay attention to some important selection rules. So, immediately decide which type you need. External samples are considered the most convenient to use, but their price will be much higher compared to internal ones.

And also when choosing, consider for how many devices the tuner will be used for. Most often in the store there are samples calculated for only one device. But there are also separate models to which you can connect several technical devices at once (Lunas TV-1).

If you periodically watch TV channels on your phone, then it is better to choose a model with a larger diagonal. When using such devices for regular travel, smaller and smaller samples can be taken.

For more information on TV tuners for phones, see the video below.