Every day there are more and more regions included in the area of terrestrial digital television broadcasting. The day is not far off when the obsolete “analogue” will be turned off altogether. What should owners of old, but fully functional TVs do? It is already clear to everyone - to purchase a special prefix (by the way, its correct name is a digital receiver). The price range of such products is small. Today they cost from 800 to 2000 rubles. But the average consumer's eyes just run up from the number of models. How to choose the best DVB-T2 receiver (Latin letters correspond to the Russian digital broadcasting standard) and what to look for before buying? In our review article, we will try to tell you what features you should pay attention to and provide an overview of the most popular models.
Why do we need a prefix
The main purpose (from the point of view of advanced users) of even the best DVB-T2 receiver is the reception of a digital signal and its subsequent processing. Similar prefixis an "intermediate link" between the antenna and the TV, which in this configuration is already used as a monitor to display the picture. The principle of operation in an accessible presentation is as follows: the on-air signal from the antenna enters the digital tuner; then it is processed by the built-in processor and goes to the audio-video inputs available on the TV, which in the recent past were used to connect a VCR or DVD player. This dramatically improves image quality. While many channels are still broadcast in standard 720 x 576 resolution, the benefits of a digital signal are immediately visible, even to the naked eye.
Standard package
Regardless of manufacturer, even the best DVB-T2 digital receiver comes with:
- Main module with connectors mounted on it (for connection to a TV, antenna, external drives or Wi-Fi adapter).
- A power supply that can be made as a remote device or equipped in the set-top box.
- Remote control and elements to power it.
- Audio and video cable for connecting to a TV (usually a cable with three RCA connectors; much less often - SCART).
- Quick Start Guide.
- Warranty card.
TV connection options
As a rule, all good quality DVB-T2 receivers are equipped with two types ofstandard TV connectors:
- HDMI high definition multimedia interface;
- composite audio-video output with three RCA connectors (or, as they are popularly called, "bells").
Important! If your TV is equipped with only a 21-pin SCART connector, then, of course, the best DVB-T2 receiver will be only a model that has an interface for connecting a cable of this particular standard.
What should the owners of the most "ancient" models of television receivers, which have only one single antenna connector, do? There is an exit. You must purchase a model with a built-in RF modulator. Such receivers allow you to convert the "digit" into an analog signal of one of the UHF channels.
Main specification
It is impossible to determine which DVB-T2 receiver is better simply by studying the technical specifications indicated by the manufacturer in the instruction manual. To a consumer ignorant in technology, “naked” numbers, as well as the brands of tuners and processors used in the assembly, will not say anything. Let's leave this thankless job to the professionals. The only thing worth paying attention to (especially if the receiving place is at a considerable distance from the transmitting center) is the sensitivity of the device, that is, its ability to receive weak signals without loss of image quality. The higher it is, the better. According to European quality standards, a DVB-T2 receiver with good reception must have a built-in receiver with sensitivitybelow 28 dBuV.
Varieties
First of all, we note that all consoles are distinguished by their functionality. The simplest models allow you to receive digital broadcast television channels, tune them (in automatic or manual mode) and then sort them according to the user's personal preferences. As a rule, such products have one USB port, which allows you to use it as a simple media player with a minimum number of built-in codecs, as well as to connect an external drive for such convenient features as recording or delayed watching a TV show. More "advanced" models have a very wide functionality. This is:
- Ability to connect to a set-top box Wi-Fi adapter. Complete with a home wireless router, this turns your old receiver into a modern SMART TV with all the ensuing “consequences”: watching movies online via the Internet, getting to know news feeds and so on.
- Universal set-top boxes are equipped with an optional digital cable TV (DVB-C) receiver. Such equipment allows you to watch both free-to-air channels and numerous cable channels offered by operators (this is especially true for users in large cities).
DVB-T2 HD receivers from the best brands are equipped with high-quality media players that allow you to watch movies in almost all video formats used today (with resolutions up to 1920 by 1080 pixels).
The power supply of set-top boxes happens:
- Built-in. Experts consider such devices more reliable.
- Made as a remote adapter.
Review of models with minimal features
A short review of the best inexpensive DVB-T2 receivers includes three of the most popular models costing up to 1000 rubles.
The prefix "Vityaz DTR-822HD FTA" (890 rubles) will be of interest primarily to owners of TVs equipped with a SCART connector. Such an interface is quite rare today. If your TV has only this option for connecting to external audio and video devices, then you should take a closer look at this model. Among the shortcomings, users note the minimalism of the delivery kit from the Belarusian manufacturer: it does not include a single connecting cable.
Connecting the Tesler DSR-320 (950 rubles) to a TV can be done either via composite output RCA connectors or via an HDMI cable. In the instruction manual, the manufacturer indicates the possibility of updating the software via the USB port. The built-in media player supports the main audio and video formats, as well as photo viewing.
A distinctive feature of the Lumax DV-1110HD receiver (990 rubles) is that it allows you to watch movies, the sound track of which is recorded in Dolby Digital format. The built-in AC3 codec enables playback of multi-channel video content (5.1 format) even onyour regular TV.
What gives the set-top box connection to the Internet
Which DVB-T2 receiver is better for those who want to have access to some Internet resources? The answer is unequivocal: one that can be connected to the World Wide Web. Today, there are a great many models that allow you to do this. As a rule, the standard software of such set-top boxes allows, for example, during annoying commercial breaks, to perform the following actions:
- check the weather forecast;
- download the playlist and enjoy watching IPTV channels (both paid and free);
- read news on one of the RSS channels ("Vesti", RBC, TASS, "Yandex" and so on);
- watch your favorite series or movie in the free MEGOGO Internet cinema;
- check your email inbox.
All the above functions will be available to the user if he connects a Wi-Fi adapter to one of the USB ports available on the receiver and makes the necessary settings in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (they are indicated in the instruction manual). Naturally, the quality of the picture will depend on the performance of the home router and the data transfer rate provided by the provider.
Universal terrestrial cable boxes
In our review of the best DVB-T2 digital receivers, featuring a high degree of versatility, we have included two of the most popular models that have received more from usersthe number of positive reviews. Both set-top boxes are terrestrial-cable, that is, they allow receiving digital television channels both directly from the antenna (DVB T2) and via cable broadcasting networks (DVB-C). It is worth noting that the price of such universal devices is not much higher than the cost of the simplest receivers.
Opens the top 2 Selenga HD950D (1350 rubles). The functionality of this model will satisfy the most demanding user: from a standard pause (so as not to miss an interesting moment of your favorite show by simply pressing the Time Shift button) to playing "heavy" video files (with a resolution of 1920 by 1088 pixels). The built-in AC3 codec allows you to watch movies with an audio track recorded in 5, 1 format. Therefore, this model can be safely called the best DVB-T2 receiver with Dolby sound if you often use it as your main media player. Of the technological features, it is worth noting the controls located on the front plastic panel of the metal case. With their help, you can not only turn the power on / off, but also adjust the volume, enter the menu and make the necessary settings, switch pre-configured channels according to the “back and forth” algorithm. That is, even if the batteries of the remote control suddenly run out, you will not be left without watching your favorite TV shows. By adding a Wi-Fi adapter to the receiver and connecting it to one of the USB ports, you will get access (via your home router) to such Internet resources as Weather, Youtube, Gmail, RSS,IPTV, Stalker and MEGOGO.
In terms of functionality, the T64LAN model (1450 rubles) from World Vision is in many ways similar to the Selenga HD950D. Therefore, listing them does not make sense. One has only to note the main technological feature - the ability to connect to the Internet directly using a LAN cable. A wired connection provides the highest possible data transfer rate and, as a result, the most comfortable use of available resources (without slowdowns and freezes).
Set-top boxes with programmable remote control
Managing all the functionality of any digital set-top box is, of course, using the remote control. But the TV itself must be turned on / off. That is, the user needs to have two “lazybones” on hand. Set-top boxes, which include the so-called programmable remote control, allow you to get rid of this inconvenience. Here's a sneak peek at two of the best DVB-T2 receivers pre-loaded with these handy features.
The Hobbit Iron GX model (1500 rubles) from Divisat allows you to receive both cable and terrestrial digital channels. The highlight of the regular "lazy" is that several of its upper colored buttons can be programmed to control the main functions of the TV. After simple manipulations, including pre-setting, to watch TV shows you only needone remote control.
The Oriel 421UD model (1350 rubles) also allows you to get rid of the TV “lazybones”. In their reviews, users note such an advantage of this model as the most complete (compared to competitors) instruction manual, which in the most detailed way not only sets out step-by-step instructions for the necessary settings, but also lists all the functionality of the device.
Note! The processor in both models used the same - GX3235S. This largely explains the similarity of functionality (for example, such as watching movies with a Dolby Digital 5, 1 soundtrack).
HF modulator receivers
First of all, it is worth mentioning the purpose of the RF modulator: it converts the “digit” received by the antenna into an analog signal of one of the UHF channels. Receivers with such a module can be connected directly to the antenna input of the TV. Technically, this is justified only if the receiver is very "ancient" and does not have other connectors (RCA, SCART or HDMI). You should not expect a global improvement in the picture with this use of the receiver. However, such interference inherent in the terrestrial analog signal as “ripples”, “snow”, “trembling” and much more will disappear. But what if several TVs are already installed at home, for example, two: the main one (in the living room) and an additional one (in the kitchen, which you use as an “information background” during meals)? Buying two consoles is often economicalimpractical. You can successfully connect a second receiver (using a conventional antenna cable) to the RF modulator output of a digital receiver. Naturally, there are some inconveniences, because the same channel will be played on both TVs.
It is quite difficult to answer the question of what is the best DVB-T2 receiver with a built-in RF modulator. There are quite a few such models on the TV set-top box market. The most popular and available for purchase are World Vision Premium (1900 rubles) and Cadena CDT-1891M (1300 rubles).
Comes with antenna
How to ensure reliable reception of digital television channels to owners of private houses or summer cottages? Indeed, in addition to the set-top box itself, it will be necessary to additionally purchase an antenna and, of course, a connecting cable. In such a situation, it is most logical to purchase a complete set for receiving digital terrestrial television. And in this case, what is the best DVB-T2 receiver?
"Remo Tv Future Outdoor TVjet RE820HDT2" is a great option. The product, the cost of which today is about 2500 rubles, is manufactured by the Saratov Electromechanical Plant. The main feature of the model is the broadband log-periodic active antenna with a gain of about 30-35 dB included in the delivery. This is quite enough for confident reception of digital channels even at a considerable distance from the transmitting center. When the antenna is installed outdoors (all necessary fasteners are included in the scope of delivery), itretains its performance in a wide temperature range: -45…+50 °С. If the length of the standard cable, which is about 5 meters, is not enough for installation in the most convenient place, the Russian manufacturer produces ready-made extension cords: 10 m (500 rubles) and 20 m (700 rubles). That is, the user does not need to bother with a soldering iron. All necessary plugs are already factory mounted on these wires.
Note! Power is supplied to the antenna amplifier directly via the coaxial cable. Switching on is carried out by activating the corresponding function in the device menu. Depending on the signal strength in the receiving area, the antenna can be used both in active and passive mode.
The main unit of the model does not have any features: a standard connection to a TV using RCA "tulips" or an HDMI cable (unfortunately, it is not included in the package). The USB port, conveniently located on the front panel, allows you to use the receiver as a media player or for recording programs to external drives. In their feedback, users note the ease of setting up and connecting the Tv Future Outdoor TVjet kit, as well as confident and high-quality TV signal reception.
For information! For only 300 rubles, you can additionally purchase a special bracket for wall mounting the receiver.
What to look for when choosing
A few key points to consider (according to the pros) when choosing the best receiver for yourdigital television DVB-T2:
- Dimensional dimensions of the console. In a miniature case, all radio components are located very tightly. And since they all emit heat during operation, the more free space, the easier it is to organize the “ventilation” of the console. This will protect the product from overheating during prolonged use and, as a result, extend the uptime.
- Case material. All experts unequivocally give their "votes" to metal products. They are distinguished not only by increased strength, but also by significantly better heat dissipation properties compared to plastic.
- Set of functionality. Everything is simple here. If the set-top box is needed only for watching digital terrestrial channels, then feel free to choose a budget model. In this case, it is best to be guided by the principle "the simpler, the more reliable." Well, if more than one terabyte of your favorite films has already been accumulated in your home collection, then before purchasing a receiver, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the functionality of the built-in media player. Especially for the built-in Dolby Digital (AC3) codec. Otherwise, some movies will play without sound.
- Well, of course, it would be useful to read user reviews regarding the reception range and reliability of a particular model.
