A satellite tuner, or receiver, is a device used to recognize and decode television signals that are received using "plates". The main requirement for devices of this type is to ensure stable and high-quality broadcasting of TV programs. In addition, for modern users, it is important that the receiver supports a number of progressive multimedia functions, for example, the ability to access online services. What are the main criteria for choosing tuners, which are determined by Russian experts? What models of satellite receivers can be attributed to the most popular in Russia?
Choosing a satellite tuner: basic parameters
What characteristics are most significant when choosing a device such as a tuner for a satellite dish? First of all, it is a signal transmission interface. Most modern satellite receivers are digital. But there are also analog devices, as well as those that function when using a combined interface such as D2-MAC.
Many users and experts believe that among those standards that a modern digital tuner must support is T2. That is, devices must be compatible with the second generation of a highly efficient algorithm.media stream compression.
Very important from the point of view of ensuring the quality of the picture in satellite tuners is such a component as a microcircuit for fixing the coordinates of satellites, as well as a module for automatically selecting the position of the antenna. If the satellite TV tuner is equipped with the appropriate hardware component, then the owner of the TV will be able to view more programs.
Another significant characteristic of the device in question is the size of the intermediate frequency band read by the receiver from the converter chips, which converts high frequencies into low ones. The greater the value of the parameter under consideration, the more programs can be viewed using a TV tuner for satellite dishes. Between 900 and 2150 is considered decent enough. Satellite tuners that support the appropriate bands are compatible with a large number of converter models.
Tuner selection criteria: appearance and connector support
There are quite a few criteria according to which you can choose a device such as a satellite tuner. Among these are the appearance of the device, as well as the number and variety of supported connectors. A significant factor in choosing a device such as a TV tuner for satellite dishes is the appearance, as well as the ease of controlling the device. It is highly desirable that the receiver has its own display, which will display various data about the current tasks solved by the device. For many users, a significant factor when choosing a tuner isthe presence of buttons for managing channels, adjusting the volume, as well as accessing the menu, and directly on the front panel of the device. They can come in handy if the remote control is unavailable at some point.
As a rule, on modern models of receivers on the front side there is a connector for installing access cards to pay channels, various decoding interfaces, USB ports used to connect flash drives and external hard drives to which you can record TV broadcasts. On the rear panel of the receiver, it is highly desirable to have interfaces such as:
- RS232, used to connect the device to a PC (most often used when updating the receiver's firmware).
- S/PDIF which is used to connect the tuner to various audio devices as well as home theater systems.
- HDMI - an interface for transmitting high-definition pictures.
Thus, a TV with a satellite tuner that has the above characteristics, in terms of appearance and connector support, can be considered quite in line with modern trends in the device market in question.
Selecting a satellite tuner: functionality
The next group of criteria for choosing a device of the type in question is related to its functionality. Which ones deserve special attention?
First of all, it is a supported TV picture transmission standard. There is a "classic" format, which many experts consider obsolete, but quiterelevant - MPEG2, and there is a more technologically advanced - MPEG4. The main difference between them is the resolution of the transmitted image. So, a satellite tuner that supports the MPEG4 standard transmits an HD picture without problems, but one that is compatible only with the MPEG2 format can hardly provide the required bitrate.
The next most important feature of the device in question is the presence of an Ethernet port, through which the device can be connected to the Internet, PC or LAN. Thanks to this function, the receivers can be used as a stand-alone element in the network infrastructure, for example, to share broadcasts.
Many modern users believe that their satellite tuner must support the CI standard, allowing you to connect decoding modules. The corresponding hardware components are characterized by versatility: they can be used to receive a signal from both open and closed broadcasts.
Another notable feature of the satellite receiver is the presence of a built-in hard drive. The appropriate media can be used primarily for recording television programs.
But in many models of receivers it is recommended to use an external hard drive, not the built-in one. The satellite tuner in this case is equipped with a high-speed port for connecting the corresponding hardware components, usually USB.
Other popular features of modern receivers include:
- support for cardsharing options;
- compatibility with functionMultiboot, which allows you to boot the device both using factory software and using interfaces recorded on external media;
- spectrum analyzer that allows you to optimize the procedure for detecting satellites, as well as setting up the reception of signals from them;
- monitoring function for bitrate and other information about the broadcast picture;
- the presence of additional tuners that allow you to simultaneously view one channel and record another (or several);
- having an internal network card that can provide a high-performance local area network;
- support for communication via Wi-Fi;
- the ability to play video files, photos and other multimedia files on the TV screen;
- support for online broadcasts from major video hosting sites.
Very useful are also such functions of the device as noise reduction, generation of sound effects. Their presence can significantly increase the transmission of audio data via satellite. Many users believe that satellite tuners should have such mandatory options as a timer, parental control, displaying channel information on the TV screen.
Thus, it is possible to single out, relatively speaking, the basic functions of receivers, as well as those that can complement them and at the same time be in demand due to modern market trends. However, the level of their support directly affects the cost of devices. This pattern is typical for most electronic devices,no exception and satellite tuners. Prices for devices of the corresponding type to a certain extent depend on the range of technologies they support.
How expensive can a satellite receiver be? Modern models of devices of the corresponding type cost about 3-7 thousand rubles. There are more expensive models - for 10 thousand rubles. There are premium devices for 30 thousand rubles or more. As many experts note, the difference in price between receivers from different brands, in general, is quite logical, taking into account the functions supported by each tuner model, the build quality of the device, as well as the level of technologies implemented in it.
Iron
Another group of criteria for choosing a receiver - the characteristics of "iron", hardware components that are responsible for the performance of the device. Among those - the clock frequency of the processor. In modern models, through which high-definition satellite TV is broadcast, the presence of chips operating at a frequency of 400 MHz and higher is required. A significant performance factor of the tuner is the amount of RAM. It is desirable that it be more than 256 MB.
Software
Modern manufacturers of satellite receivers install various types of software firmware on their devices. Among the most popular are those based on the Linux kernel. The main advantage is the possibility of updating the corresponding software due to its openness. Also, many guides on how to set up a satellite tuner are often compiled with the expectation that the device that the reader uses has just the same OS installed.linux. This OS allows software developers for devices of this type to have various plug-ins. In addition, the ability to correct the OS program code installed on the receiver facilitates the repair of satellite tuners.
Best Tuners: Brand Reviews
Let's now consider what brands you can focus on when choosing a receiver. The most popular in Russia include devices that are produced by companies such as:
- Openbox.
- World Vision.
- GI.
- General Satellite.
Let's study their specifics in more detail.
Openbox Tuners Key Features
Good satellite tuners are supplied to the market by the Openbox brand. Among its most common modifications is the X 800/810/820 receiver. This device is characterized by low cost and good functionality. The satellite tuner in question works when DVB-S interfaces are used. With the help of the devices in question, you can comfortably view satellite TV from the most popular Russian providers, such as NTV Plus, Raduga, and Tricolor. The device in question can be connected to a computer, as well as to a router.
Another notable line of satellite tuners from Openbox is the S5/S7/S8 line of devices. What are their most notable features?
First of all, it is worth noting that the satellite tuners of this series can operate in the DVB-S2 standard and reproduce the picture in HDTV format. You can also pay attention tothe fact that the devices in this line are equipped with hard drives.
Quite effective and reliable SX4 Base HD satellite tuners from the brand in question. Among its most notable features is the presence of a built-in power supply, as a result of which the dimensions of the device are noticeably larger than those of many other models. The device supports Internet connection through the Ethernet port. In addition, you can use a Wi-Fi adapter that connects to a USB port. The receiver does not have a built-in Wi-Fi module. The device is controlled by Linux OS, so developers of specialized software for receivers can create the necessary plug-ins for the device. The tuner supports the HDMI connector in version 1, 4a, has the function of recording broadcasts.
Openbox tuners: what are users saying?
It will be very useful to study the opinions of the owners of satellite receivers regarding the quality of the devices. As fans of electronics of the corresponding type note, some of the latest models of Openbox tuners do not support popular emulators. However, the demand for this feature is relatively small, according to many experts. Among the strengths of Openbox receivers noted by users are a relatively affordable price (with the exception of some models, for example, SX Base HD), comfortable control, modern design, support for a large number of ports, presented in sufficient variety, a convenient remote control, universal playback software files.
World Vision Key Benefits & Reviews
Another popular brand-manufacturer of satellite receivers in Russia is World Vision. Among the most noteworthy tuner models produced by this company is the S718 CI + device. What are its features?
First of all, satellite tuners in the appropriate modification support CI + modules, that is, those that are used to organize conditional access. The device in question does not support standards such as DVB-T2, but in practice this may not be required, since many modern providers, such as Tricolor, use conditional access cards. Another noteworthy option of the device in question is the ability to update the software via the USB version 2.0 port. Using the appropriate connector, the user can also connect external drives to the receiver, on which broadcasts can be recorded. The corresponding function is among those that users in their reviews rate as one of the most useful. Along, in particular, with such characteristics as a convenient remote control, as well as high quality broadcast pictures.
GI receivers: key benefits and reviews
The next popular brand in the Russian Federation that produces satellite tuners is GI. Among the most common models on the Russian market produced by this company is the S8120 receiver.
Its main advantage is the support of the widest range of functions. In particular, the ability to use a large number of online applications. For example, those that allow you to getaccess to Google Maps, YouTube services. The device allows you to connect to the Internet using an Ethernet cable or a modem connected via a USB port. Users rate the device from GI as comfortable to use, functional, characterized by high build quality and stable operation.
Receivers from General Satellite: main features and reviews
The General Satellite brand also produces high performance and functional satellite tuners. The devices produced by him are especially popular with Tricolor subscribers and are actively recommended by this provider.
Among the most demanded models of corresponding devices in the Russian Federation is GS U510. Its main advantage is compatibility with both satellite and traditional television broadcasts. That is, this receiver allows you to control both types of channels. Users call the main advantages of the tuner from General Satellite a pleasant design, high build quality, convenient operation, and functionality. You can connect an external hard drive to the device.
