Digital TV set-top box reviews which is better: rating, five best models

Almost all modern TVs are equipped with built-in receivers that support the DVB-T2 digital format, but older models require a special set-top box to broadcast the new standard. Digital television, unlike analogue, has better picture and sound, so those who have not yet acquired a new TV can connect a set-top box to their old TV and enjoy all the benefits of high definition.

The cheapest digital receivers, as a rule, do not have additional features, but expensive models, in addition to receiving a TV signal, allow you to control it. What to look for when buying a set-top box for digital television? Which model of over-the-air receiver should I choose for a particular TV?

What to consider when buying a digital set-top box

Receiver chipset. This is a kind of analogue of a microprocessor in a computer. The main purpose is to process the data stream and regulate the sensitivity of the tuner to the signal level. Thus, more powerful processors can receive the weakest signal and have high-speed processing of video and audio files from external media.
Supported formats and standards. The main thing is that the set-top box supports receiving a signal that is compressed in MPEG-4 and the terrestrial television broadcast standard DVB-T2. Considering the TV model, you need to check whether it supports the highest resolutions (HD and Full HD).
Tuner control method. Any external set-top box is equipped with a remote control. On the front panel there are usually functional buttons that are used when the remote control breaks down.
Multimedia. A USB connector and a Wi-Fi adapter are indispensable attributes of a digital device for those who want to watch movies from the Internet using a set-top box. You should ask the seller if the device supports common video formats such as avi, mkv.
Method of connecting the set-top box to the TV. The presence of RCA or SCART connectors is mandatory, because all new TV models without exception are equipped with similar sockets. HDMI and YPbPr outputs are needed for HD and Full HD picture quality.

TOP 7 best digital receivers

A small device that receives a signal in the DBV T2 format looks like a player. The set-top box is needed to decode the signal supplied from the antenna to the TV input. The advantages of this device are:

ease of operation;
ease of maintenance;
no subscription fee.

To receive the signal, you need an indoor antenna with a range of 50-100 km. The device can also be used for other purposes:

pause the broadcast for a while;
read data from external media and play video, music and photos.
TV guide;
teletext;
subtitles;
receiving surround sound;
Internet access;
synchronization of set-top box time with digital broadcasting.

Today, the choice of console models is very wide. Only owners of plasma and LCD TVs should purchase the device, as older models will not give the desired effect.

We have selected seven of the best, in our opinion, models, which include:

BBK SMP240HDT2;
LUMAX DV-3215HD;
World Vision T62D;
LUMAX DV-4205HD;
Philips DSR 7005;
Selenga HD950D;
World Vision T65.

BBK SMP240HDT2

The device provides a large selection of channels and capabilities. The metal body practically does not heat up. An indoor or external 5V antenna is sufficient for reception. There is support for MKV format. Access to the interactive program guide. There are control buttons on the front panel.

Digital TV standards	DVB-T, DVB-T2
Time Shift	+
Max. permission	1920x1080
Weight	400 g

Price tag from 1140 to 1290 rubles.

pros

good picture in excellent reception conditions;
easy to use;
switches quickly;
shows time;
HDMI output;
support for ASZ audio codecs when playing movies from USB;
rubber feet;
parental control;
low price;
cable with “tulips” and batteries included;
Suitable for use with a passive antenna or an externally powered amplifier.

Minuses

long turn on;
phoning sound;
gets very hot;
narrowly directed IR sensor, you need to point the remote control directly at the receiver;
short and soldered power cord;
not all formats can be read from a flash drive (media capacity up to 500 GB);
does not remember the point at which he finished watching;
no updates for this model;
freezes periodically;
small font on the menu;
conflict of the remote control with some brands of TVs;
switching time is longer than that of TVs with a built-in DVB T2 receiver;
high percentage of defects;
poor noise immunity from foreign signal sources;
you need to refine it to perfection yourself.

I spent a long time selecting a model for my LG TV. There was no conflict with the remote control. I read a bunch of reviews and finally settled on this device. The first time the setup was not very successful, I had to tinker with choosing and connecting a suitable antenna and cable, but the result is worth it. Great item for the money.

digital receiver BBK SMP240HDT2

LUMAX DV-3215HD

The device is housed in a black metal case, is compact and lightweight at 210 g. Includes power adapter, batteries, remote control, AV cable and documentation. It can be used as a media player. The set-top box supports connecting a Wi-Fi network adapter. You can record video to a connected external storage device.

Tips for choosing

Experts advise paying attention to the following details:

Price and equipment. As the functions increase, the price of the device will increase. The package should include a remote control and batteries, as well as an HDMI connector for high-quality sound. There are models that have a 3 RCA-3 RCA cord.
Main characteristics. Check that the digital format standard is DVB-T2, Multiple PLP mode, and support for the MPEG-4 compression standard.
Main functions. If you don't have enough free channels, be sure to choose a receiver with a card slot. Pay attention to the function of watching TV in HD quality.
Manufacturer. Choose a well-known brand.
Consult with knowledgeable people and, if possible, look for reviews of the model you like.

We wish you good luck with your choice!

Review of the best set-top boxes for digital television

Supra SDT-94

Stylish and budget-friendly console . The device guarantees good signal quality. Broadcasting can be recorded on external media, as well as high-resolution video files can be played using a USB flash drive. The signal to the TV is supplied via a composite connector or HDMI output. In the first case, not all channels have high-quality images. The presence of a massive infrared receiver does not make it easy to switch channels using the remote control. This device has a parental control function.

Main advantages:

Reasonable price.
Stable digital signal reception.
Easy to use.
Availability of HDMI socket.
Parental controls in settings.

Flaws:

Weak IR port.
Interruption of the broadcast when using “tulips”.

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BBK SMP 136 HDT2

The good thing about the set-top box is that it allows you to reproduce a weak signal in high definition. Despite the obvious advantages of the device, many reviews about it are neutral. The apparent functionality and excellent performance of the receiver as a media player is overshadowed by some technical shortcomings: the set-top box can only be controlled from the remote control (there are no buttons on the front panel), which is directed exclusively to the receiver itself, and there are no usual slots. Overall, it’s a good digital signal receiver that justifies the money invested in it.

Main advantages:

Cheapness of the device.
It picks up the signal perfectly both in the city and outside the city limits.
Plays almost all popular formats.
Compactness.
Doesn't freeze.
Not subject to overheating.

Minuses:

Complex settings menu.
Small number of exits.
There are overlays with screen modes.

Telefunken TF-DVBT201

It would not be an exaggeration to call this device the simplest and most user-friendly among receivers in the lowest price category. The user only needs to rename the channels (optional), after which he can start watching digital broadcasting . For some, the slow startup of the device may be inconvenient. Sometimes the download takes about a minute. The set-top box is equipped with a USB port, so it fully replaces a conventional media player. There is also a delayed viewing function that allows you to record TV shows onto removable media.

Main advantages:

Basic settings.
Good signal reception.
The presence of a connector for a flash drive.
Low cost.

Flaws:

Long loading time.
Severe overheating of the plastic case.

D-COLOR DC 1002 HD

If you have to choose among set-top boxes for playing high-definition video (Full HD), then you should pay attention to this model. You can find a variety of reviews about the device, but most users note the excellent quality of DVB-T2 signal reception, coupled with the high performance of the set-top box. However, the receiver has minor technical shortcomings. Firstly, not all formats are played, and secondly, the case heats up quickly. Many are dissatisfied with the narrow range of operation of the remote control: the set-top box only reacts when the remote control is pointed directly at the gadget itself. The tuner is suitable for a TV located in the country house or kitchen.

Advantages:

Relatively low cost.
Simple menu.
Excellent signal reception.

Flaws:

No Dolby Digital.
Rapid overheating of the device.
Large remote control.

Rolsen RDB-532

The fairly compact size of this digital receiver allows it to be used as a car receiver. The package package of such a digital television tuner does not include a power supply, but the corresponding adapter can be purchased at an electrical goods store.

The undoubted advantage of this miniature console is that it can be placed in any convenient place. To switch channels, you just need to place the detachable IR port in a suitable place.

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Even the fact that the receiver has modest dimensions did not stop the developers from equipping it with a USB connector. True, the list of multimedia content formats is limited. There is a recording function.

Main advantages:

Compact and light weight.
Low price.
Good quality of the output image.

Flaws:

To power the device via USB, you need a source with a minimum current of 1 ampere.

Sven Easy See-150 DD LED

Included in the list of the best digital DVB-T2 receivers of the current year. The set-top box media player plays audio files of all known formats. There is a delayed viewing function. You can record live television broadcasts onto removable media.

The device starts up almost instantly. Those who have chosen such a set-top box do not complain about the quality of video and sound. The model provides a software update.

One of the negative aspects , like most DVB-T2 set-top boxes, is the limited range of the infrared port.

The cost of such a device is approximately two thousand rubles.

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Oriel 963

One of the most popular consoles on the domestic market. Many experts give it a leading place in the rating of digital tuners. Perhaps the most important advantage of the receiver is its simplicity of settings and convenience for daily use. The device can be connected to a TV using both a modern HDMI interface and well-known outputs - RCA or SCART.

The internal parts of the console are hidden by a compact aluminum case that is resistant to mechanical damage. The front panel is equipped with power buttons and channel switching buttons, which is important if the remote control breaks down.

The developers have made sure that users have the opportunity, using a media set-top box, to watch video files and record streaming video. For this purpose, a USB port is made, with which a regular flash drive or hard drive is connected to the device.

When you connect a flash drive, the delayed pause mode becomes available, which allows you to stop the live broadcast.

Among the shortcomings of the Oriel 963, there is a slight noise during operation, reminiscent of a mouse squeak, but it is only audible when the TV sound is muffled.