Satellite receiver: tips for choosing and the best models of 2021

The satellite equipment set includes several devices without which it is impossible to watch television. The key and most expensive is the receiver. If you buy it separately, you will notice that the cost of just the receiver is not much less than a full set. The text below presents the best satellite receivers relevant for 2021.

Purpose of the satellite receiver

All satellite tuners perform the function of receiving and converting a signal from a satellite for a TV . The principle of operation is quite simple: an antenna directed at a certain point receives a signal from space.

The signal is not understandable by TV, as it is encoded in a certain format. If you connect the TV to a satellite dish directly, it will not have any effect. This is where a receiver is needed. It receives the satellite format signal and makes it understandable to the television panel.

Opentech ISB7-VA70

Opentech ISB7-VA70

A simple but functional receiver. Can receive and decode HD channels. Connects to a TV or monitor using an HDMI cable. If the device is older than 5-6 years, then RSA “tulips” can be used for connection.

Channel control is possible even without a remote control thanks to the buttons on the panel of the receiver itself.

There is an interface for connecting an external IR receiver. This allows you to increase the range of the remote control or remove the receiver from a visible place.

Can act as a media player - external storage devices are connected via a USB 2.0 connector. Supports the ability to record broadcasts and TimeShift, that is, “time shift”.

Works with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.

Advantages

• Compact and lightweight. Weighs only 350 g.
• Works with HD broadcasting.
• Channel search is automatic.
• Upon purchase, a year of access is provided under the “Basic” package.
• Everything you need for connection - cables, adapters, power supply, remote control with batteries - is already included.
• Compatible with new and old TVs. The former are connected via HDMI, the latter via RSA with a special adapter.
• LAN port.
• Can work as a media player.
• Supports broadcast recording.
• There are pre-installed games.

Flaws

• The LAN port is not actually used in operation.
• Installation of third-party software, such as games or applications, is not available.
• No built-in storage. Therefore, to record a broadcast according to a schedule and “time shift”, you must connect an external drive of suitable size that is available for recording.
• Resolutions above FullHD are not available.

Selection options

The set-top box for satellite TV has different functions and operating modes.

It will not hurt to know about the most important of them in order to choose the best models.

1. Most receivers are “tailored” for a specific provider. On this side, it deprives the user of problems during setup, but on the other hand, having bought expensive equipment, in the future you may encounter the fact that it will become useless. If there is a possibility of switching to a new operator, then it makes sense to consider universal receivers. There will be some nuances when setting up, but when switching to a new provider you will not need to buy a new model.
2. Choosing a satellite receiver often makes you think about which manufacturer is better. In 2021, the leaders in this direction are Tiger, Orton, OpenBox, Dreambox and Strong. Reviews indicate that you should not buy equipment from unknown organizations. Only official suppliers and dealers guarantee the originality of the device and its high quality.
3. The current broadcasting standard in 2021 is DVB-S2/MPEG 4 (HD). It gives users access to high definition content. Having a modern TV with support for Full HD or 4K, it is not advisable to save on a receiver and purchase a model with the previous DVB-S/MPEG 2 standard; in fact, it is already outdated and does not provide the same high image quality as the one that replaced it.
4. When choosing a satellite receiver, it will not be superfluous to look at what connectors it is equipped with for connection. The required interfaces include LNB IN, SCART, S/PDI, HDMI, Ethernet, RF OUT, USB. Using these outputs, users will be able to make all the necessary connections to the receiver to TV, audio equipment, the Internet and external media.

What differentiates receivers is often the features they offer. If the provider adds a new channel to an encoded memory cell, the user will find it if the transponder (memory cell) is already stored in memory. “Blind search” is designed to search for transponders that are not stored in the receiver. “Picture in Picture” — viewing two channels at once, “Time Shift” — the ability to pause the broadcast, “USB interface” — viewing content from external media, PVR — recording the broadcast.

A good receiver should support the Internet and have its own memory for installing applications or recording content on it.

How to choose

Which satellite receiver is better? A high price does not mean a good receiver. The choice really depends on your needs. The higher the requests, the correspondingly more expensive the device will be. When choosing a device for your personal use, you need to pay attention to all technical characteristics.

First of all, determine for yourself the range of TV channels that you would like to watch. Satellite television has paid and free channels. Research in advance. If you are satisfied with the range of free TV channels, and you do not want to pay any fee for using the set-top box (receiver).

Pay attention to the design and clear interface, also in the settings there is the Russian language. If you are not strong in this topic and doubt whether you can make an unmistakable choice, then as an option you can choose set-top boxes from well-known satellite operators: Tricolor TV, NTV +, RADUGA TV, etc. By choosing one of the operators you like, you will receive a complete set for enjoying satellite channels, from the antenna to the set-top box. The plus is that you don’t have to rack your brains over the choice, but the minus is the following. Switching to another signal will not work, because the set-top box is programmed for a specific satellite. It will not be possible to reconfigure and reflash them.

Also, using them you get a telecard for the satellite receiver. By replenishing the balance of this card, the list of available TV channels will expand.

Important! You should not trust very cheap devices and buy very expensive ones if the TV model does not support FHD resolution. There is a risk that the console will simply not be compatible.

In some regions, the satellite TV signal is different. So, for example, if the receiver picks up the signal well in Moscow, this does not mean that outside the city the signal will be clearly transmitted by the satellite receiver to the TV.

A number of receivers already have a built-in or allow you to connect a hard drive, which allows you to record TV shows. That is, you can watch one channel and record on another channel. The right choice is influenced by your desires and needs from TV. Study which channels are broadcast from which satellite. Also pay attention to additional options in the device itself.

The best satellite receivers

Below are reviews of the best satellite receivers of 2021. All of them meet modern requirements and represent new generation technology.

Openbox S3 Mini HD

This model is rightfully included in the list of the best of 2021. It has a very affordable price, small dimensions and a wall mount, which makes it possible to hide it from prying eyes. The modern ALI 3510 processor is responsible for the operation. There is support for modern broadcast formats DVB-S, DVB-S2, MPEG2/ MPEG4, HDTV.

Features include blind search, work with 31 providers, the ability to customize fonts in the menu, support for Wi-Fi adapters or 3G modems. The device is capable of simultaneously outputting a high quality signal via HDMI and a low quality signal via analog outputs. The model supports work with YouTube and Vkontakte.

Among the advantages are a user-friendly interface, an ergonomic remote control, and ease of updating (including from USB storage devices). Outputs - 2 USB, HDMI, AV OUT, RF IN and a connector for connecting an external IR receiver. The latter is included in the kit.

Important! Users say the lack of a LAN output is a disadvantage, but this nuance is easily solved by connecting a Wi-Fi adapter.

Cost from 1300 rubles.

General Satellite GS E521L

The receiver is from General Satellite, designed to work with Tricolor.

The model allows you to connect an additional receiver for independent viewing of channels on two TVs; there is support for Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz. The device operates in DVB-S and DVB-S2 formats, which means users can access high-quality content in HD format. The model has a display and supports operation in the Smart Home system.

Among the useful functions of Timeshift, PVR are recording broadcasts, Oline TV and Cinemas. All necessary outputs and connectors are provided. Reviews indicate that defective models are occasionally encountered. Cost from 4,500 rubles.

Humax VHDR-3000S

New satellite TV set-top boxes with good reviews and capabilities include a model from the Korean manufacturer Humax for the NTV Plus provider.

It belongs to the class of expensive models, is capable of displaying content in FHD 1080p format, is equipped with a 320 GB hard drive, and a full-fledged media player for viewing content from external media. The device is equipped with two tuners, which allows you to watch one channel and simultaneously record the second . There is an informative display and a full set of outputs. Features include TV guide, TimeShift, teletext. The disadvantages include the high price and large sizes. Tuner weight – 2.8 kg. Cost from 5,800 rubles.

General Satellite GS A230

There is not a very wide selection of 4K satellite receivers in 2021, and this model is one of the few. It is very expensive and designed to work with Tricolor.

The most important advantage is support for the highest possible image quality in 4K, there is a function for broadcasting content to smartphones and tablets, and a built-in Wi-Fi receiver. The device is equipped with a display, 1 TB storage, two tuners and a powerful modern processor. The media player supports all modern formats, broadcasting supports DVB-S2/MPEG-4 standards.

All modern connectors for connection are located on the case. Features include Cinema Halls, PVR, TimeShift, Online TV. Cost from 8,800 rubles.

Important! GS A230 supports an additional child remote control, which is purchased separately.

Openbox AS4K CI PRO

One of the most interesting universal receivers for satellite TV. The model is a new product and has support for 4K at 60 fps, which guarantees not only high picture quality, but also smooth display of dynamic scenes.

The device has a powerful chipset from HiSilicon. There is a built-in 16 GB storage and support for Android 7 OS.

Pros include Blind Search, support for the latest HEVC format for reading 4K video. The receiver can work with three channels simultaneously - one can be watched, two can be recorded. The system comes pre-installed with the Google branded store, which makes it possible to install applications and fully use them. The model received a full set of modern interfaces, including support for 3G modems and a slot for an SD memory card. No cons were identified.

Cost from 7,900 rubles.

Equipment

Currently, NTV offers to purchase the following models of connection equipment:

• TV module brand SmiT;
• Opentech ISB7-VA70 receivers with white or black panel;
• NTV-PLUS 710HD;
• Set-top box for interactive TV KAONMEDIA VA

A number of models that were sold previously have been discontinued, but are suitable for signal reception. For example:

• Sagemcom DSI87 HD and DSI87-1 HD (both work with IP networks);
• NTV-PLUS 1 HD VA
• Sagemcom DSI74 HD;
• HUMAX VAHD-3100S;
• Opentech OHS1740V;
• Humax VHDR-3000S;
• TV module NEOTION.

You can download instructions for use and connection, as well as familiarize yourself with the characteristics.

Order a Tricolor receiver via the Internet without leaving home

Customers can order the set-top box online. There are two ways to do this - through the official Tricolor website; through the pages of official dealers of Tricolor equipment.

The ordering technique is the same, the client does not lose anything in price. Purchasing on two different resources is practically no different from each other. Much also depends on the website of the official dealer and the capabilities of the company.

How to buy a receiver is up to you. When purchasing equipment through an official dealer, do not be afraid of being deceived or that you will buy a low-quality product. Tricolor TV carefully ensures that their partners maintain their brand and checks each one.

Connection and setup

Installing a satellite dish takes longer than installing and configuring a receiver. For self-configuration:

1. Plug the antenna cable into the input jack.
2. Connect the TV to the set-top box with an HDMI cable.
3. Plug the power supply into a power outlet.
4. Go to settings and click on the path "Broadcast" — "Antenna" — "Satellite".

5. In channel settings, select "Satellite system".

   
   

6. Then enter the PIN code (standard 0000).

7. Then select the satellite that the dish is aimed at.