Which receiver is better to buy
The first thing you should pay attention to before purchasing such equipment is the appearance and controls. For comfortable use of the receiver without a remote control, all the main buttons must be located on the front panel.
But the determining factor remains the number and type of ports on the case:
- To view paid satellite TV packages, you should consider the presence of a card reader and a CL interface.
- The USB connector allows you to play files from external storage devices.
- To transmit a high-definition digital signal, you will need an HDMI connector.
- To connect the device to the Internet, local network or personal computer, an Ethernet port is required.
- Updating the set-top box software is easiest when using RS232.
The functionality of a device is determined by its labeling. There are several types of cable and satellite receivers. These include FTA models designed for viewing open TV channels, PVR models with the ability to record television programs, as well as set-top boxes with a built-in conditional access decoder, recommended for using the services of satellite operators.
It is best to purchase combined models that support all major cable, satellite and terrestrial broadcasting standards.
The ease of use of the receiver is affected by the speed of the processor. Comfortable viewing of TV channels in high quality or working with media files of various formats requires a clock frequency of at least 400 MHz. Set-top boxes that have the ability to record a video stream must also have a large amount of built-in memory. The minimum value to use TimeShift or broadcast acceleration features is 256 MB.
Recommendations: 12 best TV tuners
7 best satellite TV sets
9 best satellite dishes
Summing up and choosing a receiver in 2021
Each receiver has its own pros and cons, so there is no ideal option for all users - each user chooses a model that meets his requirements. For some, perfectly clear sound is important, for others, high image quality, for others, the presence of a large number of additional functions. Among the listed models we can highlight favorites:
- Sony STR-DN860 – for digital TV;
- D-COLOR DC1302HD – for an old TV;
- OPENBOX AS4k CI PRO – for satellite TV.
The rating was compiled based on reviews of real users, is not advertising and does not encourage the purchase of these particular models. The decision on which receiver to purchase should be made after consulting with a specialist.
The best cable receivers
Similar models support DVB-C modulation. They transmit data using the MPEG2 or MPEG4 compression standard. Cable receivers are widespread in large cities, but their popularity is also growing in the regions.
Lumax DV-4205HD
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
The device's remote control has the ability to learn: it remembers the user settings of each channel and allows you to create a database of favorites. The device provides viewing of programs in a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Support for the MeeCast application makes it possible to display images from a smartphone on the TV screen.
The powerful GX3235S processor and constant software updates ensure the device's performance when processing digital signals or working with media files. The ability to connect third-party devices using a USB port allows you to record programs on external media or play back videos from portable storage devices.
Advantages:
- easy installation;
- powerful processor;
- a high resolution;
- short circuit protection;
- convenient control.
Flaws:
- Difficult setup of the remote control.
Lumax DV-4205HD is worth purchasing to watch TV channels in accordance with DVB-T/T2/C standards. An excellent choice for advanced cable broadcasters.
Oriel 421D
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
A special feature of the model is the high quality of sound transmission. This is achieved through support for the Coaxial connector, which makes it possible to output stereo multi-channel audio. Additional features of the device include functions of a TV guide, recording timer, TimeShift, etc.
Supported television broadcasting standards are DVB-T, T2 and C. The set-top box can be used as a media player to play video or music in high quality.
Advantages:
- clear menu;
- clear sound;
- Ease of use;
- LED display;
- economical energy consumption.
Flaws:
- heating during operation.
Oriel 421D is used to receive signals according to modern digital and cable standards. An excellent solution for lovers of movies and high-quality music playback.
Digifors HD 73
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
The built-in Wi-Fi adapter ensures comfortable use of the model not only for watching digital broadcasting channels, but also for working with Internet services such as YouTube or Megogo.
The device has two USB connectors for simultaneous connection of an external drive and a personal computer. The remote design of the power supply ensures that the set-top box does not overheat when processing high-resolution recordings.
Advantages:
- Wi-Fi support;
- convenient control;
- 2 USB outputs;
- built-in IPTV application;
- Program Guide.
Flaws:
- long channel switching.
Digifors HD is designed for viewing digital terrestrial and cable TV channels. The receiver works with broadcast standards such as DVB-C and DVB-T/T2, and also supports a number of Internet services.
Perfeo Stream
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
Thanks to a large number of connectors of various types, the model can be connected to a TV, laptop and other devices in any convenient way. Support for external hard drives gives the user access to storing up to 1 terabyte of media files in AVI, MP3, JPEG, MKV, etc. formats.
Supported standards include DVB-T, DVB-C, DVB-T2. The image is broadcast on the screen in resolution up to 1080p. The receiver uses a built-in DVM antenna to receive the signal. This is enough for stable transmission of about 20 TV channels with high quality images.
Advantages:
- quick installation;
- large amount of memory;
- Software Update;
- user-friendly interface;
- low price.
Flaws:
- a small number of buttons on the remote control.
Perfeo STREAM is convenient to use with various devices. The set-top box is worth purchasing for both fans of watching movies in good quality and viewers of TV shows. An excellent solution for family use.
READ ALSO
12 best TV set-top boxes
The best stable cardsharings - features, prices, subscription conditions, channels
Cardsharing is a fairly new service for access to information technology. It is most suitable for users who want to watch closed satellite channels without a subscription fee. Broadcasting of these channels is possible if you have an antenna and a satellite receiver connected to the Internet that supports cardsharing.
Any modern satellite receiver has built-in support for this service.
To use cardsharing capabilities you will need:
- register with the selected provider;
- pay the bill;
- enter the received settings into the satellite receiver. This data is provided by the provider.
The best cardsharings include the following servers.
Service zargacum.net
The cardsharing server zargacum.net has a significant selection of packages, many servers for Russia, Germany, Belarus, and the Netherlands. The user can connect it for one test day. It is also possible to select a package: “VIP+ All packages”, “VIP-5+”, “5 selected”.
Clients are offered many promotions, bonuses, and a forum.
Registration is carried out independently without contacting the company’s offices. To do this, the client accesses the site from any available device, performs some simple steps and receives an account in the zargacum.net service.
Detailed registration instructions:
- open the official website using the link: https://zargacum.net/register/;
- fill out the registration form indicating your email address;
- create a login for use by the system;
- create a password for authorization purposes;
- select an account from Internet sharing, cloud sharing or on-demand sharing.
If desired, the client indicates his ICQ, Viber, Skype, WhatsApp, Jabbe.
Enter your phone number in the bottom field. After this the button is activated:
"Continue".
Cardsharing-Server service
Stable Cardsharing-Server is popular for its variety of packages that relate to cardsharing and have low tariffs. The user has the opportunity to connect a test version. If he replenishes the account by 100%, bonuses are awarded.
This service offers an extensive customer support forum. It has many programs that are easy to download, plugins, manuals and other services, including support via Skype and ICQ.
https://www.cardsharingserver.com/
Another high-quality cardsharing server is Meoks https://meoks.com/, a free trial period of two hours is available:
The variety of card sharing servers today is quite large, so choosing among them is not at all easy. For this reason, companies offer customers free testing of their products. This allows customers to make the right choice.
The best satellite receivers
Such models operate according to DVB-S and DVB-S2 television broadcasting standards. They are distinguished by high quality signal transmission and compatibility with equipment of satellite operators.
General Satellite GS E501/GS-C591
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The device interface is fully adaptable to the user's needs, making the receiver easy to use by any owner. Wi-Fi support and the ability to install additional applications significantly expand the functionality of the set-top box.
Signal reception is carried out according to DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards in the frequency range from 950 to 2150 MHz. Additional equipment capabilities include: building a list of favorite applications and channels, creating a reminder timer for the start of television broadcasting, control using a smartphone or tablet.
Advantages:
- fast channel switching;
- individual interface settings;
- ease of control;
- automatic software update.
Flaws:
- high price.
General Satellite GS E501/GS-C591 is perfect for viewing up to 1000 channels in high definition. Recommended for purchase by Tricolor TV subscribers.
Skyway Classic 4
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
The main features of the model include low energy consumption and low heat generation. Thanks to the increased capacity of 512 MB of high-speed RAM, completing a large number of tasks simultaneously is carried out without delay.
Among the add-ons and plug-ins supported by the device are a web browser, IPTV player, YouTube application, etc. The presence of a LAN output makes it possible to connect to a local network, exchange data between the receiver and a PC, and access the Internet.
Advantages:
- performance;
- powerful processor;
- stable work;
- compact body;
- economical energy consumption.
Flaws:
- heavy weight.
Skyway Classic 4 can be used not only to receive a satellite signal, but also as a home media center. The receiver's wide capabilities make it an excellent choice for solving various problems.
READ ALSO
8 Best AV Receivers
Galaxy Innovations S8120
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
The model operates on the Linux operating system and is equipped with a universal card reader for working with various satellite TV operators. The user has access to a digital tape recorder function for working with media files on an external drive.
Connecting the device to a Wi-Fi router provides access to the Internet, and the presence of a powerful Gi S8120 processor allows you to output images in Full HD resolution without delays. The receiver is convenient to use with a home theater. Thanks to the SPDIF coaxial audio connector, audio can be reproduced in Dolby Digital format.
Advantages:
- a high resolution;
- high-quality sound;
- performance;
- Wi-Fi support;
- convenient setup.
Flaws:
- heats up during operation.
The Galaxy Innovations S8120 is worth purchasing for watching movies in high definition. The presence of a Wi-Fi adapter and a powerful processor also allows you to use the capabilities of online cinemas without delays.
Openbox S3 Mini II
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
The main feature of the model is the presence of a high-performance ALI 3526 processor with a clock frequency of 1000 MHz. This increases the speed of operation, allows you to decode video in the HEVC format and receive a professional Multiple Stream broadcast signal. The set-top box's capabilities allow you to use several separate drives and manage data using the built-in file manager.
The image is output in Full HD format, supported broadcasting standards: DVB-S/S2, HDTV, MPEG2/4. The device can use a 12-volt network as a power source, which guarantees comfortable viewing of your favorite TV shows in the car.
Advantages:
- powerful processor;
- performance;
- IPTV player;
- clear menu;
- convenient control.
Flaws:
- low sensitivity of the remote control.
Openbox S3 Mini II is worth purchasing to receive satellite broadcasts on several different devices at the same time.
