Self-installation of the Tricolor TV satellite dish

What does a basic satellite TV package include?

The basic kit includes:

• Satellite antenna (dish);
• Convector – a device that receives a signal from a satellite;
• Receiver – a signal receiver in the form of a DVD player located near the TV;
• Cable up to 10 meters – connecting the convector to the receiver;
• The remote control is a device for switching channels on the receiver.

Equipment - what kind is there?

1. Receivers

There are different receivers, depending on what you want to watch. Some devices can only unlock Viaccess encoding, while others can cover more.

If the receiver is equipped with a COM port, then you can install another device in them - a module that allows you to unlock additional encodings of up to 5 options. Models are available that already have a built-in module and hard drive.

The price of the receiver depends on the functionality and brand. Popular models from the best manufacturers will, of course, be expensive, but a good device from a less famous brand can be purchased for $100-$450.

1. Satellite dishes

Satellite dishes range in diameter from 600-3000 mm. Of course, with a large size, the antenna has more capabilities, such as the number of channels, high-quality images, and the use of signals from several satellites.

True, this does not mean that a large diameter is required for each operator. For example, when choosing NTV Plus, an antenna of 60 cm is enough, and Tricolor TV - 90 cm. The largest models are installed in places with difficult signal reception.

1. Channels

The channels of each satellite TV are combined into packages with a specific theme. When installing satellite television equipment, you can enjoy watching:

• FTA channels

FTA channels are free options that are included in almost all packages. Such channels do not require any payment or activation of a special card; all you need is to connect an inexpensive receiver that supports free channels.

• Scrambled channels

To view encrypted channels, you need a receiver that opens encodings or an access card. However, to use the receiver you need to activate the device itself. For this purpose, the Internet with the supplier’s website, by calling the support service or in the center of the operator’s location is suitable.

Whatever registration option is chosen, each option requires a receiver ID (identification number), which can be in the device settings (in the “Status” section) or printed on the packaging box.

To activate the card, you need to call the support team, who will help in this process. However, you can also use the company’s website, where you will need to fill out the necessary lines for registration and enter the required code under the protective layer of the card.

If you want to change the channel package to another version of the same operator, then you cannot throw away the card. Just dial the support number or change the selected package via the Internet.

Offset and direct focus antennas

We all know what a satellite dish looks like, also known as a satellite dish - a saucer-shaped thing, and some will even remember the stick sticking out. This is too much of an everyday explanation, let’s be a little more scientific.

As can be seen in the figure, the antenna itself consists of a mirror with a receiver or converter located at the focus of the dish, which is mounted on a rod. The bottom line is that the signal from the satellite arrives at the mirror, where the wave is focused, thanks to the geometry of the dish, and sent to the receiver. Then the signal from the receiver goes through the wires to the decoder or TV.

So how do you choose an antenna? What diameter should I choose? Maybe there are other forms? Perhaps we will start with the last question.

Yes, antennas come in different shapes, but for satellite television there are mainly 2 types used - offset and direct focus. The direct focus is already shown in the picture above, and it is similar to the offset, but there are some differences.

The direct focus antenna has a parabolic dish and the converter is located in the middle, which slightly blocks the incoming beam. The offset antenna has a slightly curved shape, as a result of which the incident beam is not blocked by the mounting rod and the receiving converter.

Due to their shape, direct focus antennas are often larger in diameter than offset ones. But it is precisely the diameter and method of receiving such an antenna that does not allow their use in most apartments, since a longer and more massive mount is required.

• Device for tuning Tricolor TV satellite antennas. How to choose and use

How to choose satellite equipment?

A large number of available channels and a high-quality signal are the main advantages of good satellite TV.

Operator

To install satellite TV, first of all, you should decide on the operator that broadcasts satellite channels. Today there are a large number of them, but the most common of them are NTV-plus, Tricolor TV, Platform HD, MTC-TB, Telekarta (Orion Express), REMO TV and others.

For detailed information, you need to familiarize yourself with the rating of the best satellite TV sets of 2021, where all the information about each operator with advantages and disadvantages is presented in detail.

Equipment

When choosing a satellite dish, you should not get hung up on the small diameter of the dish because of the low price. For example, if you purchase a TV package, then an antenna with a size of less than 90 cm will not reliably catch a signal from the satellite, and the picture will be distorted. In bad weather, the signal may disappear completely.

Receiver

The main criteria for choosing a receiver are the function that opens encodings and built-in add-ons, such as a module or hard drive. When deciding on a given device, it’s worth finding out what and how many encodings it can open. After all, the larger the list, the more channels it will unblock.

The receiver must be equipped with a slot for connecting special cards, which make it possible to receive a signal of any encoding. For example, if you have a TV device, then by connecting a Viaccess encoded module to it, you can open NTV-plus channels. This is possible thanks to the common broadcast satellite of the operators. In general, the more slots, the more operators, which means there will be more channels.

If the receiver is equipped with a huge number of encodings, then it is better to buy an antenna with a rotating function. This will allow you to use multiple satellites.

If the device is equipped with a hard drive, you can watch movies and programs in automatic mode. This functionality will allow you to record, for example, a selected TV show to watch in your free time.

Today, among popular models you can find options that allow you to record from one channel and watch your favorite movie in another. If there is a USB output, everything recorded can be transferred to a computer.

Satellite dish size for Tricolor and NTV-Plus

The vast majority of satellite dishes installed in Russia are antennas for viewing Tricolor and NTV-Plus. Both operators use the same satellite, Eutelsat 36A (formerly Eutelsat W4). Tricolor mainly recommends antennas with a diameter of 0.55m, this is due to the fact that these are the cheapest antennas. NTV-Plus recommends 0.6m.

We do not recommend antennas with a diameter of 0.55m, because... this makes setting them up very difficult; this is important for those who plan to set up the antenna themselves. When watching satellite television with an antenna with a diameter of 0.55m, even a slightly cloudy day will cause periodic interruptions in the signal, this will lead to interruptions in the image on the TV.

We recommend installing a satellite dish with an effective diameter of at least 0.6 m, and for reliable reception even in bad weather you can install 0.8-0.9 m, this will be enough.

Rating of the best satellite TV sets of 2021

Tricolor Full HD 501/591

Official website: https://www.tricolor.tv/

Tricolor Full HD 501/591 is an excellent opportunity to enjoy your favorite channels on 2 TVs at the same time, which will not depend on each other in any way.

Of course, many may think that the equipment package is too huge and expensive, but this is due to the variety of functions. The basic Tricolor set consists of a satellite dish, 2 receivers (GS C591; GS E501), a cable connected to the Ethernet port.

Such equipment allows you to watch various channels on two TVs, which makes the situation easier in apartments with a large area and families with a huge number of people.

Each package includes a certain number of channels. For example, the “Unified Multi” package includes over 189 channels, 31 of which are in HD quality.

Other options for packages with paid channels differ in topics available for general viewing or for children, as well as only for adults. For example, the “Night” package consists of five channels, including erotica.

Every year, the television company equips receivers with new functions, such as broadcast recording, delayed viewing and multimedia applications. The big advantage is that you can control channels not only through the remote control, but also through your own phone or tablet.

However, the company does not stop there, so it intends to equip the receiver with virtual, multi-digital technology and expand the list of Internet audiences.

In addition, you can now watch Tricolor channels in any region with the Internet and available bandwidth. All you need is a TV or device that supports Android TV, for which you just need to install “Tricolor-online-TV”. This allows you to view channels even without connecting to a satellite dish.

Of course, this service is available only to the operator’s subscribers, of whom the company has about 12 million. You can watch your favorite channels at the dacha or, having arrived in the city, at home without any overpayments.

Tricolor Full HD 501/591

Advantages:

• a large list of free channels;
• over 189 channels in one package;
• 31 channels in “Full HD”;
• affordable choice and cost of thematic packages;
• presence of 2 receivers;
• receivers with various functions;
• watching channels simultaneously on 2 TVs;
• the ability to record the broadcast;
• channel management via phone or tablet;
• package with erotic themes;
• channels are available anywhere with Internet access;
• viewing channels on the Tricolor-online-TV application.

Flaws:

• small plate diameter;
• due to its small size, insufficient signal in some regions;
• to maintain the quality and quantity of channels, equipment replacement is necessary after a certain time;
• no HDMI cables available.

HTB-Plus HD SIMPLE 200

Official website: https://ntvplus.ru/

In Russia: ☎ 8 (800) 555 67 89

In Moscow: ☎

"HTB-Plus" is the choice of many sports lovers. This company's satellite TV package includes a large list of high-quality channels. Thanks to this advantage, “HTB-Plus” is in the ranking of popular satellite television operators.

The TV company's packages are quite expensive, but here you can enjoy documentaries and feature films, various TV shows for adults and children in HD quality.

The “Supersport – West” package includes more than 20 channels with a monthly payment of 400 rubles.

Thanks to the Multiroom service, you can connect up to 3 TVs to a satellite dish without any subscription fee. A similar service is available to subscribers of the Basic package.

If you subscribe to such a service, then everyone receives a 25 percent discount on 2 TVs and a 30 percent discount on 3 TVs. Of course, such a design requires an additional receiver or CAM module, but NTV-Plus’ equipment is inexpensive. The connection process itself can be completed at the company office or via the Internet in your personal profile.

The “HTB-Plus” package consists of:

• satellite dish;
• receiver Opentech OHS 1740V;
• and smart cards.

The receiver is a little aggressive in size, but has wide functionality with support for the HDCP protocol. The device is equipped with several connectors for audio and video output. The menu is not complicated by unnecessary functions, but has an easy and understandable language. Using 2 keys you can manage the broadcast recording.

set HTB-Plus HD SIMPLE 200

Advantages:

• reliable signal reception;
• equipment at a low price;
• large list of available channels;
• the ability to record television broadcasts;
• large range of channels over 270;
• ideal for athletes;
• a huge number of HD channels;
• presence of the Discovery channel;
• light menu;
• several connectors.

Flaws:

• no free channels;
• expensive price of additional packages;
• antenna with a diameter of 60 cm.

Telecard HD

Official website: https://www.telekarta.tv/

☎ 8 (800) 100 104 7

☎ (MSK)

Today, the Telekarta operator has begun to gain popularity throughout Russia thanks to a good number of channels (170) with a standard subscription. However, the biggest advantage is that customers themselves can choose or exclude unwanted channels in their opinion.

Among the list, 15 channels are broadcast in Full HD format, for example, “First Channel HD”, “Wildlife HD”, “Russia HD” and others. This list is gradually growing.

For a fee, customers can choose packages with a specific theme, such as from Viasat or Our Football, where sports fans can constantly watch various matches.

The operator offers packages of channels for the adult generation with erotic themes, such as “Playboy-TV” and “Russian Night”.

Telekarta subscribers remain profitable thanks to the offer that the television company provides them. If desired, anyone can unsubscribe from paid channels, thereby receiving 40 free ones as a gift.

When you subscribe, you are provided with a Globo HD X8 receiver with two outputs for a hard drive and a flash drive. Thanks to this equipment, you can record live broadcasts. In addition, the device can be used as a media player, since it is equipped with its own power supply and a considerable number of connectors.

Telecard HD set

Advantages:

• high-tech receiver;
• a large number of free channels;
• a huge list of channels over 170;
• 15 channels in high quality;
• inexpensive standard package;
• 40 free channels after unsubscribing.

Flaws:

• not a very common operator;
• high price for paid channels.
• use only antennas with a diameter of 60 cm.

CONTINENT TV

Official website: https://kontinent-tv.com/

☎ +7 (495) 781 410 1

CONTINENT TV is almost an analogue of Telecard, since they are similar in their offers. If you refuse paid channels, the client will be left with 40 free ones.

The full standard package consists of 170 channels for 3,600 rubles per year. However, if unnecessary channels are abandoned at the subscriber’s request, this amount is reduced.

The main differences between the operator is the choice of receivers from several models or a CAM module. The second option can be selected if the TV supports this format.

For subscribers of the Urals and Southern Federal District, a satellite dish with a diameter of 80 centimeters is provided. Such a dish picks up the signal more reliably than one with a smaller size.

CONTINENT TV set

Advantages:

• 40 free channels when unsubscribing;
• selecting a receiver from several options;
• selection of CAM module;
• wide list of standard packages;
• rejection of unnecessary channels;
• 80 cm dish for subscribers of the Urals and Southern Federal District.

Flaws:

• high price for additional channels.

MTC-TB

Official website: https://sputnik.mts.ru/

MTC-TB is an affordable operator for any region, but it is difficult to find equipment for it. The kit consists of a proprietary set-top box with a large number of connectors. Data from the client is transmitted to the operator via a built-in SIM card.

The functionality of the device includes the option of delayed viewing, launching and requesting the necessary content, which is recorded on a flash drive. The company equipped the device with Internet access via Ethernet, 3G and Wi-Fi.

The package with paid channels includes 210 channels, including 34 in high quality. However, the operator offers additional packages at reasonable prices. Like, for example, a package with an erotic theme for 190 rubles, which includes 5 channels, or a sports option with several channels from NTV-Plus.

MTC-TB kit

Advantages:

• low price for additional and standard packages;
• 210 channels in a package;
• 34 in high quality;
• packages with various themes;
• a large number of available channels;
• multifunctional receiver;
• payment via mobile number.

Flaws:

• some connection difficulties.

REMO TV Future Outdoor DVB-T2

Official website: https://remo-zavod.ru/

☎ (call is free)

REMO TV Future Outdoor DVB-T2 is a good choice for watching channels from a Russian manufacturer. The set includes an antenna, TV set-top box, bracket and remote control.

If you purchase this kit, turning on the channels is absolutely free. Such a system is called “Multiplex”. Depending on the location of the subscriber, the volume of channels will depend. The list is gradually growing.

The TV set-top box is equipped with several functions, such as a USB port to which you can connect a hard drive or flash drive. This equipment allows you to use the device as a media player.

Additionally, there is a built-in live broadcast recording function. Thanks to the electronic guide, the program guide is updated in real time.

REMO TV Future Outdoor DVB-T2

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• Bracket included;
• using a TV set-top box as a media player;
• presence of a USB port;
• possibility of recording live broadcast;
• availability of an electronic guide.

Flaws:

• the ability to connect an operator only in areas with a Multiplex repeater;
• small number of channels.

How to switch from one to the other and is a plate suitable in this case?

Customers who decide to change operators must do the following:

1. Come to the office of the new operator and renew the contract.
2. Buy a receiver and antenna converter.
3. Change the antenna position.
4. Find channels.

There is no need to change the equipment, this also applies to the antenna, since they are compatible. Also, the advantage of the transition is that it does not take a lot of time and money. You will need to pay about four thousand rubles for everything: installation, set-top box, subscription fee.

Cost of equipment

In today's digital age, some people still use cable television. However, in order to get high-quality viewing of numerous channels with different themes and high quality, it is worth connecting to satellite television. The rating of the best satellite TV sets of 2021 will help you choose a good operator.