Which Tricolor is the best of the 14 receiver-servers?

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It is now October 2018. GS Group, together with satellite communications operator Tricolor, are constantly updating the range of their receivers. Several years ago, developers introduced a new, hitherto untested technology for connecting an IP device to a satellite receiver and server. Which received information from the server via signal transmission via an Internet cable. Thus, a set for two TVs appeared. In order for the subscriber to be able to view channels on both devices independently of each other, it was necessary to equip the receiver with a second satellite tuner.

Two TVs - two set-top boxes?

But what to do if there is a large “audience” in the house and the tastes of family members do not coincide? Buying a pair of Tricolor dishes and receivers for two TVs and activating packages for each can hardly be called a reasonable decision. The operator offers a more economical solution - install a set of devices, one of which is a server (a cable from the receiving antenna is connected to it), and the second is a client.

Find out how to check the validity of your subscription to Tricolor services.

Read: how to activate the Tricolor TV card.

Find out how to register the receiver on the operator's website.

GS-E501 GS-C591 (C5911)

This is a classic example of such a tandem, recommended by Tricolor TV for installation on two TVs, which operates from one activated smart card. It will cost subscribers about 10 thousand rubles, plus a special connection is required.

GS-C5911 and GS-C592

The client attachment can also be purchased separately. Such a purchase will be relevant if you have a second TV at home and a two-tuner model of the Tricolor TV GS E501, E502, B521, B531 or A230 receiver. The client is connected to the GS-C5911 server using an Ethernet cable (twisted pair) or a home Wi-Fi network (GS-C592). How to do this yourself is described in detail in the video at the end of the article. Additionally, you will need a connection.

The set-top box is equipped with all the necessary functions for watching digital television, just like a “full-fledged” receiver. You can connect external media to it and use additional Tricolor TV services with its help. Purchasing the device will cost approximately 3.5 thousand rubles.

The best Tricolor receiver is the one that a specific subscriber needs

From the above we can conclude: there simply cannot be a clear answer to the question of which Tricolor receiver is better, and the price of receivers directly depends on their functionality. It is worth considering that you will have to pay extra for connecting a second screen, improved image quality, or the ability to watch recorded broadcasts. Therefore, before purchasing a set-top box, the operator’s subscribers should decide in advance not only the purchase budget, but also the set of necessary options in the device.

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• Record channels and pause the broadcast. Very convenient features. You can program the recording using a timer or start it directly during the broadcast. You can pause the broadcast if you need to leave for a short time. These features certainly enhance your TV viewing experience. These capabilities are present in all modern receivers. However, there are exceptions. Tricolor receivers with recording: GS B521, GS B521H, GS B521HL, GS E521L, GS B531M, GS B532M, GS B533M, GS B534M, GS B531N, GS B5310, GS B5311, GS E502 and GS A230

• Built-in memory. When using recording, you need to have a storage device. If it is not there, then the memory built into the receiver will not be of any use. It can be either purely symbolic or have impressive volumes. The following receivers have an integrated 8 GB drive: GS B531M, GS B531N and GS B532M. The GS B533M and GS B534M have twice the storage capacity. The 500GB internal and external hard drives are GS E502 and GS B521H respectively. And the flagship Tricolor GS A230 has a royal 1000 GB disk.

What criteria should you follow when choosing suitable equipment?

It is almost impossible to say which receiver is better; everyone has their own preferences. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you must consider the following criteria:

1. Availability of necessary connectors for connecting a TV.
2. Additional features that will make your viewing experience more comfortable.
3. Cost is the main selection criterion for many.

It is better to purchase equipment from someone who is well acquainted with all current models. The seller, taking into account the requirements, will offer the optimal solution.

By the way, Tricolor TV regularly holds various promotions during which you can exchange outdated equipment for modern models. You should take advantage of this opportunity, as you can get an advanced set-top box for free or with a small additional payment.

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• Tricolor Online TV. This modern feature allows you to use the receiver as an IP device. Now you can watch channels via the Internet without an antenna, and completely free of charge. Tricolor Online is in demand among summer residents, who can now continue to watch their favorite channels via the Internet in a city apartment, where it is sometimes not possible to install a satellite dish. Which receivers support Tricolor Online? These are: GS B527, GS B528, GS B521, GS B521H, GS B521HL, GS E521L, GS B531M, GS B532M, GS B533M, GS B534M, GS B531N, GS B5310, GS B5311, GS E502 and GS A230.

• WiFi. Some receivers are equipped with a built-in WiFi receiver for quick and convenient connection to both the home network and the IP receiver client. In addition, the built-in wireless Internet receiver allows you to connect the receiver to the Internet and access additional interactive features. Only two models have WiFi on board: GS E521L and GS A230.

• LCD display. Previously, absolutely all Tricolor receivers had an LCD screen. Now, due to cheaper production, only a few receivers can boast of having it. For many, the main criterion for choosing Tricolor is still the presence of a liquid crystal screen, which displays information about the channel number and current time. Only a small number of Tricolor consoles currently produced have a display. Tricolor with LCD screen is: GS B527, GS B528, GS E521L, GS E501, GS E502 and GS A230.

• Which receivers are included in the Tricolor exchange? I would also like to separately mention those set-top boxes that can only be obtained through the Tricolor exchange program, these are: GS B527, GS B531M, GS B533M, GS B531N and GS B5310.

Choosing a receiver for Tricolor. Review of models.

Let's start the review with the most budget-friendly receivers at the moment, DTS-53 and DTS-54. These models differ from each other only in the case material and usually come under the same nomenclature. DTS-53/54 is an HD receiver, but does not support the modern HEVC compression format (H.265), in which some high-quality channels are already broadcast. The receiver itself is single-tuner, which eliminates the possibility of connecting a client set-top box or streaming channels to Android devices over a local network. In general, the functionality of this model is very limited. In addition to viewing channels, it only boasts a TV guide, subtitles and teletext. There is no USB connector for the drive, and the only video outputs are HDMI, which means old CRT TVs will have to be connected via a special converter (HDMI-RCA). The minimum subscription fee for this device is 2,000 rubles per year; you will not be able to connect to a cheaper package. This receiver is quite reliable due to its simple design, does not require regular software updates and is ideal as a summer option.

A higher level of development of set-top boxes are the dual-tuner receivers GS B534M and GS B521H. Both tuners make it possible to independently watch channels on two TVs using an additional client set-top box or when connected to a local network on any Android devices through a special application. Also, unlike the budget DTS53/54, they have various multimedia functions on board: cinemas, time shift, games. The B534M has a built-in 16 GB of memory, which allows you to record and rewind programs, and a USB connector to connect external drives. The GS B521H, in turn, is equipped with a 500GB external hard drive, which is enough not only to record programs, but also for a significant media library. In general, these two receivers are no longer particularly different: Both are dual-tuner with support for HD channels, including HEVC format, and have not only HDMI, but also 3RCA video/audio output. The connector for the IR extension of the control panel will allow you to hide the receiver behind the TV or in a drawer, which is especially convenient when the TV is hanging on the wall, or you don’t want to allocate a special place for the receiver on a shelf. The subscription fee for these set-top boxes is 1500 per year. Thanks to support for viewing channels via the Internet, these receivers can be used all year round: in the summer via a dish in the country, and in the winter at home via the Internet.

The pinnacle of development and the flagship of the Tricolor receiver line is the GS B528. A key feature of this model is support for the ULTRA HD 4K format, in which 6 channels are already broadcast and their number promises to grow. What the 528 HD models have in common is a second tuner and the ability to view content via the Internet without a dish. True, there are much fewer online channels broadcast than via satellite, currently only 96. Among the advantages, besides 4K, I would like to note a more stylish design and finally a fast USB3.0 connector. Of the minuses, there is no built-in storage for the timeshift and pvr functions. In general, it makes sense to buy the GS B528 only if you have a 4K TV, since it’s still not possible to evaluate the difference in the picture on a regular HD TV. Yes, modern TVs, especially 4K ones, are equipped with their own DVB-S2 tuner and require only an access module, but the modules are inferior to the receiver in terms of stability and flexibility in operation.

As you know, to watch satellite TV on two TVs you need to buy two receivers and pay two subscription fees. However, Tricolor has created a unique multiroom system in which a client set-top box is connected to a two-tuner receiver. Today the newest model is the GS C592. It is much cheaper than a full-fledged receiver, and most importantly, it does not have its own subscription fee. It can be connected to all models of dual-tuner receivers, including the B528, and independently watch channels in SD and HD formats on another TV. The connection between receivers occurs either directly via twisted pair cable or via a local network via a router. The set-top box has the same functionality as receivers, with the exception of viewing content over the Internet. The downside is instability when connecting the system via Wi-Fi and the current lack of support for 4K channels. When installing a satellite on two or more TVs, a multiroom system will help you save a lot on both the cost of equipment and the subscription fee.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the GS AC790 Internet receiver. Trying to realize the potential of the failed Gamekit game console, Tricolor released a special update for it that allows it to be used not only as a client console, but also as a separate online receiver. And after some time, she even started selling it under the name AC790. As we told earlier, 96 channels are available via the Internet, 30 of which are in HD. Built-in WI-FI allows you to connect to the Internet without laying additional wires, and in addition to the viewing function, the original game store is also available. The disadvantages of this model include a remote control that is limited in functionality, without the ability to select a channel by number, and still a small number of channels broadcast over the network. For example, the VGTRK package (Russia1, Culture, Russia24, etc.) is completely missing. By the way, quite recently Tricolor announced the release of a new IP set-top box GS C593, which promises to be, if not on a full-fledged Android, then at least in terms of The remote control is more adapted to viewing channels. Despite the disadvantages, the AC790 is quite competitive with set-top boxes from other IP-TV providers, both in functionality and in the number of channels.

How to connect the Tricolor receiver to the Internet

The new generation of consoles is beginning to actively spread in official sales stores. You can also use the service of replacing outdated equipment. To start working with the system, you just need to follow these steps and comply with the requirements:

• connect the Tricolor receiver to the Internet via a classic Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connection (the first option shows the best speed characteristics, but creates additional inconvenience due to the need to lay a cable);
• a third party company may be used as an Internet provider;
• to ensure comfortable viewing of high-quality television, the data transmission speed must be at least 5 Mbit/s;
• pre-issue a service agreement for the required channel package. This option may also be accompanied by additional subscriptions to popular online cinemas.

Having connected the device to the World Wide Web and ensuring uninterrupted power supply, you can begin further configuration.

Exchange of old equipment

The discontinuation of Tricolor television receivers is due to the transition to the more high-tech MPEG-4 broadcast standard and the emergence of more modern models. Thus, the first receiver developed by Tricolor was the DRE-4000. Today this model is not produced, but is exchanged for updated samples at an additional cost.

A similar fate befell the model series 2006-2007 (DRE.5000, DRS.5001, DRS.5003), 2010-2013 (GS.8300 - GS.8308), 2014 (GS.U210B - GS.B211). The Tricolor company offers owners of these models, as part of a promotional program, to exchange them for updated samples. Receivers that continue to be produced, but are functionally obsolete, can also be exchanged for modern devices . A detailed list of models subject to exchange and a list of equipment for which it can be made can be seen on the official page of the service provider.

Advice! It is recommended for all owners of old equipment to exchange outdated receiver models for new ones. This will allow them to get a larger number of channels, the highest picture quality, the ability to record or pause the broadcast, start watching a program from the first minutes, and also have access to an archive of programs for the last 7 days.

It is also recommended to exchange an obsolete model for a new one because the cost of exchange is cheaper than purchasing a new set of equipment, and an additional advantage will be broadcasting satellite channels on mobile gadgets. Detailed conditions for this procedure are published on the official website. You can submit an exchange request via the Internet in your personal account or contact the nearest office.

Features of choice

The list of criteria for choosing satellite receivers includes the following characteristics and features of the equipment:

• Availability of a card reader. A device into which a satellite operator card is installed. Used to expand the number of available channels, although you will have to pay for such features.
• Ethernet port for wired Internet connection. An important feature of any set-top box, allowing for faster and more reliable access compared to Wi-Fi.
• Operating system. Not available in budget models. But more expensive set-top boxes usually have an Android or Linux-based platform installed, which allows you to download keys and channel lists, and sometimes games and applications, from the Internet.
• TimeShift function. Available for set-top boxes that support connecting external storage devices. Allows you to pause a program and then continue from the same place. To do this, part of the data is written to disk.
• Methods for connecting set-top boxes to TVs. The standard option is an HDMI port. But if you only have an old TV, you should choose a model with other connectors.
• Digital screen showing settings, number, and sometimes also the name of the channel.
• Infrared sensor . Needed in cases where the receiver is installed behind a TV hanging on the wall. The sensor is glued to the front panel and receives a signal from the remote control.
• Management . It can be done both from the remote control and from the buttons on the console panel. It is best to choose a model that uses both methods.
• Processor power. Not the most important parameter for watching programs in FullHD format. You should pay attention to it when choosing a model with 4K resolution.

Another feature is the design, material and dimensions of the case. Metal models are not afraid of falls, plastic ones are cheaper. Black receivers look natural with most TVs, while color receivers fit better into the interior of the room. The specific placement of the console - on a shelf, bedside table or wall - depends on the size. In a word, there is no point in giving advice here.

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How to connect a second TV to Tricolor TV without a second receiver

If you want to organize viewing on several TVs, but do not want to purchase two receivers for this, you can use several traditional methods:

• purchasing the corresponding official equipment package for 2 TVs at a reduced cost. In the kit you will receive a full-fledged receiver and an additional attachment for a second device. Using this option does not require an additional subscription;
• The second method will allow you to watch only the same programs on several TVs, since the broadcast will be carried out from one set-top box. One device here is connected through traditional connectors, the second TV through a socket for an RF antenna. More detailed instructions for connection and settings can be found free of charge on the relevant thematic resources.

Where to go if a problem arises

If you have any additional questions while setting up or operating technical equipment and related services, you can contact qualified operator support specialists completely free of charge. They will not only give detailed instructions on how to fix the error, but will also tell you about new promotions for the month and tell you how much such offers cost.

Users have access to:

• 24-hour toll-free number, which may vary depending on your region;
• direct contact to the nearest service office;
• work with the online consultation system on the company’s website, which can be used via a computer or laptop.

Equipment options

In order to make the right choice and not make an offensive mistake, you should decide in advance what the receiver should be like. Users have to choose between:

• ordinary receivers;
• a set of equipment consisting of a set-top box with two tuners and a client receiver;
• conditional access module, ideal for connecting to digital TVs.

There are other significant differences that need to be noted. Separately, it should be noted that you should not chase novelty, since not all old receivers are inferior to new ones. Many new models are regularly updated and supplemented, so they fully comply with modern requirements. As a result, subscribers receive a reliable device, proven by time and a huge number of subscribers.