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Are you planning to buy a new receiver? Here's everything you need to know.
The AV receiver is the engine of your home theater. Around it, all sources, speaker systems and what you see on the screen are combined into a single whole. He brings the magic of the endless world of cinema into the home, enveloping the listener in a sound canvas that contains humor, drama, and action of all varieties.
However, AV receivers are very impressive pieces of equipment, and if you're just getting started with them, it can be difficult to know where to start when faced with a large metal box filled with connections, connectors, and acronyms.
Whether it's an existing receiver or a new one, we're here to carefully guide you through the process.
Our tips will help you choose the most suitable AV receiver and understand the connections, successfully complete the auto-calibration process and master the intricacies of the setup process, with the help of which your new component can perform at its best. Read to the end and feel like a professional.
Types of TV tuners for PC
There are quite a lot of them, so in order not to get confused, the classification of receivers is presented in the table.
TV Tuners | External | Domestic | ||
Connector type | USB | VGA | Mini-Card, E-Card | PCI, PCI-E |
Description | The receiver resembles a flash drive in form factor | External dimensional stand-alone set-top boxes with various outputs, including VGA | Used for laptops and laptops. There is no need to open the case to connect. | Available in full size and low profile. Installation into the motherboard via PCI-E slot. There is an RF input for an antenna. |
pros | High mobility; No load. | Can be connected to the monitor directly, without a PC; Low price; | Compactness; Functionality is up to par; Low price; | Speed;
Multifunctionality. |
Minuses | Installation of special drivers; Need a Micro-USB cable to work with a smartphone | You need a speaker to output the audio signal; Using trial and error to display images on old displays | Unpopularity of the interface; The cooling system may not be able to cope with overheating. | Work only with the PC system unit; There may be a conflict with other modules in PCI-E due to interference; The computer spends resources processing the data stream. |
The essence of digital set-top boxes
The advantages of digital television are that the receipt of a stable signal allows you to display a very high quality picture on the screen. Thus, video and audio files reach the viewer, the parameters of which remain in their original form - they have not deteriorated under external influences during the journey from the source to the final consumer .
What signals does the set-top box recode?
There are three main ways of receiving a signal, which the receiver reformats into digital format:
- from satellite - DVB-S format;
- via cable - DVB-C format;
- using an antenna - DVB-T2 format.
Modern TVs of the latest generation are themselves capable of converting the signal to digital thanks to the built-in tuner. But an old TV receiver will require a separate digital TV receiver for such actions.
Important! To transcode the signal, the set-top box uses a multiplex method that combines all digital channels into one package, which is then transmitted without loss of quality. Whereas with analog transmission, each channel is broadcast separately, which is why the quality parameters of the broadcast may differ.
Tuner functionality
Advantages of a tuner using the T2 format:
- broadcast high definition images;
- richness and purity of sound;
- signal stability without any interference;
- ease of use;
- no monthly fee.
A conventional digital receiver, in addition to its main task of transcoding a program package into digital quality, additionally has the function of short-term pause and rewind, has a TV guide with a TV program and can display teletext and subtitles on the screen. And those models that have access to the Internet can show an even larger number of TV shows.
The market for such popular equipment as set-top boxes is constantly expanding, trying to satisfy any customer needs. Thus, samples from Rostelecom are a kind of media centers that, thanks to the built-in hard drive, can independently record any programs so that the user can then watch them at a convenient time. Also, such devices are distinguished by a powerful processor, expanded RAM and increased functionality.
On a note! Modern receiver models support 3D and 4K resolution. In addition, any set-top box has a sufficient number of slots (outputs) for connecting various household radio electronics in order to broadcast media content, for example, from a smartphone or from a USB drive.
How to connect an external TV tuner to a computer
The algorithm for connecting digital set-top boxes to a PC is the same, with minor differences for a specific type of device.
Via USB
Connecting an external TV tuner to a computer with a USB port is done like this:
Is it possible to connect the set-top box via HDMI
In general, yes, if the set-top box and computer have an HDMI port. If only the PC has a port, and the TV set-top box does not have such a port, then it makes no sense to “cheat” with VGA-GDMI adapters. How to connect a digital TV set-top box to a laptop via HDMI? Start from the general algorithm, with connecting a TV tuner.
Make sure that this model is suitable for pairing with a computer. Install drivers and software, after pairing the same TV tuner with a laptop via a USB cable (for initial settings), open the program and follow the prompts.
Pros of satellite TV on your computer
Before you connect the receiver to your computer, you first need to decide whether you need it? Watching satellite channels on a PC monitor has a number of advantages over standard TV use:
- You don't need to download special applications to watch TV channels on your computer screen. No need to spend large traffic packages.
- Watching satellite television becomes possible even in remote areas.
- Relatively easy system setup. Even a beginner in this matter can figure out how to connect the receiver to a computer.
- Excellent signal level, good image quality.
Is it possible to connect a TV set-top box to a laptop: a complete analysis from a specialist
Hello everyone and I’m in touch with you, Bearded Man! Another very interesting letter arrived in the mail with a question: how to connect a TV set-top box to a laptop. But how?! - take it and connect it. You can use HDMI or another similar cable. Another question is that it will be impossible to watch TV channels in this way. Finally: is it possible to connect? - Yes! Will there be a result? - No!
On a laptop and computer, all HDMI ports that are commonly used are “OUT” ports and not “IN” ports. That is, from there the signal goes to another device - for example, to a TV, monitor, projector. But the monitor has an HDMI input. This is where you can connect your set-top box.
How is the setup carried out and is it possible to download satellite TV
You won't be able to download satellite TV to a regular computer. The signal is transmitted and received via satellite, and it is not enough to simply download and install the program. You will need a receiver to receive the signal; it is what ensures the system operates. To watch TV for free, you can download files for sharing on the website of any operator and sign up for an inexpensive subscription.
Now let's talk about how to set up a TV tuner on your computer. If you purchased a small internal card, it must be installed in the appropriate slot on the motherboard. The card should fit freely into it and should be latched.
Don't forget to connect an external antenna to receive the signal. You can pick it up yourself and install it from the street side, simply connecting the cable to the PC.
How to set up:
- Insert the disk with the installation drivers into the drive; it is usually included in the kit.
- Go to the “Installation Wizard” and confirm your desire to install the drivers.
- After installation, reboot your device and log into the OS again.
- If the disk was lost or the manufacturer simply does not supply it, then find the drivers on the website of the company that produced the receiver.
- Once completed, your PC is ready to use TV networks.
Hello. This is the problem - a couple of months ago, I got a Denon AVR-1603 receiver and infinity Primus 200 speakers for practically nothing. They were collecting dust for a couple of months and in the end I thought that I should connect the whole thing to the computer. But as it turned out, this is not at all easy, I’m a complete layman in acoustics, and I’m not particularly versed in technology. I studied the issue for a long time, googled it, but never found clear instructions on how to connect it all together. Therefore, I would like to ask you for help, how to connect this receiver to a computer? Which bananas to buy (cables available). The sound box is standard, built into the motherboard (do I need to buy an external sound box?). What other cords should I buy to solve the problem? Thank you in advance.
Answers
The simplest option is to use a 3.5 mm minijack cable (to the computer) to two tulips (to the receiver) of the required length. You can buy it, you can solder it yourself.
If your computer has digital outputs (in the form of a tulip or optical output), you can connect through them. Accordingly, a tulip-tulip or toslink-toslink cable.
If there is no output on the back of the computer, most likely there is one inside, on the board
and to connect it you need to use a special strip.
But the simplest option does not mean the best. If the sound quality through the above options is not satisfactory, then take a look here, they just asked a similar question.
What about bananas? Which ones are worth buying in a budget option, otherwise normal silver-plated money won’t be enough for 8 pieces)
The most important thing about bananas is the material from which they are made, and budget options, in addition to the lack of gold plating, will also not be copper. but if you’re really pressed and need a budget, then here’s an option that can be found in any quantity - Bananas. The option is proven, quite normal, well, as far as it can be at this price. )
They even write about making it from real copper and gilding, but of course there is doubt about this. ))) I have a friend who has these, we need to check at least in terms of copper.
What if they are simple, with crimp, like these? Gilded copper.
If you are sure that it is copper, then of course you can! When choosing in the budget virtually no-name segment, you first need to focus on the material!
Just to see how strong they are, otherwise they can be flimsy, they can break off and then the hemorrhoids will have to be pulled out of the terminal. (
I bought these on Ali. Total slag. My voices immediately faded, the sound was flat, like from some kind of akaiva!
Now I can’t sell it, apparently the fame has already gone)))
What about bananas? Which ones are worth buying on a budget?
why do you need bananas? Can't the stripped cable be connected to the terminals there?
BY THE WAY, YES. I missed something and didn’t even think about it. )))
Why do you need bananas? Are you going to constantly reconnect the wires? Maybe just connect it as described in the manual of the receiver or acoustics?
I will never believe that you Googled for a long time, read the instructions, and then asked such a question.
To be honest, people with such questions always surprise me!
It’s clear that you can’t figure everything out on your own, but you should at least try. At least read the instructions, at least understand what is connected to what, what is the source, what is the DAC and how it works.
In my understanding, people seek advice when solving a problem or searching for an answer to a controversial question, but not when they are too lazy to read the instructions or forget to search on the internet.
I would like to give such questioners one answer: IF YOU DON’T WANT TO FIGURE IT OUT, SELL IT AND FORGET, the receiver is not an easy thing for you, and if you don’t even have any idea how to connect it, then you definitely won’t be able to configure it correctly!
So this at least looks like a question. Some threads are trying to give advice by copy-pasting from reviews. They need to say “forget” about it.
And if for a person everything, for us and you, familiar terms are akin to gobbledygook?
And if for a person everything, for us and you, familiar terms are akin to gobbledygook?
In my opinion, a person in this case must make a choice and either 1). Start to master the basics of relevant matters, understand the intricacies and join a “sect”, or 2). Just forget and move on.)))
You can figure everything out, you just have to want it. I somehow had a quirk, I wanted to try film photography, but there was no one to teach me and this whole “Abra” / “Kadabra” car. But nothing, persistence, searching and delving into the topic, then practice solved everything. Now I can take pictures myself with a camera from the 50s, and yes, I also had pre-war cameras, then develop them in the bathroom and print the photographs. As they say in relevant circles, I have completely mastered the wet process.
And believe me, I didn’t immediately go to the forums to ask how to cock the camera shutter and set the aperture!
I AM OF COURSE ONLY FOR NEW LIKE-THINDED PEOPLE, but I would still like to see not fly-by-night people asking how to plug in a device, but people with an inquisitive mind and desire! And in such topics, sometimes it happens that the person who asked it never appears again.
As Chaif sang in his time - “where are the young punks who will wipe us off the face of the earth?!”
Exactly! Just for fun, I typed into the Yandex search “how to connect an AV receiver to a PC” and received articles on how to do this and a link to questions of this kind from the same site! :))) So you can figure it out.
Apparently I asked the question wrong. I wanted to know “how best” to connect, since there is no HDMI, and besides, the receiver is old, there are clearly some nuances. I tried to figure it all out, but to do this I have to start from the very basics, and I don’t have time for that.
I wanted to know “how best” to connect, since there is no hdmi
And there is almost no choice! Judging by the photo from the net, the digital inputs on the receiver are optical and coaxial, neither of which will most likely be available on a standard-equipped computer. Taking from the linear output through the minijack, as said above, is of course possible and easiest, but the quality will leave much to be desired (which was also rightly noted above).
In this case, you need to look for an option to equip your computer with an optical output or coaxial, for me it’s better to use the latter as the most universal.
I don’t see the point in bothering with audio with analog outputs, in the absence of the opportunity to buy normal banana cables. It’s better to have one digital wire to the receiver than a bunch of incomprehensible analog ones; there will be less damage to the sound.
If you don’t have time to figure it out, then either, as already said, close this topic for yourself or invite a specialist who will connect and set it up for you. For example, I don’t want to learn how to repair a car and go to a service center. It’s just that if you don’t find the time to figure it out, you won’t be able to set up anything.
Do we have enough of it for you to chew on? It’s not clear what you expect with this approach)))
Do you want to enjoy high-quality sound when watching movies or playing games on your PC? Or watch satellite TV channels on your computer screen? Many people consider buying a receiver to be the answer to this question. But that is not all. How to connect the receiver to a computer? This issue causes difficulty for many users. In this article we will provide you with several effective step-by-step instructions that will help you deal with this problem.
Other ways to connect television
Another way is to use a special TV tuner receiver to capture video. Which will also be connected to the TV set-top box, and then to the USB port on the laptop or computer. The problem will be precisely that you will have to buy additional equipment. Do you need it? If you can make everything much simpler. One way is to set up IPTV. The service is provided by almost all modern providers and comes with the Internet.
To do this, you will additionally need to purchase a set-top box from the operator for mere pennies, but at the same time, television can be viewed on all devices that are connected to the router. So TV will be on the TV and on the computer. We have separate detailed instructions for setting up IPTV here.
An even simpler way is to watch television and any channels through a regular browser or special programs. In this case, all this will use a regular Internet connection. If you are interested in this particular option, then you are welcome here. It briefly talks about watching television programs on a computer or laptop, at no additional cost and free of charge.
But you need to understand that not all television programs will be available to watch for free. True, as in any place, it is also possible to purchase individual programs via the Internet, which contains almost the entire list of well-known channels. As you can see, connecting a TV set-top box is not particularly necessary. And this device itself is temporary and will fade into oblivion in a few years, since it is essentially a “crutch” for careless TV manufacturers.
Another option is to watch movies and listen to music from your computer via DLNA on your TV. Alternatively, you can install it nearby and watch. If you are interested in this option, then go here.
Source
Connect the receiver via FTP. Internet for satellite receiver
Very often, it is difficult for a simple user to set up connections between the receiver and a computer via FTP using twisted pair cable. What will this be needed for?
Modern satellite television receivers have Linux-based software installed, where various additional applications are very actively used, and they need to be updated or simply use an Internet resource.
FTP connection is the easiest way to update plugins and programs.
Whether it's Spark or Enigma, the FTP connection is almost no different.
You can connect via a router or just the receiver and computer.
If you enable DHCP Server in the receiver and router, and select the “Obtain IP automatically” option on your computer, then the connection should happen automatically. But to connect via FTP, we always need to know the IP address of the receiver. We look at “system-network settings-IP configuration”
If the receiver will take the Internet from a 3G modem, WI-FI adapter, or from a computer via cable, we just need to connect the receiver and the computer with a twisted pair cable and work with static IP.
So we connect the receiver and the computer. You need to create a local network on your computer and assign it a static IP (Connections - local network - properties - TCP-IP protocol)
Our computer has IP 192.168.0.2
In the receiver, DHCP Server is disabled and we register our IP, for example 192.168.0.3.
We take the DNS server in our connection to the Internet.
When connecting to the Internet, we make settings so that it can be used on the receiver.
“connection - connection properties”
further
All Internet is available on the receiver.
We know the IP of the receiver (192.168.0.3), we will need it.
For the connection itself you need an FTP client. You can use any one (like FileZilla), but I find it easier to use the built-in one in Total Commander.
Create a new connection.
Click add and fill in the required fields.
Password and login - root. Click OK and here is your connection. In the right or left window of the total there will be receiver files. Edit what you need, then click disable.
Everything is simple if you know how. Try it and it will work out. Don't forget to ask in the comments.
satsputnik.ru
Connecting the receiver to a monitor from a computer
For those who need another screen, but buying a new TV is not yet in their plans, there is another option - using a computer monitor. Its correct connection to a DVB-T2 set-top box will ensure comfortable viewing of your favorite TV channels in digital quality.
Today it has become possible to connect a TV set-top box to any computer monitors: both new and old. Some models are equipped with an integrated speaker, eliminating the need to purchase acoustic devices. Before connecting two devices, it is recommended that you carefully examine all the inputs and connectors on the monitor. Users whose set-top box and screen were manufactured in approximately the same period will be most lucky. In other cases, the connection will also be valid, but some difficulties may arise in the process.
The most successful option are hybrid tuners that have VGA and HDMI output. If the device is also equipped with tulip-type connectors, you can easily connect devices for audio playback. If the receiver and monitor have different interfaces, you will need to purchase a special adapter. An important parameter is the length of the cable used. For each type of product, maximum characteristics are provided.
To prevent signal attenuation and choose the optimal cord length, it is recommended to adhere to the following recommendations:
If the connection fails and an error message appears, it means that the devices are not compatible with each other or that the wrong cable was selected for the connection.
Watching programs on a monitor involves two options: one is access to terrestrial television, and the second is streaming video on the Internet. In the first case, a standard DVB-T2 tuner is used. You just need to connect the device to the monitor, choosing the correct method, and over-the-air broadcasting will become available. In the second case, you need a device equipped with the Android operating system. Connection is made via HDMI or RCA connectors.
HDMI ARC connection: what is it?
If you want to get not only high-quality images, but also impeccable sound from your TV, which will be output to all speakers, pay attention to the HDMI ARC interface. Few home theater owners who assemble entertainment systems on their own know about its existence. And in vain, because this is one of the most luxurious features in modern TVs.
ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a reverse audio channel, a fairly new HDMI protocol that provides a two-way communication channel between the TV and other equipment.
What are the undoubted advantages that the ARC HDMI connection has over other options? There are two of them:
- Simplify control of your home theater system. In particular, if the TV and receiver are equipped with ARC and are synchronized with each other using the appropriate cable, you can control the system’s activation, sound volume and some other functions of the entire complex by controlling it from the television remote control. Thus, there is no need to use extra remote controls that duplicate each other’s functions;
- Increasing audio transmission speed. The eARC protocol, as an improved version of the audio reverse channel, allows the transmission of audio signals at speeds of up to 38 Mbit/s. This is very important for surround sound in home theaters, as it allows you to broadcast data from eight channels at 192 kHz / 24 bits simultaneously. The eARC protocol in HDMI 2.1 will appear in 2021, but for now we have to make do with the existing ARC with a signal transmission rate that depends on the version of the HDMI interface (that is, from 1 Mbit/s and higher).
So, if you want to take full advantage of DTS and the full potential of all Dolby surround sound formats from Blue-Ray, DVD or game content, connecting HDMI ARC or eARC will achieve what you want. And this difference will be audible on any system with a configuration from 5.1 and higher, even to the system owner who is far from technical nuances.
Receiver connectors for digital TV
To connect a set-top box to a personal computer or monitor, you can use various connectors. Each device has ports depending on its category and year of manufacture. The following interfaces can be used to connect two devices:
Connecting a TV set-top box to a monitor does not require much effort; the main thing is to choose the right connection method, and then the user will receive a full-fledged device that is in no way inferior in capabilities to a regular TV.
Disadvantages of satellite TV on a computer
However, such viewing of TV programs also has a number of significant disadvantages:
- You need to do the connection and setup yourself. Or by attracting craftsmen for an additional fee.
- The cost of tariffs for activating such services from providers is still high.
How to connect the receiver to a computer? Maybe it's worth turning to an alternative solution? They are sharing packages, which are offered by almost any operator of such services.
Types of AV receivers
How to connect an AV receiver to a computer? This question is asked by people who want to watch movies or play games on a computer, accompanied by high-quality, comprehensive sound that only an audio system can provide. Buying a receiver that would connect it to a PC is half the battle. It is equally important to connect it correctly.
Today, receivers sold on the audiovisual equipment market are equipped with several universal interfaces that make connection with other devices available. The most popular interfaces are the following:
- "Tulip". This is the name of the composite connection method to transmit stereo and video signals.
- Component method. This method is well suited for working with video files.
- HDMI connection. It transmits not only a video signal, but also multi-channel and surround sound.
- Digital way.
We will look at how to connect a Yamaha receiver to a computer. Why was he chosen as an example? Many users note that these devices are considered long-lived in the market for such equipment.
Work algorithm
Can the receiver be connected to a computer? Yes, and we will tell you exactly how best to do this.
Use the following step-by-step instructions:
- Connect the receiver to the PC as a second computer on the local network. To do this, the main PC connects to the Internet. Then a local network is installed using a switching device of the “switch” variety.
- Now a twisted pair cable will come in handy. With its help, the receiver is connected to the switch, and the latter, in turn, to the computer.
- Turn on the TV and go to the “Settings” section. In the “Network setup” section, the DHCP line will be important for you. This is where you will get the IP address. It is definitely worth photographing or recording.
- Perform all network settings on the satellite receiver itself.
- Now it's time to launch Total Commander on your computer.
- Go to "Network". Next, click on “Connect to FTP server” in the pop-up menu.
- After these steps, a corresponding window with settings will open on the monitor, which will help you establish a connection to the FTP server.
- Click the “Add” button to subsequently connect your satellite receiver to your computer.
- Next, you need to fill out the standard input fields in the window that appears.
- "Connection name". You can specify a custom name. For example, "Receiver".
- "Server/Port". The saved address from the third paragraph of the instructions is written here.
- In the “Account” line, enter the login to access the server of your receiver. You need to come up with it yourself.
- The “Password” field specifies the code to access your account. You also come up with this combination of symbols yourself.
- How to connect a satellite receiver to a computer? Next, all you have to do is click “Ok” and save all the entered settings.
Connecting the AV receiver via the Internet, making settings
Here is an action algorithm suitable for connecting Yamaha receivers:
- If you are connecting to the network for the first time, you will need to allow additional time to enter the settings that are presented by your Internet service provider.
- At this stage, a network cable will come in handy. With its help, a computer, switch, and receiver are connected to each other.
- Now the user should access the network settings menu on their PC. It is recommended to select the automatic network detection method.
- Next, the computer is assigned the status of a signal source. This is easy to do using the NET button.
- The next step is to make sure that you have a music player program installed on your computer. The standard Windows audio player is also great. If there is no such application, then you can download and install any free or paid program from the many options that the Internet offers.
- Now allow the audio device to work with audio files remotely.
- On your computer, you need to select the receiver as the priority, main source of data. How to do it? Open Control Panel on your PC, then click Choose data sharing options. Here you should limit the number of signal sources by the first setting.
- After all the correct actions have been performed, the computer is able to see the receiver. Now you can use these devices in tandem.
Let us note once again that the instructions are adapted for the most common Yamaha receivers. The settings of other devices may differ from the standard shown. Often the manufacturer himself provides an algorithm for the correct actions in the instructions.