The era of the reign of analogue television has come to its logical end. Already on April 15, 2021, outdated data transmission technology will be replaced by a digital broadcast format, providing improved signal quality and the ability to watch an impressive number of channels. Digital channels are encrypted, collected into a single package, broadcast on the same frequency. To display them on the screen in the usual form, the data packet must be decoded. To decrypt, you need a built-in decoder or an external set-top box for your TV set. But how do you know if a modern TV needs a digital set-top box? Let's look into this issue within the framework of this publication.
What is a TV receiver and why is it needed?
A digital set-top box, also known as a tuner or receiver, allows you to process a signal from different sources and decode it into the required format. Let's look at why some TV owners need to purchase a device. Buy it in two cases:
- To decode a digital signal to analog . For example, if you have an old TV at home with a picture tube, to which you can only connect an antenna or composite cables to the AV connector. In this case, the receiver receives a digital signal received from a satellite dish, cable or home antenna. It processes the received data and converts it into an analog signal that the old TV “understands.”
- To process a digital signal into the desired format . A current solution for TVs that work with a digital signal, but do not have a built-in tuner, or have an old generation receiver installed.
A digital set-top box is often supplied with a satellite dish or is installed when connecting to cable television.
Reference! Almost all modern TVs can work with digital formats. MPEG is used as the main playback format. This is a basic video file extension that was approved back in the early 90s.
However, a different format is used as the transmitted signal - DVB. This is due to the technical difficulties of digital television transmission.
The tuner's job is to convert one format to another .
This is where difficulties arise, since there are two main and incompatible DVB formats.
Additional parts for connecting digital TV
To organize cable television, you need to agree with the provider and get a smart card. For the satellite receiver, you need to additionally buy a parabolic dish + cable for it. To watch terrestrial TV channels, a UHF antenna and an additional cable are enough.
Antenna cable selection
To receive a signal, you need to connect the antenna to the set-top box with a coaxial cable.
When choosing a coaxial cable for digital TV, there are several important factors to consider:
- Outer shell
. It is mainly made from PVC and polyethylene, which is resistant to ultraviolet rays. If PVC is suitable for indoor use, then polyethylene cable is suitable as an external laying. - Route length for cable channel
. The signal power depends on it, which is affected by the resistance of the conductor material. If a long route is required (more than 10 meters), it is recommended to use a cable with a copper core instead of a steel core. - Signal strength
. Its higher level is observed in cable and terrestrial television broadcasting standards. But it is better to choose a copper cable for a satellite dish. - Thickness and material of the central core
. To reduce signal power losses, try to choose a cable with the thickest central core. The advantage of steel wires is their strength, but the signal is better transmitted through copper wires. - Cable thickness
. Typically, the power of the feeder affects the number of shielding layers, the reliability of the insulating material, and the thickness of the core. However, there are also thin cords of high quality.
Advantages and disadvantages
A digital set-top box has the main advantage - it allows you to watch digital broadcasts on any TV. It can be disabled from one device and installed on another. As a rule, remote tuners have a large number of connectors for connecting and outputting signals for all types of TVs.
Also, the digital set-top box can be easily changed in case of breakdown . If the built-in tuner on your TV breaks, repairs can be much more expensive than buying a new receiver.
Many tuners have a slot for installing an external USB drive. You can watch a movie from a flash drive or record your favorite program on it. For many this will be a big plus.
The main disadvantage of the set-top box is a slight loss of signal, since it is an additional link in the chain. And from basic knowledge of radio electronics it is known: the more links in the chain, the lower the signal level. Some users complain about the large number of wires that have to be hidden when you connect the tuner to the TV.
Is it necessary to buy, when and who needs to do it?
The main criterion why people buy an external tuner is the lack of a built-in receiver. Sometimes a television device has an old generation tuner that cannot work with modern digital formats. In this case, buying a set-top box is a justified decision.
The receiver will be needed by those users who want to access a large number of channels in good quality. To do this, you will need, at a minimum, a high-resolution TV.
Important! If you have an old device with a kinescope, you should not expect good quality images from it. In this case, buying a digital set-top box is a dubious financial investment. Although many users do just that.
Also, the tuner will be of no use if you live in a remote area where there is practically no broadcast signal, no cable television, and there is no possibility of installing a satellite dish.
From 2021, analogue broadcasting will be transferred to a digital standard. This does not mean that the analog signal will disappear completely. The state will simply stop subsidizing the main federal channels. Some of them have already confirmed that they will independently provide an analog signal for their viewers. A complete transition to digital broadcasting is planned for 2021 .
The need for a set-top box
The question of whether a receiver is needed for modern TVs worries many consumers. The answer to this depends on various factors. Firstly, how often the programs are viewed, and secondly, what are the characteristics of the available equipment.
If you want to watch programs in excellent quality, but the TV does not support these formats, buying a receiver will eliminate such problems. Purchasing a special modulator will allow you to connect the set-top box to two television receivers simultaneously.
Modern sophisticated TVs boast built-in satellite, cable or terrestrial receivers. When buying a TV to watch satellite digital broadcasts, it is important that the built-in device supports the same format.
Undoubtedly, digital television is the future. So why not join it today, especially since you don’t even have to buy a new TV to do so. A modern, high-quality receiver will save you from spending a lot of money on buying an expensive TV, while still giving you the pleasure of watching TV shows in excellent quality.
If your TV has a built-in tuner
Let's consider whether it is necessary to buy a new receiver if the television receiver has a built-in tuner, for example, on modern TV models. In most cases, to determine the presence of a built-in tuner “on board” the TV, you need to have the user manual or the box from the device. Usually on the box they write DVB-T2 in capital letters. This is a modern format of digital broadcasting, relevant for 2021. Other types of tuners can also be installed on the TV:
- DVS-T2. Modern format of satellite broadcasting. Such TVs can work with a signal from a satellite dish directly, without a digital set-top box.
- DVC-T2. Modern format of cable television. This symbol indicates that a cable can be connected directly to the TV.
Some TV models have two, and sometimes three, different tuners installed at once.
Pay attention to the prefix “T2” in the format designation . It indicates that the TV has a modern type of tuner. Old receivers are designated by the prefix “T” (DVB-T, DVS-T, DVC-T), they are already obsolete and are not compatible with modern digital signals.
For which TV receivers do you not need to purchase equipment?
No need for a digital set-top box:
- TVs that support modern digital formats (DVB-T2, DVS-T2, DVC-T2).
- Old TVs that cannot display high-quality pictures.
The last point is subjective. If image quality is not a critical factor, you can buy a receiver for an old TV.
Samsung
Digital playback in TV appeared simultaneously with the development of new LCD technologies, as well as with the release of plasma panels. Of course, the very principle of digital signal transmission appeared much earlier, in the early 90s of the last century. However, digital TVs began to be introduced after tubular models were discontinued .
The start of the “digitalization” of televisions can be considered the beginning of 2000. Also at this time, the first DVD players began to appear that worked exclusively with digital. Thus, the development of computer technology moved to the side of television.
Among the most popular brands is SAMSUNG. The Korean manufacturer was one of the first to introduce digital technologies into its TVs. Since 2012, the manufacturer has installed DVB-T2 tuners in models with the number 7 at the end of the index. For example: UE32ES5507 or UE32ES65X7. DVB-T2 can also be found in models:
- GQ49Q6FNG.
- GQ55Q6FNG.
- GQ55Q7FNG.
- GQ55Q8CNG.
- GQ55Q8FNG.
- GQ65Q6FNG.
- GQ65Q7FNG.
- GQ65Q8CNG.
- GQ65Q8FNG.
- GQ75Q6FNG.
- GQ75Q7FNG.
- GQ82Q6FNG.
- HG24ED690AB.
- HG28EC690AB.
- HG32EB675FB.
- HG32EB690QB.
- HG32EC690DB.
- HG32EC770.
- HG32ED470GK.
- HG32ED590HB.
Tips for choosing a receiver
You should consider not only the price, but also your individual needs when choosing a TV set-top box. Models for 1000-2000 rubles. suitable for use in the country if you only need TV channels (some support viewing multimedia from USB). But for an apartment or country house, they buy multifunctional devices that make it possible to watch movies and IPTV, communicate on social networks and play games. Their price ranges from 8,000 rubles.
It is optimal to buy a 4-core model of Smart TV set-top box with built-in memory of 2 GB and the ability to install an additional memory card.
It is important to know, first of all, about the capabilities and parameters of a particular receiver, a convenient method for setting it up, in order to choose the appropriate option for purchase. You shouldn't focus on price. Expensive equipment may have additional functions that are not needed in a particular case.
How useful was the article to you?
How to choose a device and what is its cost?
When choosing a tuner you need to take into account:
- Incoming signal formats. If you are going to watch only government broadcasting, a set-top box with DVB-T2 format is suitable for you.
- Set of functionality. The more functions a device has, the higher the price. Choose the receiver for yourself. Don't overpay for unnecessary options.
- Picture quality . If you are going to watch shows or movies in ultraHD or 4K resolution, be prepared to pay more.
- Availability of interfaces . The more signal inputs and outputs the set-top box has, the higher the price. Also, the presence of a USB port affects the cost of the receiver.
- Manufacturer country . The lowest price is for models made in China. These set-top boxes are made from inexpensive components, so they are frequent visitors to electronics repair shops. Receivers from well-known brands are more expensive, but they are covered by warranties.
Attention! The final cost of the receiver can range from 900 to 5000 rubles. The price directly depends on the points listed above, as well as the store’s policy.
When choosing a tuner, be guided by the device parameters that you will definitely need. If you are just going to watch terrestrial state television, you can opt for the most inexpensive model with the DVB-T2 digital broadcasting format.
Popular stationary media players
Media player is a device for playing audio and video formats. Multifunctional models can not only play, but also record video and audio content from the Internet.
A media player in a simplified concept is a modern analogue of DVD and CD players, but in an improved version. A hard drive can store a large amount of information at once, forming it into convenient folders.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Xiaomi Mi Box S is a TV set-top box and media player in one device. Runs on Google Android TV 8.1 operating system. Has 2 GB of internal memory and 8 GB of Flash memory. Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless communication.
Media player Xiaomi Mi Box S
There is one power adapter, as well as universal audio outputs USB 2.0 and HDMI. The lack of a LAN port is compensated for by an adapter, which must be purchased separately. Price from 4990 rubles.
Apple TV 4K 32GB
Apple's media player offers users to watch movies in 4K format. Main functions of the device:
- The image quality of such videos is an order of magnitude higher, since there are more pixels than in HD. The resolution reaches 2160r.
- Supports traditional SDR range and HDR dynamic range, which is reflected in the video quality.
- Works with the Dolby Vision system, providing the picture with a dynamic range of the image.
- Reproduces surround sound using Dolby Atmos technology. This system allows you to focus the sound on people in the space.
Media player Apple TV 4K 32GB
The high price is compensated by the highest level of software, which allows you to play content in the best quality. Price from 11,000 rubles.
Google Chromecast
An inexpensive and compact media player without a hard drive, Google Chromecast allows you to expand your television broadcasting capabilities. The device connects to the Internet.
Media player Google Chromecast 2018
The player easily reads any media file formats. In addition to standard viewing of recordings on a media player, you can start a broadcast from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Price from 3100 rubles.
MXQ Pro 4K
MXQ Pro 4K is a media player without a hard drive. The device from the Chinese manufacturer supports professional 4K UHD video playback and plays MKV, FLAC, APE formats. Connects to the network via Wi-Fi and Ethernet, reads SD and SDHC memory cards.
Media player MXQ Pro 4K
The player MXQ Pro 4K has a well-thought-out interface. It has clear settings and wide functionality. Price from 2000 rubles.
Xiaomi Mi Box 4C
Xiaomi offers users another multifunctional player, Mi Box 4C. This device has 1GB RAM and runs on Android 6.0.1 system. The multifunctional interface has AV, HDMI and USB outputs.
Media player Xiaomi Mi Box 4C
Xiaomi Mi Box 4C supports 4K video format, Dolby Audio audio format and Google play market service. Plays back images recorded in BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, 3GP, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, RM, RMVB, TS format. Price from 2400 rubles.
