What is pvr on TV – 4apple – a look at Apple through the eyes of a Geek

Digital receivers equipped with a hard disk drive (personal video recorders) are no longer a rarity in the electronics market. Among devices of this type you can find both simple budget models and multifunctional hi-end terminals. As a rule, these models use powerful processors and a two-channel receiving system designed to connect different types of receiving antenna systems. This makes it possible to simultaneously record a television program, combining this process in time with watching another television program, as well as display the television image of two different channels in PIP mode. PVR and PVR-ready terminals have a different set of service functions, which include: Recording programs using a timer

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In this mode, the recording cycle, start time and duration can be selected. Delayed viewing (TimeShift)
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The duration of TimeShift recording can be changed by the user. Fast and slow viewing of recorded programs with speed variations (2, 4, 8 or 16 times)
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Simultaneous recording of multiple programs

. It is possible to simultaneously process up to six program streams (record and view various programs). You can create a list for recording based on EPG and Moscow posters, and set up delayed recording. Programs can be recorded on the HDD in open or encrypted form. If a pay TV program was recorded in clear format, then when viewing it later, a conditional access system decoder is not required. If the program was recorded on the hard drive in encrypted form, when playing it you will need to install a CAM module and a smart card. PVR-ready receivers, as a rule, can save programs on a connected external USB device only in decoded (open) form. These records can also be viewed using a personal computer without additional conversion. The ability to save HDTV programs on an internal or external drive without loss of quality, although controversial (from the point of view of respecting the copyright of the content owner), is a very attractive opportunity for the user to expand the “library” of recordings in HDTV format.

Recording program information services

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Some models of PVR receivers allow, in addition to the program itself, to automatically record the EPG of the current program, teletext information, alternative audio tracks and subtitles. Repeat a fragment during playback. Selective playback using “bookmarks” indicating the beginning of fragments of interest
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Each recording file can contain a fairly large number of bookmarks (from 16 to 64). Editing entries
. Unnecessary fragments can be deleted from the recording file, or a copy of the file or selected fragment can be created. Some models have a built-in editor that allows you to delete, rename and lock recording files, and create thematic folders.

About timeshift in brief

Many people are interested in the timeshift function, so you will need to figure out what it is and why the device needs it. Today, such an addition is present in almost every set-top box and in any advanced TV model.

The function in timeshift devices is used to routinely stop channel playback. Just a few years ago this seemed like an incredible breakthrough, but now it is a common addition to almost any tuner.

Many people have already liked the timeshift function, and they realized that it is very convenient. Now you don’t have to be afraid of missing the main moment of the match or an interesting program. You can stop the broadcast at any time, and then start watching from the same place.

But how does this work in reality? You simply press the "Pause" button on the remote control of your TV, after which the picture stops. At this time, the device continues to operate, and the broadcast is recorded on internal media. Naturally, the maximum stop time depends on the amount of free space for storing video.

Then you simply turn on playback, and it happens from the media, and not from the live broadcast. After viewing the recorded video, it is completely deleted, thereby freeing up the internal memory.

Ease of use	You do not need to make any additional settings for your TV to take advantage of this feature.
Ease of viewing programs	The device itself will record the information and play it back on demand.
Versatility	This addition is implemented in various types of tuners.

Other Features

Now you know what the famous timeshift function is and what benefits it provides to the user. Note that you can completely manage it and adjust it to your needs.

For example, you can easily select the amount of disk space that will be used for delayed recording. If you enter such settings, the tuner cannot exceed the specified size and takes it into account during recording.

The space occupied by recorded programs on disk depends on several factors:

Image resolutions. Regular video will take up much less space than HD.
Possible compression technologies to optimize storage space.
Recording format.

That is, timeshift, as a useful TV function, still takes up some space on the media, and its capabilities depend on the amount of total and free memory. Therefore, users are advised to consider the amount of data storage space in a set-top box or smart TV; functionality directly depends on this. It’s good to have 5 or more gigabytes free, this will allow you to fully use the broadcast stop.

But the technology also has broader capabilities, and it is not only possible to control one channel.

Introduction

It looks like TV tuners with hardware MPEG2 encoders will soon begin to experience another boom in popularity. Initially, their distribution was hampered by the high price, then by controversy on the topic of why hardware MPEG2 was needed when the processor resources were sufficient for software encoding, and the cumbersome format was replaced by the more widespread DivX. But it looks like Microsoft will put an end to the controversy by making a hardware MPEG2 encoder a requirement for TV tuner support under the MCE shell in the new Windows Vista operating system. But while Vista has not yet appeared, we need to live in the present, and today we will look at the AverTV PVR TV tuner with a hardware MPEG1/MPEG2 encoder to find out whether it is needed or not.

Delivery set is spartan

The Chinese have long stopped showering them with gifts upon purchase; along with the console in the box you will find:

▣ Power adapter 12V 1A

▣ Standard IR remote control with multimedia buttons

▣ Instructions in English and Chinese

Some sellers add an HDMI cable to the box, however, this is almost always the cheapest “cord” that can cause interference and quickly fail. It’s better to buy a good, expensive HDMI once that will outlast several of these TV boxes.

Updating the receiver software and saving settings.

In order to update the firmware via the USB port, you should first download the firmware here and unpack it onto a USB external drive in the root folder, connect it to the receiver and after the receiver detects the connection of the external device, type on the remote control sequentially Menu - System - Update via USB . The receiver itself will determine the firmware file. Here you can select different options: Software, Software + data, Screensaver background, Menu background, Radio mode background, Default data, User database, Software + bootloader . Select the software + bootloader and click Start .

We observe the process of updating the firmware. After this, reboot the receiver.

Front panel and control buttons.

The receiver has a large digital display, bordered on one side by a semicircular block with control buttons. Under the hinged cover there is a card reader slot.

Control buttons

POWER: To turn on the receiver or put it into standby mode. VOL, KEY: To increase or decrease the volume or move the cursor left or right in the menu. CH, KEY: Change channel or move OSD cursor down or up. Remote Sensor: transmits an infrared signal from the remote control to the receiver. Display(4-Digit/7-Segment): Shows the operating mode of the receiver. Power Led: Lights up when the receiver enters standby mode. Signal Led : When sufficient signal is received, the lamp lights up

Timeshif function on TV: is it a benefit or another way to inflate prices?

Modern TVs are getting more and more functionality. Today they can not only show programs, but also go online, replace game consoles, and allow communication through popular instant messengers, including video calls. Most modern devices have a timeshift function. What it is? We talk about this in the article.

Multiplatform technologies for hardware

This technology was originally developed for computer TV tuners, since previous generations of TVs did not have recording capabilities. This condition is required to use Timeshift capabilities. But any of the latest generation TVs is not only a TV receiver, but in fact, a universal multifunctional home theater.

Manufacturers of household appliances quickly realized the benefits of Timeshift technology. The famous Samsung brand quickly developed and launched the production of televisions, household recorders and media players capable of receiving a TV signal, equipped with this function. LG also produces excellent examples of such household appliances. Of course, the addition of new features affected the cost of the product, but the convenience of using such equipment is disproportionately higher in comparison with standard models that do not have this function.

What are the main advantages

This technological solution offers the following advantages:

TV repairs are 30% cheaper

than in service centers near your home

The ability to stop the broadcast at any time and not miss anything during further viewing.
Timeshifting makes a recording so you can watch the entire piece of the broadcast in the future.
The time shift function, as it is also called, works repeatedly. You can stop playback at any time and start recording the broadcast.
For owners of cable television with a tuner, additional features are provided. For example, you don't need a flash drive. All information is stored on the provider's servers.

PVR as a larger option

Many people believe that the PVR function and the popular timeshift are one and the same. They are really very similar, but PVR provides much more options for the user.

You can not only manage one program, but also several channels at once.

For example, there are interesting broadcasts on two TV channels at once, and you want to watch each of them. Then you can set a record on one resource and view another. After the end of the program you are interested in, you can return to watching the second broadcast.

More about PVR capabilities:

Display two streams simultaneously on one screen. This is implemented only in the most advanced technology, and requires careful consideration of the parameters when choosing it.
You can set the broadcast recording using a timer. The tuner will turn on at a certain time, after which it will copy the video from the air and save it in its own memory.
You can rewind in any direction.
A movie or an interesting match can be moved from internal storage to a flash drive or other device.

To do this, you will need to connect to a USB port, and then transfer the file to the data drive. The advantages of using this fashionable technology are simply obvious.

Back panel

The receiver does not have an RF modulator, which imposes certain restrictions on connecting it to older TV models and using it as a second receiver.

LOOP : This allows you to connect another receiver. 13/18V 500mA MAX LNB IN : This port is used to connect the LNB coaxial cable to the satellite dish. VIDEO OUT : Composite video output. 0-12V : Connector for connecting 12V to external 0V/12V devices. S/PDIF : Optical digital audio output. AUDIO R/L : These RCA jacks are used to connect any external amplifier or audio system. USB : USB 2.0 Host, for connecting to a USB hard drive or flash drive. RS 232C SERIAL PORT : port for connecting to a computer. Lan port : network port, you can get new software through this port, (optional) TV : SCART connector for connecting a TV

Appearance

The packaging is made of thick cardboard, covered with plastic film on top. Its dimensions are 125x74x24cm.

Moreover, on both sides it is additionally reinforced with two sheets of cardboard approximately 17mm thick.

The inside of the TV is covered with foam seals. At the top you can see the removable legs.

The legs are 20cm long, with rough plastic on the bottom and glossy plastic on top. At the base of the legs, in places of contact with a flat surface, bolts with rubber inserts are screwed in. Each leg is attached to the TV with 2 screws.

The complete set is as follows:

— TV — removable legs, 2 pcs. — mounting screws, 4 pcs. — remote control — TRRS <-> RCA (“tulips”) adapter — instructions, warranty sheet

The instructions are in Russian, with only one caveat...

Why go to Google and try to translate into Russian if you can use the golden rule: “as I speak, so I write”? However, open it and look at the contents. From the first sentence it already becomes clear that the translation was not done by a Russian person, but in general the information is clear and accessible. I would say it was translated even decently. The text is accompanied by color screenshots from the TV control menu.

The remote control is the same as most other remote controls with a standard set of rubber buttons. The signal is transmitted via IR. Powered by two “little finger” AAA batteries.

TV: bottom side

At the bottom end there are threads for attaching the supplied legs, as well as grilles through which you can even see the stereo speaker membranes.

Nearby there is also a mysterious hatch with cuts for possible breaking out. I’ve seen something similar on other TVs, but somehow I didn’t find out what it was for

TV: front side

The front design is discreet. Matching modern smartphones, it is shaped like a black rectangle with the brand logo and an LED indicator at the bottom of the screen.

The screen was originally covered with a glossy shipping film. And I was afraid that the screen itself would also be glossy.

The fears were not confirmed. The screen turned out to be matte.

At the bottom protruding part of the TV there is an IR receiver and an LED, which lights up red when the TV is off, and green when it’s on.

Dimensions and diagonals

TV width - approx.

TV height -69cm Frame width (left, right, top) -1.5cm

When any TV seller or store talks about inches, it somehow initially seems that we are talking about the diagonal of the screen itself. In this case, it is 50″. I measured only the diagonal of the screen, it turned out

49.2″ pure screen diagonal, but if you measure the diagonal of the TV along with the frames, then yes, it’s really 50″. Tricky :) PS. as I was told later, this is a common practice when selling televisions.

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The nature of the curvature of the screen visually

Back of the TV

The conventionally U-shaped part of the body with embossed lines and diamonds is metal, covered with black powder paint on top. The rest of the surface is already plastic, including the central rectangular cover. It's not expensive. At the bottom you can see what appear to be additional stereo speakers, but they are not there, they are just slits.

The central part protrudes slightly above the body

There are also four threads for mounting on a VESA type bracket 200x200mm

The sticker indicates the brand, the permissible voltage range 100-240V AC and power 88W

The diameter of the perimeter with the speaker output holes is 8 cm, and, as I already said, there are no speakers behind them.

On the right side of the TV there are physical control buttons. Finding them the first time is not so easy. I've been looking for them for a long time. They don’t stand out in any way, and they’re still in a place where you won’t look for them. Top down:

— volume( ) — volume(-) — switch channel (forward) — switch channel (backward) — menu — source selection — on/off.

Connectors and interfaces

Side (left to right):

— PC Audio — linear audio input — 2 antenna connectors T2 — Earphone — audio output for headphones — COAX — digital coaxial audio output for multichannel audio output — Mini YPBPR — component input for connecting a coaxial cable — Mini AV — another component input , for connecting RCA - CI CARD - flat connector for connecting a signed access module to secure channels - 2x USB TypeA connectors - for connecting peripherals, flash drives, external HDDs, mice, etc.

Bottom side (left to right):

— RJ-45 — for connecting wired Internet — SCART — a unified European connector for communication with other multimedia devices and input/output of images and sound — 3x HDMI — connector for high-definition multimedia output — VGA — old connector for image output, for example from a PC , but it won’t be superfluous

Folding rotating WiFi antenna, but not removable

Off - less than 1W

Included -81.2W (spec 88W)

Additional Information

Soldering of components was done normally, and most of the wires and cables are not tightly soldered to the board, but are attached to clamps.

The power part, processors, memory, connectors - everything is located on this board.

The wireless WiFi network adapter is based on the Mediatek MT7601UN chip

TV signal demodulator MSB103E. Sandisk SDINBDG4-8G - flash memory with a total size of 8GB.

MSB103E – DC-DC converter

RDA3118E28 (analogue of TPA3110D2) - D-class audio amplifier

Transformer module H16101MC

Another fee. Samsung LTF6280 – T-Con matrix controller

A narrow board with a soldered matrix cable. Winbond 25Q16JV1G - 16-bit flash memory with SPI interface

Speakers 8Ohm 10W

Setting up an Internet connection and sharing

To do this, enter the menu item Network settings

The receiver can detect network parameters and obtain a network address automatically when DHCP , or you can enter all parameters manually.

Here you can create up to 8 different connections. The bottom row of buttons allows you to perform various operations to edit settings. The main ones are: restart (reboot the configured server), editing (editing the sharing settings of a specific server), Ping (checking the connection to the sharing server and the correctness of the settings)

To enter the parameters you received from the sharing provider, you should press the yellow Edit and enter the necessary settings. the Active Server and EMM Yes items OK button on the remote control in the corresponding lines. There, using the bottom row of buttons, you can reset all settings - Reset , copy from another, already configured server (this is convenient if you share different packages, but from one sharing server. It is enough to copy the settings from an already configured server and change only port parameters) settings. After entering all the settings, press the red Save and exit with the Menu button on the remote control to the previous menu.

If the parameters are correctly configured, after saving and exiting to the previous menu, you can see something like this:

To check the connection to the server and the correctness of the settings, press the blue “ Ping ” button on the remote control. Select the number of the configured server in the “ Ping Target ” and click OK .

If everything is fine, then you can see working Ping

The Golden Media S-box 776CR PVR receiver supports home sharing with support for up to 8 clients. Can act as both a server and a client