Digital TV set-top box reviews which is better: rating, five best models

List of budget and high-quality DVB-T2 SELENGA set-top boxes for digital television broadcasting

Have you turned off your analog TV and stopped broadcasting channels on your TV? Are you looking for an inexpensive but good set-top box for digital television?

We have prepared an independent review of the most popular, affordable and high-quality DVB-T2 set-top boxes SELENGA.

From this review you will learn:

• Pros and cons of digital receivers;
• How do the models differ from each other?
• What is included in the basic package;
• Prices for popular consoles;
• Current promotions.

SELENGA The SELENGA company was founded in 2011 and sells equipment for digital, satellite and cable television broadcasting. Product in stock, dispatched throughout Russia on the day of order.

Product categories:

• set-top boxes for digital television of the DVB-T2 standard;
• 4K smart TV set-top boxes on Android OS;
• indoor and outdoor television antennas;
• RG6 coaxial cable;
• Power supplies;
• network wi-fi adapters;
• connecting cords, connectors, adapters;
• satellite converters, etc.

See more products on the website

Selenga HD950D

Evgeniy, 05/26/2019

Advantages: It’s easy to set up, everything is intuitive, the image doesn’t “crumble”, during a week of viewing it never froze (although from the same antenna on a Los TV with a built-in tuner the image sometimes “crumbles”, but not critical), it works without problems with any of my flash drives (I won’t list all their names, from old to new (from 8 GB to 32 GB - different speeds) and hard drives (there are two Samsung 2015, 1 terabyte and Seagate 2021, 2 terabyte ), even with my new hard drive Seagate STEA2000400 (2 terabytes) - this really surprised me. It starts recording easily. “Pause”, “Rewind” work great, without hard brakes. The “Internet” section works great, via wi-fi ( True, the adapter needs to be purchased separately (350 rubles). I was surprised that a receiver for 1150 rubles (bought at the Sennoy market in Krasnodar) can be so functional and hassle-free in setting up and using! Yes, and also as a media player It works great, you can also watch photos and videos recorded and taken on your phone, I haven’t tried other formats, and there’s no need.

Disadvantages: -There is no soft lining on the iron legs. -The warranty seal is glued to the shipping film of the case. (when you shoot, you need to be careful not to tear it off, but to cut the film to it). All five receivers that the seller had had a similar seal sticker... -Does not “accept” wi-fi adapters for a computer (at least my TP-LINK TL-WN821N “didn’t want to” see, but with “native” adapters, all with “half a kick". And also, only the network at 2.4 GHz “sees”, it doesn’t “see” at 5. -When recording one of the channels, you can only watch half of the channels in parallel. -The clock lags behind in the tuner off mode (for night, this is about 7 hours, for 15-20 minutes).When the tuner is turned on, the clock still shows the correct time (and in the menu there is only a setting: the clock only shows when the tuner is off, or when it is on, so that either way, such a setting no), but you can adjust the brightness of the display and indicator). -There were two failures, after unplugging the plug from the network, it did not turn on twice for about an hour (the display and indicator did not even light up), this happened on the first day of use, I thought it was defective, I wanted to take it for an exchange, but it has been working for six days without problems Moreover, my pregnant wife is at home and she uses it almost all day long, especially since it is in the kitchen. If it breaks, I'll be sure to write.

Comment: It was purchased to replace the GS B211 (Tricolor) tuner in the kitchen, which broke before three years of use - “trash.” There is another tricolor tuner in the hall, we decided that two tricolor tuners for different rooms is already a little expensive for our budget and 20 channels in the kitchen will be enough. Moreover, the tricolor policy, with the regular “exchange” of equipment and increased subscription fees, is already enough. Selenga HD950D so far gives incomparably more positive emotions than the first slight “fright” with the indicated “double failure” and minor flaws. For them I gave only four stars. If there are further negative emotions, I will definitely write.

Digital set-top box SELENGA T20Dl

A budget model built on a GX3235S with the ability to use Internet services. The plastic case differs from models from other manufacturers in its minimal dimensions. The compact receiver takes up little space. There are no buttons or display.

There is a USB connector on the front panel. The following ports are located at the rear:

• socket for connecting an antenna cable;
• socket for cable 3.5 mm jack - RCAx3 “tulip jack”;
• “Jack 3.5mm” socket for connecting an external IR receiver;
• HDMI interface;
• input for connecting a power supply;
• USB connector.

The case has special holes for mounting the console on the wall using self-tapping screws. At the top and bottom there are openings for ventilation of hardware modules.

The IR receiver sensor is sold separately. An IR sensor from Tricolor receivers or a similar one is suitable.

You can install the set-top box behind the TV, providing open access to the IR sensor for the correct operation of the remote control. On the front panel there is a USB connector for connecting memory storage devices or Wi-Fi and LAN adapters.

There are no problems with cooling - the manufacturer has carefully thought out the cooling system, and there is additional ventilation on the console body.

The interface is simple and easy to use. The settings are intuitive, there are no fundamental differences from other manufacturers. The remote control does not cause any complaints.

The device is equipped with a 5V, 2A external power supply. You can connect a Wi-Fi adapter (RT5370, MT7601 or USB-LAN RTL8152B chipsets) to the set-top box to access Internet services: Youtube, Megogo, ivi, Weather, DLNA DMR, RSS and others.

Additional features:

• Support for AC3 multi-channel audio system;
• Activation of broadcast recording on external media and delayed viewing;
• The set-top box plays formats: avi, mkv, mp4, mp3;
• There is a parental control system.

Load hundreds of channels into your device's memory

The ability to watch IPTV TV channels for free will significantly expand the basic federal list of channels, which consists of 20 channels in 2 multiplexes on the territory of the Russian Federation. Using the set-top box in IPTV player mode, you can independently download hundreds of channels into the device’s memory. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an unencrypted playlist from a local provider, a free playlist with WEB camera streams or a collection of films on information resources and forums, or a paid playlist from popular IPTV/OTT providers.

IPTV player improves with every new software

In T20Dl models, several IPTV playlists can be downloaded simultaneously via the USB port - 1 in “Local” mode and up to 5 in “Cloud” mode. Playlist format – files with *.m3u, *.xml extensions. To upload to the Cloud, you need to create a configuration file in the iptv_server.xml format, where you specify all 5 URLs. See an example file here:

Remote control:

• Made of high quality plastic;
• Compact dimensions ensure comfortable use;
• The buttons are marked in white;
• The markings are not wiped off even after prolonged use.

There are no problems with watching digital terrestrial television and digital cable. Confirmed by user reviews.

Basic equipment

The console is packed in a compact classic cardboard box. On the front side there is an image of the device. The technical specifications and equipment of the digital tuner are indicated on the back side.

The package includes:

• remote control;
• power unit;
• batteries;
• cable 3.5 jack – 3 RCA for connecting the set-top box to the TV;
• warranty card;
• user manual.

Digital set-top box SELENGA T81D

It differs from previous models by the rounded edges of the body. The “Best Seller” marking on the box indicates increased demand.

The body is made of matte, and the front panel is made of translucent glossy plastic. The top and bottom surfaces are perforated, increasing the cooling efficiency of hardware components. There is a display and manual control buttons.

Rear panel connectors:

• pass-through antenna input and output;
• USB connector;
• HDMI interface;
• RCA;
• socket for connecting a power source.

There is another USB connector on the front panel. To use the Internet, you need to connect Wi-Fi or a USB-LAN adapter (RTL8152B chipset).

When connecting a USB-Wi-Fi module, problems with device compatibility may occur. To avoid them, we recommend using USB-Wi-Fi adapters based on RT5370 or MT7601 chipsets.

Central processor – GX3235S. The performance and functionality of the device is at a high level. Automatic channel search starts immediately when you turn on the set-top box for the first time.

Simple and convenient IPTV player

1. Select a playlist of your choice on the Internet and download it to a USB flash drive. 2. Insert the drive into the USB connector. 3. Add a playlist by pressing the blue button in the IPTV player menu. 4. Enjoy watching the available channels!

Additional features of the IPTV player:

• Set up several IPTV playlists at the same time;
• Switch between playlists in Local and Cloud modes;
• Group channels by interests or topics;
• Easily switch between groups;
• Select channels using the digital buttons on the remote control.

In the SELENGA T81D model, several IPTV playlists can be downloaded simultaneously via the USB port - 1 in “Local” mode and up to 5 sheets in “Cloud” mode. Playlist format – files with extensions *.m3u, *.xml. To upload to the Cloud, you need to create a configuration file in the iptv_server.xml format, where all 5 URLs are indicated.

The functional media player supports formats: avi, mkv, mp4, mp3. It is possible to activate broadcast recording on external media. Delayed viewing function available.

You can watch movies, TV series and other media content through the Megogo service with a pre-subscribed subscription. It is convenient to listen to music and watch videos through the YouTube application.

Basic equipment includes:

• remote control;
• RCA cable for connecting the set-top box to the TV;
• power unit;
• batteries;
• warranty card;
• user manual.

Selenga T81D

Advantages:

Window to the world of digital TV.
Easy to set up, miniaturized, the kit includes everything for connecting and operating TV and sound via an analog connection, but... Disadvantages:
May freeze when connecting analog video and with certain video settings. The workmanship is average, the heating of the case during operation is quite noticeable, which may be why it sometimes freezes. When connecting digitally, it seems to be working stable so far, without freezes, we'll see what happens next

A comment:

I bought it for my mother to replace the good old, but lost to history, TV with a CRT handset. I myself haven’t watched TV for a long time, but now maybe I’ll start doing it somehow. I saw that with digital channels there were a lot of channels (we already had cable DVB-C connected) and for every taste, and the picture quality was excellent, and the sound was gorgeous, which adds up to a great deal. Now to the point. To be honest, overall it’s a rather ambiguous product. But taking into account the price and the current exchange rate of the ruble, you probably shouldn’t expect more from this set-top box. The set-top box connects and configures easily and quickly to any TV with analog video-audio inputs, using the included RCA tulips, that is, to almost any TV from the 90s and subsequent years of production. However, I cannot guarantee stability of operation with such a connection. It may freeze, either from heating, or from non-optimal settings for the console, although it froze occasionally for us, once a day. As a result, I connected the set-top box to a 22″ FullHD monitor (with DVI and VGA inputs) via an HDMI-VGA converter (similar converters are easily found on the Internet). This adapter was needed because... The monitor via a simple HDMI-DVI adapter refused to work with the set-top box, no matter what, although from a computer via HDMI, with the same adapter, the monitor works fine. I don’t yet understand what’s going on here, keep this point in mind if you also repeat something similar. In the current connection, with an HDMI-VGA converter, the set-top box with monitor and speakers works stably, in 1080p resolution, HF-NTSC mode. It also works in PAL, but it’s unstable, apparently this depends on the monitor’s automation. Yes, and another point that is little described on the Internet: image adjustment (brightness, contrast, saturation) is also possible from the set-top box. In the “OSD setting” mode, along with the “OSD” itself, the TV picture itself is adjusted, respectively, in terms of brightness, contrast, and color. I updated the firmware to the latest (as of July 2019), from the manufacturer’s website. I haven’t bought a Wi-Fi compatible adapter yet, so I won’t say anything about it. Good luck to all. And welcome to the matrix.

Digital set-top box SELENGA HD950D

The set-top box is equipped with a noise-resistant, highly sensitive tuner. Central processor – GX3235S. Unlike previous devices, the dimensions of the HD950D are larger.

The base and top panel are made of metal, the front part is made of plastic. On the front panel there is a USB connector and 7 function buttons for controlling the set-top box without a remote control.

Improved and finalized:

• Display quality;
• The manual control system has undergone significant optimization;
• Using additional buttons, you can configure the device without a remote control;
• Support for almost all popular video formats is implemented: DivX, MPG, MP4, H.264, AVI, MKV, MP3, WMA;
• You can download content to a flash drive to play it on a large TV screen by connecting the memory drive to the set-top box.

Rear panel connectors:

• pass-through antenna input and output;
• USB connector;
• HDMI interface;
• RCA.

The set-top box is equipped with a built-in power supply.

Basic equipment:

• remote control;
• RCA cable for connecting the set-top box to the TV;
• built-in power supply;
• batteries;
• warranty card;
• user manual.

comparison table

The devices are presented in the budget segment. The most expensive is the HD950D model. We will confirm the cost at

Would you like to read more about the characteristics of the presented SELENGA models? Go to the official website using the link: .

Do you have any comments, suggestions, questions, reviews? Discuss the operation and operation of devices on the forum: .

SELENGA – the “people’s” choice

SELENGA set-top boxes are inexpensive, compact, and do an excellent job of their main functions - receiving digital terrestrial and digital cable television broadcasts.

The main advantage of SELENGA digital receivers

The optimum ratio of price and quality. New firmware is regularly released that is relevant to user requirements. Currently, DLNA mode has been announced for the T20Dl and HD950D set-top boxes.

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a technology for combining home computers, mobile phones, laptops into a single digital network. When you connect a set-top box and, for example, a phone, you can transmit audio and video content on the same Wi-Fi network. Find out more about connection here

Reliability and stability

SELENGA responsibly fulfills contractual obligations with official distributors of its products and wholesale resellers. When a warranty case occurs, it replaces problematic attachments “piece by piece” without repair! Replacing equipment under warranty also does not cause problems.

Let's summarize : Market analysis and user reviews speak in favor of SELENGA digital television set-top boxes.

Here is a list of advantages that we would especially like to highlight regarding the service:

• 12 month warranty;
• Free delivery to all regions of Russia*;
• Product in stock;
• Dispatch on the day of order.

*during the promotion period.

Attention, PROMOTIONS! — The SELENGA company together with the ivi online cinema are launching a special promotion: “Watch more, pay less .

Especially for you – 14 days of trial period and 6 months of ivi subscription with a 10% discount as a gift!

Your activation code is SELENGA.

Activate this certificate in the ivi application or website, in the “Profile” section, click “Activate certificate” and follow further instructions.

— Special wholesale prices from September 30 to October 10, 2021. For more details, please contact SELENGA Company managers. Call or write to us!

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