Technology is developing in many areas. Twenty years ago, TV could only be watched via an antenna, but today there are alternative options in the form of satellite or cable TV. The latter type is a good option for residents of apartment buildings, where it is not so easy to install an antenna or satellite dish. Cable TV only requires a set-top box to convert the signal. How cable TV receivers work and which models are the best on the market is described below.
What to look for when choosing a TV tuner
A digital tuner for a TV is a device that can provide high-quality reception as well as transmission of information. The device converts audio and video signals into a format that TV can read. Digital receivers are designed for tuning over-the-air television broadcasts. Now it’s clear why the prefix is needed. What types of tuners are there? These devices come in two types:
- Built-in – devices included in the basic TV package. In other words, this is a hardware module that is a component of the TV. Information about the presence of a built-in DVB T2 tuner is indicated in the technical specifications, as well as on the packaging of the equipment;
- External ones are presented as a separate device. Connection of such set-top boxes is carried out through special interfaces, for example, “tulip”, HDMI or USB connector.
What are the advantages of digital tuners:
- Relatively low price of the device;
- There is no need to buy a new TV antenna;
- A large number of received TV channels;
- Provide excellent reception in villages, towns, and remote areas;
- High picture quality and clear sound.
The use of digital set-top boxes is accompanied by certain disadvantages:
- The distance of the repeater plays a big role;
- The signal quality is affected by the height of the antenna;
- Weather conditions may cause no signal.
How to choose a DVB T2 tuner? First of all, you need to look at the manufacturer. In many ways, it is this aspect that determines the service life of the device. As for additional options, such as the presence of a USB connector or an Internet connection, it all depends on your preferences.
What is DVB-C
Each broadcast format of television channels has its own name. Cable TV received DVB-C encoding, which stands for “Digital Video Broadcasting - Cabel”, and translated into Russian as “digital video broadcasting - cable”.
Currently, there are two cable broadcasting standards - DVB - C and DVB - C 2, first and second generation, respectively . The significant difference is that the new generation has a higher signal transmission speed and, as a result, less interference. However, the first generation also does not cause any complaints from users regarding quality.
To watch cable TV in Russia, the buyer must choose a set-top box that supports the DVB-C standard. Cable broadcasting is convenient because to view it, you just need to run a wire into your apartment and buy a special receiver. Thanks to the special features of the encoding, many channels can be encrypted to the same frequencies, which makes it possible to receive a larger package via cable than in terrestrial television.
Important! Terrestrial TV currently offers 20 channels. Most cable operators supply 100-150 channels.
Many buyers prefer to buy DVB C cable combo receivers with T2 support. The second tuner implies the ability to additionally watch digital broadcasting through an indoor or outdoor antenna.
The best digital DVB-T2 broadcast tuners
We offer a rating of high-quality and inexpensive TV receivers with T2 support. They differ in the variety of additional functions and price.
1
LUMAX DV-3215HD
Rating:5.0
- DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-T2
- 1080p mode support
- file playback
- HDMI output
- remote control
Average price: RUB 1,520
The TV set-top box is unique in its ability to access the content of the MEGOGO online cinema and the LUMAX cinema. The applications have an intuitive interface. The receiver works with digital and cable signals - it will be an excellent choice for an apartment resident. The media player function allows you to read movies, TV series, clips and music from an external USB drive. Recognizes two flash drives or portable HDDs at once. Understands more than a dozen multimedia formats (video, audio, photo). With an external 3G modem you can watch videos from Youtube and online cinemas.
Peculiarities:
- reading movies from a flash drive;
- 3G modem support;
- reading videos from Youtube, MEGOGO, LUMAX cinema;
- Dolby Digital playback;
- broadcast from the screen of a mobile device.
2
World Vision Foros Combo T2/S2
Rating:4.9
- DVB-C, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T, DVB-T2
- 1080p mode support
- file playback
- HDMI output
- remote control
Average price: RUB 1,940
A combined receiver with miniature dimensions and DVB-T2 and C technologies is an ideal choice for a pensioner living in an apartment. Equipped with a simple remote control with large labels for the buttons. The front panel contains a control unit, represented by menu buttons, switching TV channels, and turning the device on/off. It has a “blind” search - due to a long scan, it finds all available TV channels - anyone can figure out the initial setup. Works with an external Wi-Fi module on the Mediatek 7601 chip to watch IPTV and Youtube.
Peculiarities:
- support for 3G modem and Wi-Fi module;
- firmware update from flash drive;
- control the device from a smartphone;
- video processing with resolution up to 1080p(i).
3
HARPER HDT2-5010
Rating:4.8
- DVB-T, DVB-T2
- 1080p mode support
- file playback
- HDMI output
- remote control
Average price: RUB 1,104
Compact digital TV set-top box with a bright display for decoding T2 digital TV channels. Works with external and indoor antennas. The signal is transmitted via composite (to older devices) and HDMI interfaces. The USB port serves as a source of graphics, video and audio, HDT2-5010 understands most popular multimedia formats. The device is flashed from an external drive and reads playlists.
Peculiarities:
- Full HD playback;
- reading and writing to external drives;
- timer for capturing air to a flash drive;
- electronic program guide and teletext;
- Time Shift.
4
World Vision T62A
Rating:4.7
- DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-T2
- 1080p mode support
- file playback
- HDMI output
- remote control
Average price: 1,350 rub.
A universal TV tuner for broadcasting cable and terrestrial channels, built on a powerful processor. Understands the advanced AC3 codec. Works with an external wireless modem using Wi-Fi technology to access the Internet - expands the multimedia capabilities of the receiver. Comes with Weather, RSS applications, allows you to use Gmail, play IPTV and content from MEGOGO. The perforated metal case perfectly removes warm air from the processor. Equipped with buttons for channel switching, volume control and set-top box settings.
Peculiarities:
- built-in power supply heats the device;
- miniature remote control;
- EPG and subtitle support;
- reading content and playlists from a flash drive.
5
LUMAX DV-1111HD
Rating:4.7
- DVB-C, DVB-T2
- 1080p mode support
- file playback
- HDMI output
- remote control
Average price: 990 rub.
A good modern receiver, differing from the DV-3215HD by the presence of a second USB port, a universal remote control and a plastic case. Reads terrestrial and cable television channels, switches with all models of DND receivers. Supports parental controls to protect children from inappropriate content and digital TV viewing. Thanks to USB ports, it writes broadcasts to a flash drive and updates the firmware from it. Dolby Digital compatibility delivers three-dimensional sound. With a 3G modem you can use the network applications Weather, Youtube, Google mail, and get access to the MEGOGO and LUMAX media libraries.
Peculiarities:
- export IP playlists from a USB drive;
- writing and reading from a flash drive;
- MeeCast – broadcasting the contents of the smartphone screen to the TV;
- An external power supply reduces the heating of the case.
6
LUMAX DV-2118HD
Rating:4.6
- DVB-T, DVB-T2
- 1080p mode support
- file playback
- HDMI output
- remote control
Average price: 1,150 rub.
An analogue of the DV-1111HD for home with a stylish Stealth-style case, an enlarged remote control and no control buttons on the front panel. With a 3G modem you will have access to Youtube content, the manufacturer’s cinema and the MEGOGO cinema. With wireless Internet you can read RSS feeds, view the weather and work with the Gmail email service. Compatibility with Dolby Digital provides “surround sound”, and the function of reading from a flash drive will turn the TV into a miniature home theater. The MeeCast option will expand the multimedia functions.
Peculiarities:
- working with wireless networks;
- lack of buttons on the body;
- software update from the Internet;
- recording TV programs on digital media.
7
World Vision T65
Rating:4.5
- DVB-T, DVB-T2
- 1080p mode support
- file playback
- HDMI output
- remote control
Average price: RUB 1,140
TV set-top box for the garden, supporting the T2 standard. Receives signals from outdoor and indoor antennas. Does not support external wireless modules. The case contains a power indicator, a display for visualizing the time or number of the current channel, and an on/off button. You can't control it without a remote control.
Peculiarities:
- external power supply;
- support for EPG, teletext;
- high-quality signal reception;
- flash drive recording timer;
- parental control function.
For a summer residence in the absence of a satellite dish, it is advisable to take a model with only T2 support, without overpaying for cable channels. Expandability of functionality due to external wireless modules is relevant in any case.
