print
DVB-T2 tuners are initially designed for connection to a TV and are not designed for connection to a monitor. But recently, at the request, I took up the issue of connecting a monitor to a TV set-top box, and although I had to rack my brains a little, I ended up implementing two schemes. In this way, you can extend the life of an old monitor or connect a new but unused one.
Old widescreen monitor 24 inches Monitor without HDMI
There are several ways to solve the problem:
- purchase a set-top box with a VGA output;
- use an HDMI to VGA adapter;
- RCA to VGA converter.
HDMI, VGA and RCA connector
First, a little introduction to the topic of computer connectors. HDMI is a digital interface and, one might say, appeared relatively recently. VGA is an analog data transfer method. They are incompatible. The transfer of a signal from one type to another is realized using an electronic circuit. We won't go into details.
The receiver always has an HDMI connector
RCA connectors are an even earlier method of transmitting video and audio data. Used to transmit an analog signal in early model televisions, VCRs, CD players, etc. This connector is also present on many set-top boxes. Here, on the contrary, it is necessary to transform the signal from analog to digital.
Analog VGA connector
Depending on the connectors available on the monitor, the following connection options are available:
- VGA - HDMI > VGA converter
- DVI - regular passive adapter or HDMI = DVI cable
- HDMI - regular HDMI cable = HDMI
Example with DVI:
But regardless of the option chosen, computer monitors love NTSC because 60 Hz . Some monitors do not display PAL (50 Hz)
Therefore, before connecting to the monitor, it is better to change to NTSC and select the video mode 480p :
Because this is a standard
computer VGA mode 640x480.
And then switch various video modes in a circle: 480i > 480p > 720p > 1080i > 1080p .
On some remote controls there is also a separate button for this V-FORMAT , which allows you to switch the resolution without going into the menu.
Then you can switch to PAL, but do not remove your finger from the remote control: if the image disappears, you can press again and return to NTSC.
And in set-top boxes on ALi processors, all possible modes are switched simply in a row:
- By Source
- By Native TV
- 480i
- 480p
- 576i
- 576p
- 720p_50
- 720p_60
- 1080i_25
- 1080i_30
- 1080p_50
- 1080p_60
- 1080p_25
- 1080p_30
- 1080p_24
Or configure all this while simultaneously temporarily connecting the TV with “tulips”.
HDMI > VGA converters come with audio output for regular Jack 3.5 or without audio output (a little cheaper). You can plug old active computer speakers into the 3.5 socket.
I note that, as a rule, sound in set-top boxes is always present from the sound jacks for “tulips”.
For example, here is a converter with a flexible connection:
There's a chip inside.
As I already noted, there are options without and with audio output (without a jack and with a jack):
Or this (non-separable):
This converter model supports all video modes except 1080i (50/60 Hz).
On AliExpress they all start from 180 rubles. (not to be confused with cords and passive adapters).
Accordingly, connection to the monitor and active speakers:
Let me remind you that the television signal itself is in regular SD - 576i , so installing an increased video resolution only makes sense if you plan to watch HD movies from a flash drive.
If a monitor with DVI input does not support it , then there will be no image - in any video modes. Moreover, there may be relatively modern ones without HDCP support, for example, Samsung S24A850DW (16:10) model 2012.
And for such models - without HDCP - only through an HDMI > VGA .
And sometimes, even though the monitor has HDCP, there is still no image in any video mode. In this case, check that both screens are connected at the HDMI and DVI connectors, and if there is no contact between the grounds, connect them together, for example:
And I’ll add one more thing: when connecting various set-top boxes to a DVI monitor, first turn on the set-top box and wait for it to load, and then turn on the monitor.
Well, I note that regardless of the connection option you choose - VGA/DVI/HDMI or simply connecting an HDMI cable to the TV, a working HDMI interface can create interference (“white noise”), especially when received with a weak indoor antenna. This manifests itself in higher video modes - 720p/1080i/1080p , so it is worth checking the Quality (press the INFO button 2 or 3 times) in different video modes and at the same time at different multiplexes (frequencies). And choose a video mode in which the dip in the Quality will be minimal or completely unnoticeable.
When connecting via HDMI, thick, well-shielded cables should be preferred.
And of course, choose a normal antenna and also one with a well-shielded antenna cable, and then it won’t matter what video mode it is.
Well, or if you don’t have time to check all the options, just don’t choose video modes larger than 576p/480p .
And if you try to save money and order a ready-made set-top box already with a VGA output, then I recommend that you first read the article Possible problems when ordering a DVB-T2 set-top box from China | A set-top box with a VGA output or read various Reviews on AliExpress.
4.7/5 — (21 votes)
You can ask questions about digital television on the DVBpro forum
Author: Alexander Vorobyov, 21 Oct 2021 | Permanent link to the page:
How to implement sound
If the monitor had an RCA connector for connecting via AV there would be no problems at all. HDMI and DVI-D are digital outputs with appropriate signal quality and support for audio signal transmission. From here it is clear that if the monitor has speakers, then you can immediately get sound. However, their sound quality leaves much to be desired, so when connecting a computer monitor to a digital set-top box, it is better to send the sound through the speaker system.
Speaker system for connecting to a set-top box
In general, it is better to use an external system and connect it to the outputs on the TV receiver.
Reviews
Vadim, 30 years old, Surgut. I would like to share my impressions of purchasing and using a receiver with a VGA output. I bought it in an online store, it was delivered quite quickly in 2.5 weeks. The packaging is civil, nothing is damaged. The kit includes the receiver itself, a control panel, and a power supply. The panel has buttons with direct access to the menu, switching channels, and adjusting the sound. The LED is working, showing that it is working. All connectors are located on the rear: antenna, HDMI, VGA, USB, input of the power supply itself. I connect the speakers via USB. The interface is intuitive, it’s a pity there is no Russian language. If the signal is weak, it may reboot itself several times, this is the only drawback. Operated with a regular indoor antenna. I want to connect the street one, I’ll write about the result later.
Mikhail, 45 years old, Suzdal. The only downside is that there is no Russian language. There is a remote control, power supply and a booklet with technical characteristics. Suitable for use with almost any monitor. I use speakers to play sound. Some users write that they encountered difficulties when connecting for the first time due to the maximum format expansion. I personally didn't have such problems.
Possible connection options
YPbPr or SCART connectors . In this case, we are dealing with an analog signal, the highest quality of analog signals, which is why it continues to be used in computer systems.
To connect the DVB T2 set-top box to the monitor, you need a YPbPr-VGA cable.
YPbPr-VGA connector and cable
or SCART-VGA.
SCART to VGA cable
Here we must take into account that VGA uses brightness and color difference signals (RGB or Bgamma - Y, Rgamma - Y), and not the full video signal and service information (resolution, synchronization).
In practice, such a connection is hardly possible, since the DVB-T2 set-top box usually does not have RGB soldered into the SCART connector.
Result:
As I indicated above, this receiver is a hybrid of a regular DVB-T2 receiver and an HDMI to VGA converter.
Those. you could buy any digital receiver offline and order an HDMI to VGA adapter. It would cost about the same. But there, perhaps, problems could arise with the joint operation of the receiver and adapter. There are no problems here, because... 2 of these devices in 1 case took care of their absence. So, with the help of this receiver, the old monitor turns into... a TV. That's all I wanted to share. Good luck!
Connectors and ports of TV set-top box
As we have already found out, different models differ in functionality. However, do not forget about the different types of connectors and ports for connection. A mismatch between the display ports and the TV tuner will put an end to connection attempts. So let's take a closer look at this topic.
Antenna connector
This type of connector is used to connect the set-top box to the TV instead of an antenna. However, if you plan to connect a monitor, this input is not suitable. Since there are simply no such connectors on the display.
Euro SCART
One of the first representatives of connectors that allow connection to a TV set-top box with a single cable. Instead of a whole bunch of plugs, SCART has a single connector with audio and video output. At one time, Euro connectors gained enormous popularity. And all popular models of televisions, monitors and various video players were equipped with them.
HDMI
An HDMI cable is still the most versatile and common way to connect a computer screen to anything. The HDMI interface allows you to transmit video and audio signals in high quality. It also protects the transmitted signal from copying or damage. Most models of modern video equipment, including digital TV set-top boxes, are unified for this connector.
USB
Almost all modern TV tuners are equipped with USB 3.0 connectors. Thanks to this, it will not be difficult to watch a movie recorded on a flash drive. Or, on the contrary, record TV broadcasts on it in exactly the same way as they used to record on magnetic tape, only in better quality. In addition, it is possible to connect an MP3 player, camera or even a smartphone to the set-top box.
VGA
CRT displays and the first DVD players were equipped with SCART VGA connectors. And these days, most LCD monitors have a connector for connecting to a video card, as well as to TV set-top boxes. Not all models of digital set-top boxes are equipped with a VGA input. So when choosing a tuner you should pay attention to this.
DVI
Also a common way to connect a monitor or TV to various set-top boxes and players, which replaced VGA. A DVI cable can only transmit video signals in good quality. But the audio channel will have to be connected separately. DVI displays can be connected to set-top boxes with HDMI input using an adapter.
Memory card reader
More modern models of digital TV set-top boxes have this device. This port allows you to install a memory card into the set-top box and read information bypassing the USB port.
Ethernet LAN
The local network connector performs a significant function - connecting the set-top box to the Internet. A LAN wire is connected to the console. After which you can use some search engines, services, social networks and other functions of Smart TV.
Component input
Connecting to this connector allows you to send an analog video signal without loss of quality, directly to the screen you are viewing.
How else can you watch TV on a monitor?
Almost all methods of watching TV on a display (or computer) involve connecting a special tuner that receives and processes the television signal in a form suitable for computers. But there are nuances. Let's look at other options for watching TV on a computer monitor.
If your monitor has USB
It is not necessary to fool around with various interfaces. There are tuners on the market that can connect to a monitor via USB. They are small devices that resemble a flash drive.
Most use a USB bus to transmit sound. This tuner also connects to the antenna.
There is only one drawback - it is impossible to watch the broadcast and infect the device at the same time.
Via computer
The tuner can also connect to a computer, with its help you can watch and process digital television, record your favorite programs and even listen to FM radio.
Such tuners are connected via a USB port (for this, the set-top box must be compatible with a PCMCIA expansion slot). In order for the device to work properly with a particular operating system, special software (drivers and software installer) is included with it. In addition, they also connect to an antenna and have a remote control for ease of use.
Main types of digital set-top boxes
Since the computer screen itself is simply only a means of outputting information, it is not capable of receiving a signal on its own. Therefore, a digital set-top box is simply necessary to watch TV broadcasts. Of course, it is also possible to watch TV shows via live streaming on the Internet. But, as practice shows, this requires a stable connection. And even under this condition, the signal leaves much to be desired.
Before choosing a console, it’s worth taking a closer look at their varieties.
- DVB-T2 set-top box. Perhaps the most common and easiest to use. The main purpose is to receive and transmit a digital signal. It can also play files from USB drives and record TV broadcasts on them.
- Cable receivers. Such units encode the signal into the DVB-C format. The device can broadcast TV channels, record broadcasts and play multimedia files from external media (USB flash drives and hard drives). The set-top box is equipped with a special slot for cards that provide additional packages of TV channels. This card is issued with a receiver. However, to connect additional channels, you need to subscribe.
- Satellite set-top box. Such devices encode both DVB-C and DVB-S2 signals. Additional features vary by model. And with a more powerful processor, it opens up the possibility of connecting online services.
- TV Box. The most productive and expensive TV set-top boxes. Their advantage is that they are equipped with the Android operating system. This allows you to install a number of applications directly on the console.
But there is also a minus - the inability to connect an antenna on some models. So often the signal is received via an Internet connection or via a USB drive.
In addition to digital consoles, game consoles are also connected to the computer display. For example, Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, as well as previous models of these lines. It is possible to connect the monitor to a laptop.
