TV set-top box in a car: a tribute to fashion or a necessity?

A TV set-top box in a car is a device that you can install yourself. This device has ceased to be a curiosity after the widespread introduction of digital terrestrial television. Analogue channels were very difficult to set up and dealt with interference, reflected waves, signal phase changes and other problems. With digital, the signal has become more stable and clearer - now you can watch all 20 TV channels and 3 radio stations.

Installing a TV set-top box in your car will allow you not only to watch over-the-air television. Depending on the device model, you will be able to access the Internet, play games, listen to music, play content from a flash drive, connect voice control and car diagnostic services. Of course, the driver should not use the attachment while driving. But in long traffic jams, while waiting, or for entertaining passengers, this is almost an ideal option. In the article below I will talk about how to select and connect a TV set-top box for your car.

Digital TV in a car: all options

There are several options for watching digital TV in your car. As for the signal, it is stable at speeds up to 80 km/h. Tests on its reception while driving were carried out in Moscow, and were successful. All that is required is a decimeter antenna, a screen and a receiver. Here are the options by which you can watch TV while traveling:

• Multimedia station. Such devices may already be built into the car, or you can purchase them separately and install them at a service center. Sometimes such devices may be called “TV radios.” In addition to playing video and music, such a station can have Internet access and a digital TV tuner.

• Special digital car console for 12 volts. It is initially designed for power from a car battery and installation on a panel. It can be connected to a built-in or separate screen. The special feature of this specialized car set-top box is its protection against interference and several built-in radio units. The most advanced car TV set-top boxes receive the main, reflected, polarized and distorted signals, enhancing their quality. This is what allows you to receive television at high speed and at a distance from the television tower. Some models have additional functions and include an antenna. But they also cost more: from 7,000 rubles and above.

• A regular digital TV set-top box for a car. These devices are much cheaper than specialized automotive devices. At the same time, the quality of reception in the city will not differ fundamentally. It is necessary to solve several problems: connect the set-top box to power using an inverter, install it in a car, select an antenna. I will provide advice on these issues below.

• A small TV or screen with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner. There are special car options. The most important questions in this case are to build the device into the dashboard, into the interior or into the back of a chair, and also to choose an antenna for a high-quality signal.

• USB DVB-T2 tuner – this can be connected to a laptop or, in some cases, directly to the screen in the dashboard. In areas with good signal reception, you can watch TV this way.

• You can use a regular smartphone or tablet together with a special digital receiver. With this option, you don't have to buy a separate display. And the quality of the “picture” on the OLED screen of a mobile device will be much higher than on an LCD monitor. Such devices cost in the range of 1-3 thousand rubles. Make sure your mini tuner supports DVB-T2 and Multi-PLP mode. The phone or tablet must have Android version 4.2 or higher, and must also support USB OTG to connect the device. Download the proprietary software of this tuner from the Play Market, connect the antenna and launch the application. It will search for channels that you can watch in the car. Additional features may also be available depending on devices and applications.

Features and uses

Many people want to watch digital TV in their car. Just a few years ago this was simply not possible, but now it has become a reality.

You can easily watch many channels in your car with the help of modern technology. This will be very relevant if you often have to stand in traffic jams and have absolutely nothing to do with yourself at this time.

The dvb t2 standard is great not only for TVs, but also for cars, it was able to show its best side. With its help, you can ensure full reproduction of the digital broadcast system signal and broadcast it to the panel in the vehicle.

To use dvb t2 you will need a specialized tuner for your car. The broadcast is broadcast in an encrypted format, and the device acts as a decoder. It decrypts the transmitted signal using internal protocols, and then transmits it for direct playback on the monitor.

But modern car satellite television will cost a more significant amount. The antenna and tuner are slightly more expensive than for terrestrial digital television reception. The receiver operates in a completely different format; it looks like a standard car radio and is installed in its place. But such a system also has its advantages.

• It is impossible not to note the higher quality of the picture, because such a car radio itself adapts to changes in the reception level and adjusts the main parameters.
• Reception is provided almost throughout the entire country, and you will be able to fully travel out of town.
• Easy to set up equipment.

Digital TV set-top box in a car: advantages

If you do not have any particular preference for any of the options from the list above, then you can use a regular set-top box for digital television in your car. I highlight the following advantages of this option:

• cost - ordinary devices can cost from 700 rubles, and still perform their function just as well;
• additional features - almost any, even the cheapest tuners have the ability to connect a USB flash drive or SD card and play content from them;
• Internet access - many inexpensive models can connect to the network via Wi-Fi or using a 3G/4G USB modem;
• advanced functions - if you choose not just a digital receiver, but a smart set-top box, then in addition to receiving digital terrestrial TV, you will have access to all applications from Google Play. Maps and navigator, cloud services, programs for work, games, voice control support and more will be part of the system inside your car;

• selecting a screen - it is enough that it has HDMI or AV inputs, although in another case you can purchase adapters. This is a way to connect a car TV to a digital set-top box. You can use the device with any display, including a built-in one;
• choice of control system - smart set-top boxes provide that you can connect a lot of peripheral devices to them. Use mouse, keyboard, remote control, air mouse, voice control and so on;
• such a set-top box can become a real on-board computer, since you can connect diagnostic OBDII adapters for the car to it. Conduct diagnostics, reset errors - and all this using the same device on which you watch TV.

Car DVB-T2/ DVB-T tuner

Model X2

To order
Operating instructions

The Car DVB-T2 “2X” car tuner includes two “Ozar” antennas for receiving digital TV. It is possible to equip with a TV-FM antenna.

The car DVB-T2 tuner “2X” is made in a compact metal case, the kit includes 2 “Ozar” V3TV antennas for receiving a digital signal, an external IR sensor for the remote control, as well as a set of cords for connection. One antenna has a cable length of 5 meters, which allows you to install the antenna on the rear window of the car.

Features include a USB input for connecting a flash drive and a built-in media player that allows you to play most video and audio formats. And also the possibility of video recording of a television broadcast of the selected channel on a flash drive. This model has two antenna inputs and is implemented on a modern video processor, which allows you to display up to 120 km/h in motion. This tuner has good sensitivity and will show almost anywhere in the city, as well as on the highway at a distance of up to 20 - 30 km from the transmitting tower.

Connection diagram

Connection and setup: instructions

If you decide to use a regular TV device in your car, a number of difficulties will arise: how to install it, how to connect it, which antenna to choose. Here are some brief tips and instructions:

• Nutrition. If the device has an internal power supply, then you will need to buy an inverter from 12 to 220 V. This way you can connect the device to the cigarette lighter.

If the power supply is external, then a charger with suitable parameters is suitable, for example, car chargers for phones running from a cigarette lighter should be suitable. You need to check the parameters indicated on the case or power supply. Another option is to re-solder the device. You will need knowledge about the structure of the console, or you can turn to the craftsmen. This is a more expensive option in terms of time and effort, but you can get a real car TV set-top box for digital television.

• Antenna. This is the most important point to get reliable digital signal reception. For digital TV you need a decimeter antenna. In the city, simpler options are also suitable. Even the AM antenna from the radio will provide signal reception when the car is not moving. This is where you can start to experiment. Outside the city and at significant speed, more expensive and complex receivers will help “catch” the signal.

• Accommodation. All TV set-top boxes are compact devices. Installing a TV set-top box in the car and finding a place for it is not difficult. If you have the time and desire to tinker with the console, then you can even hide the device under the casing, route the wires to the required locations, making control even more convenient.
• Screen. Before connecting your car TV to a TV set-top box in your car, choose an option that can be powered by 12V and has HDMI or RCA inputs. This is enough to use it. The size or location can be selected based on your preferences - on the dashboard, in the back of the seats, and so on.

• Sound. The set-top box's audio connectors can be connected directly to the car's audio system, making TV viewing even more comfortable.
• Control. Use the remote control, touchpad, air mouse, keyboard. The infrared port or remote control controls can be placed in a convenient location inside the car.

A car set-top box for digital TV in a car is really simple. Following the instructions above, you can choose the appropriate option for yourself and install it. Until recently, functions such as TV, games and voice control in a car were considered either science fiction or the preserve of the premium segment. Now almost any car owner can afford all this.

Antenna for reception

To directly receive the signal you will need a digital universal car TV antenna. It is considered the best option for use and can ensure the operation of any decoders.

The designs work with dvb t2 set-top boxes, and the car antenna itself can be offered in several versions:

• External, mounted on the body or glass.
• Internal, it is used inside the car.
• Universal - can be installed both outside and inside the cabin.

The device provides signal reception according to the dvb t2 standard, after which the car antenna amplifies it to improve quality. This ensures full use of the system and excellent channel performance.

The digital TV antenna is available for the car with moisture protection. This eliminates the possibility of its breakdown as a result of adverse weather influences, and in this regard the car enthusiast will not have any problems.

The model is complemented by a cable for connecting to the decoder. The cord is made according to approved standards and is equipped with a specialized connector. But when choosing, pay attention to the maximum gain parameters. It is expressed in dB, and the optimal number is 20 or more.

Main advantages

In their reviews of car tuners, car owners cite a number of broad capabilities and advantages.

1. Comfort for passengers and driver. Your favorite digital broadcasting is always available - TV shows and movies, children's channels for little travelers, TV series and much more.
2. For control from the remote control - an external infrared receiver. It can be driven by both the driver and passengers of the car.
3. Tuner coding in accordance with the requirements of the standards of Russia, CIS countries and European countries.
4. Antennas that are practically invisible from the outside provide convenient reception.
5. Your car will become more convenient and prestigious for comfortable travel.
6. Affordable cost of connecting and installing a digital tuner to the standard radio.

Rolsen RDB-2020

The tuner of this model is equipped with a USB port, which allows you to record on-air television programs to external media in digital quality with the PVR function. And thanks to the built-in TimeShift “Delayed Viewing” function, after clicking on “Pause”, you can continue watching from the stopped point at any time.

The DVB-T2 car TV tuner from Rolsen also allows you to play video and music content from external media; most major media formats are supported. In addition, this model features automatic time synchronization and access to the EPG - electronic program guide.