To watch TV channels it is not necessary to have a separate TV or Internet access. A computer with a special tuner is enough. The latter works with analog and digital terrestrial standards. This is enough to listen to the radio and watch TV shows fully.
- Types of TV tuners
- How to choose a TV tuner
- How to connect and configure a digital tuner for a computer
- The best models of digital tuners for a computer
- Which brand of TV tuner to choose
With the help of a tuner you can not only view, but also record the desired television or radio programs.
What is a TV tuner
This device is a type of television receiver, the main function of which is to receive a television signal in various broadcast formats and display the image on the monitor. Simply put, it is a board or attachment for a PC. Reception of analogue signals and digital television channels is ensured by an external or internal antenna from satellite or cable TV. Most modern television receivers of this type are capable of receiving FM radio stations and can be used as video capture devices.
Why is it needed?
An analog or digital TV tuner is, first of all, capable of watching television programs, including satellite channels. You can watch them either on the full screen of your PC or in a reduced size. In addition, the device can pick up radio and record - one of the most attractive reasons for purchasing a device. Depending on the recording mechanism, it can be used to record radio or video in the so-called. manual mode. Some TV tuners have a scheduler that records TV programs of interest without user intervention.
How does it work
Thanks to the reception function, the tuner is able to receive television signals in different broadcast formats. It is used to receive channels of the European terrestrial digital broadcasting standard (DVB-T, DVB-T2), American (ATSC), Japanese and South American (ISDB-T), etc. As for the operating principle, the receiver receives a signal from an external source, after which transmits it to the demodulator. The latter separates and extracts signals from the carrier signal. To watch TV on a PC, you must install the appropriate software on your computer.
LEXAND LTV 100
This is a digital TV tuner from a Russian brand that supplies Asian products. It is strikingly different from all other receivers in its miniature size. Country of origin: China. The receiver plays digital channels available in the Russian Federation. The device is equipped with an operating mode indicator and a USB connector that allows you to use the set-top box as a multimedia device and has a built-in multimedia player that allows you to watch high-quality videos and listen to music.
Main characteristics of the model
- Broadcast standards: DVB-T2;
- dimensions (WxHxL): 55x20x102 mm;
- weight: 0.066 kg.
Advantages
- + provides good image quality;
- + correct operation, without failures;
- + there is an FM radio;
- + quick and easy setup;
- + price.
Flaws
- - the remote control is outdated - you have to point it directly at the screen to make contact with the receiver;
- — there is no display on the case with channel numbers.
Best deals
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The best TV tuners
When planning to buy a TV tuner for your TV, familiarize yourself with the current situation in the modern market. Prefixes of this type can be internal, i.e. installed in a computer, external with a USB connector, which are used in most cases to work with laptops and external hardware devices. The latter do not have a USB connector, but are connected into the gap between the monitor and the video card - they do not need a computer to operate. The most popular are internal video tuners - they are more advanced in terms of capabilities. Final processing and video output is implemented by software.
Analog TV tuner
As a rule, modern manufacturers practically no longer produce purely analog set-top boxes, because they have been replaced by hybrid video tuners. Such devices are capable of receiving both analog and digital signals. You can order a suitable device with delivery by mail in any specialized online store. An excellent mobile device for watching cable and satellite channels is:
- Model name: Vga MTV box;
- price: 1600 rub.;
- characteristics: dimensions – 12.5x7.5x1.8 cm, output frequency – 37 kHz-75 kHz, video input – 1Vp-p (psl/ntsc), resolution – from 800x600 to 1920x1200;
- pros: built-in speaker, good functionality;
- cons: none.
The next receiver is a portable analog video tuner with a switching timer, calendar and other auxiliary functions. It is relatively cheap:
- Model name: HDTV HD LCD TV Box;
- price: 1102 rub.;
- characteristics: dimensions – 12.5x8.5x2 cm, weight – 103 g, output frequency – 37 kHz-75 kHz, regeneration speed – 60HZ, video input – 1VP-P (PAL/NTSC), resolution – from 800x600 to 1920x1200 ;
- pros: stable and clear picture;
- cons: none.
Digital
With the development of digital television, portable devices that can receive signals in the digital standards DVB-T and DVB-2, DVB-S and DVB-S2, etc. are becoming widespread. On sale in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country you can You can find a lot of devices of this type, some of which are sold at good discounts. Alternatively, you might be interested in an external TV tuner:
- model name: Top box AM-01;
- price: 1400 rub.;
- characteristics: version - external, HD support - 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 16:9, digital standards - DVB-T2, dimensions - 168x35x102 mm, weight - 500 g;
- pros: works without a PC, recording timer;
- cons: dimensions.
The next set-top box has a universal control panel, a power cord and a bracket with a cable for the hard drive. This standalone video tuner costs an order of magnitude more than its analogues:
- model name: Openbox SX9 Combo HD;
- price: 9500 rub.;
- characteristics: version - external, operating system - Linux, HD support - 720p, 1080i, 1080p, digital standards - DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-C, DVB-S;
- pros: many additional options, there is a display;
- cons: expensive, no video capture for that price.
External TV tuner
A good choice would be the external T2 tuner, which in its functionality is practically no different from its internal analogue. To connect an external set-top box, you also need to install drivers and appropriate software. The quality of channel reception highly depends on the specific modification and sometimes may not be very good. The advantage is the ability to connect without opening the PC. It is inconvenient to use for laptops, because... takes up extra space. One of the devices in the category:
- model name: Dexp HD 1702M;
- price: 1150 rub.;
- characteristics: HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p,16:9, dimensions – 148x35x70 mm;
- pluses: presence of a display, delayed viewing mode;
- cons: none.
Pay attention to another external option - Top box AM-06 with an autonomous connection type. You can find out how much a TV tuner of this type costs below:
- model name: Top box AM-06;
- price: 1030 rub.;
- characteristics: HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p,16:9, dimensions – 115x22x75 mm, weight – 200 g;
- pros: there is a delayed viewing mode, a recording timer;
- cons: none.
Interior
To watch digital and analogue television, you can purchase an internal device that is installed directly into the PC. This is very convenient in terms of saving space, but in this case TV shows can only be watched when the computer is turned on. To work you need to install drivers and software. One of the multifunctional options:
- Model name: TBS 6680;
- price: 13940 rub.;
- characteristics: connection method – PCI-Express, compatibility – Windows XP / Vista/ 7/8/10, Linux, dimensions – 145x104 mm, weight – 122 g;
- pros: you can connect an external IR sensor, double CI slot;
- cons: expensive.
In general, internal TV tuners are considered the most multifunctional; they can receive television channels both from an antenna and from cable TV. The next set-top box is connected via PCI-Express. A distinctive feature is analog video capture, more details:
- model name: Beholder Behold TV T8;
- price: 5500 rub.;
- characteristics: HD support – 720p, 1080i, supports analog and digital standards, compatibility – Windows 2000/XP/2003/MCE/Vista/7/8 32/64 bit;
- pros: there is an FM tuner, recording timer, video capture;
- cons: expensive.
For TV
There are set-top boxes that can be connected not only to a desktop computer or laptop, but also to a TV. One of them is BBK SMP123HDT2. This device, specially developed by BBR, is capable of transmitting a signal from the receiver to the TV using a composite video output or an HDMI connector. More details about product parameters:
- Model name: BBK SMP123HDT2;
- price: 1290 rub.;
- characteristics: external digital, HD image output, HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p, dimensions – 120x30x115 mm, weight – 210 kg;
- pros: good functionality, reasonable cost;
- Cons: the firmware supports few audio codecs.
The D-Color DC921HD digital receiver has high-quality components and the latest software. It is capable of transmitting a bright and clear picture, and supports MPEG4 AVC H.264 SD/HD video format:
- model name: D-Color DC921HD DVB-T2;
- price: 889 rub.;
- characteristics: external, connection type – standalone, maximum resolution – up to 1920x1080, dimensions – 116x32x100 mm;
- pros: low cost, has a recording timer, teletext;
- Cons: poor reception, sometimes freezes.
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For computer
There is a whole category of TV tuners for computers. To save on purchasing them, look for stores that offer all kinds of promotions and sales. An excellent purchase could be the internal TV tuner for the Technologies Nova T2 2.0 computer from AverMedia with HD image output:
- model name: AVerMedia Technologies Nova T2;
- price: 3890 rub.;
- characteristics: PC connection – PCI-Express, analog video capture available, compatibility – Windows 8.1 / 8 / 7 / XP (32/64-Bit), weight – 51 g;
- pluses: presence of teletext, recording timer, good quality;
- Cons: unfinished software, a little expensive.
Check out another PC device - Espada ESP-DVBT2. Unlike the previous one, this TV tuner is external. It has support for multiple audio tracks and Time shifting feature:
- Model name: Espada ESP-DVBT2;
- price: 1827 rub.;
- characteristics: connection to a PC via USB, there is an FM tuner, supported television standards - DVB-T2, DVB-T, DVB-C, dimensions - 28x16x91 mm, weight - 110 g;
- pluses: teletext, timer, compatibility with third-party software;
- cons: none.
For laptop
TV tuners with USV can be used to connect to a laptop. This option is no less convenient and popular than the others. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing a suitable set-top box that will transmit picture and sound to the laptop monitor clearly and richly without stuttering. Pay attention to the Rombica tuner with support for Windows 8 and ProgDVB and the ability to record programs on a schedule without loss of quality. The device can receive analogue DVB-T, DVB-T2 and digital radio with stereo sound:
- model name: Rombica Pro DVB-T2;
- price: 2990 rub.;
- characteristics: version – external, connection to laptop and PC via USB, analog video capture possible, HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p, compatibility – Windows 8 / 7 / Vista / XP (32/64-bit),
- pluses: presence of a recording timer, teletext, high-quality picture, low system requirements;
- cons: none.
AVerMedia Technologies TD310 is another external TV tuner with USB connection. In addition to the device itself, the kit includes a compact folding dipole antenna and a remote control with batteries:
- model name: AVerMedia Technologies TD310;
- price: 3250 rub.;
- characteristics: version - external, connection via USB, supported television standards - DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-T2, HD support - 720p, 1080i, compatibility - Windows 8.1 / 8 / 7 (32/64-Bit);
- pros: good picture, recording timer and teletext, easy connection;
- cons: none.
LUMAX DV-1111HD
A digital television receiver with a GX3235S processor is designed for playing terrestrial and cable unencrypted channels. Case material: plastic. Country of origin: China. The set-top box is a real multimedia center. It provides for the use of YouTube, Gmail, Weather, LUMAX Cinema and Megogo applications, where more than 2.5 thousand films are presented to viewers.
Main characteristics of the model
- broadcasting standards: DVB-C, DVB-T2;
- dimensions (WxHxL): 120x25x75 mm;
- weight: 0.09 kg.
Advantages
- + suitable for various TV models - outdated and newer;
- + there is an automatic and manual channel search;
- + there are parental controls;
- + the possibility of updating the software is provided;
- + you can record programs online onto a flash drive;
- + Dolby Digital allows you to play media files in popular formats with high-quality surround sound.
Flaws
- — the kit does not include a Wi-Fi antenna;
- — inconvenient remote control (small size);
- - short wires.
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How to choose a TV tuner
When planning to order a TV tuner for a monitor, computer, laptop or car, read the selection criteria. A competent and thorough approach will help you choose a truly optimal video tuner that will receive TV channels from a car antenna or satellite and cable TV. To do this, pay attention to some useful tips:
- Decide between an analog and digital device. The first option is perfect if you are going to make the usual terrestrial television, which you receive on a collective or indoor rooftop, or if you have cable TV at home. This type of customizer is the most difficult to implement, because... it should provide good reception quality in different conditions and protection from interference. Digital may be the preferred option because... Digital television has become widespread today. You can often find hybrid models that can support multiple signal types.
- Choose between internal and external TV tuner. The first one takes up minimal space, because is installed inside the PC, but to do this you need to open the computer case. An external device connected via USB is more convenient in this regard.
- Please note additional features. It will be good if the selected model can capture video, receive signals from FM radio stations, etc.
For digital television
If you are interested in digital TV, then pay attention to DVB-T tuners. Compared to analogue broadcasting, digital broadcasting is capable of providing high picture quality regardless of various types of interference. A digital stream often includes several audio tracks, including multi-channel ones. In addition to DVB-T, digital video tuners include DVB-S/S2 and DVB-C - the former are satellite, and the latter are cable. You can immediately purchase a kind of mega-hybrid TV tuner that combines analog and two digital types of television broadcasting.
For analogue television
The device chosen for analogue TV must be able to provide an acceptable level of quality in different conditions and have developed signal processing mechanisms. True, not all models of analog tuners can meet these requirements. Some devices have extremely limited functionality and provide the user with unsatisfactory quality images. Of particular importance is the functionality and ease of use of the software. The ideal choice would be a hybrid version of the TV tuner, which can also be used for digital TV.
For auto
Active antennas installed inside the car on the windshield have become very popular. Such antennas are compact in size. To increase the functionality of this type of device, choose a suitable TV tuner. Digital DVB-T2 models are also in demand, used to receive different communication channels. Thanks to them, you can watch your favorite programs at a high-quality level. Among the well-known car digital receivers are INCAR DTV-16, BGT-TV-Box, MyDean DTV-1519, etc. However, their cost exceeds 11-12 thousand rubles.
