How to choose digital TV set-top boxes for new and old TVs

The transition from analog to digital TV forces many users to purchase digital set-top boxes that decode the incoming signal and deliver high-quality picture and sound to the TV screen. Decoder manufacturers offer a huge variety of different TV tuners. At first glance, they differ only in shape and price, but in fact the difference lies in the functional features of the device. The more additional features a tuner has, the more expensive it costs. To understand all the diversity on your own, you will need to delve into the details, then you will be able to understand what digital TV set-top boxes are, how to choose, which functions will be relevant and which should be discarded.

• Popular stationary media players
  Xiaomi Mi Box S
• Apple TV 4K 32GB
• Google Chromecast
• MXQ Pro 4K
• Xiaomi Mi Box 4C
• In conclusion

What is a digital set-top box for TV

A digital set-top box is a device that allows you to decipher the signals captured by the antenna and convert them into a format acceptable for the installed TV model.

In addition to the main function, the tuner can perform other tasks. With its help, you can control television, tuning and disabling channels. The set-top box allows you to receive cable and over-the-air broadcasts. Devices equipped with special connectors provide full access to the Internet.

What to pay attention to

1. Even when choosing the most inexpensive digital TV set-top box, pay attention to the presence of buttons on the front panel of the receiver. Because if the remote control breaks, you will be left without television.
2. Also choose a digital set-top box with a remote power supply. If the internal unit burns out due to power surges, it is unlikely that you will be able to do anything without knowing how to hold a soldering iron in your hands. In such receivers, the fuses are soldered to the board. Therefore, the road to the service center and on average 800 rubles. norm/hour. taken from the workshop. An external unit costs 150 – 250 rubles.
3. Do not buy the cheapest version of a decoder from an unknown manufacturer, the so-called no name. But you don’t have to overpay for a name (brand). Stick to the middle price – quality.

Digital broadcast standards

Digital broadcasting in the European part of our continent is designated DVB. This standard is divided into a number of subcategories, each of which has its own separate purpose:

1. DVB-S and DVB-S2 – digital satellite television.
2. DVB-T and DVB-T2 – digital terrestrial TV;
3. DVB-C and DVB-C2 – digital cable.

The presence of the number 2 at the end means that this version has been updated and is more consistent with current standards.

The best Smart-TV set-top boxes on Andro >

The absolute leader in our rating of the best TV set-top boxes. It costs a decent amount, but you pay that money for flexibility, versatility, power and quality. Arguments in favor of the first point can be multi-support for different types of drives and types of manipulators, providing content storage and ease of management in any mode of operation of the set-top box, respectively. By versatility we mean its ability to perform diverse tasks equally well: games, access to Internet resources, multimedia playback. In terms of gaming talents, the recommended device simply has no equal. Suffice it to recall NVIDIA SHIELD’s ability to integrate into almost any gaming platform, including specialized cloud services. It’s also clear with power - the manufacturer of the world’s best video cards did not deprive its brainchild in any way. Well, there is no doubt about the quality of NVIDIA's product. In any sense of this concept.

• powerful hardware;
• excellent support;
• advanced gaming capabilities;
• flexibility and versatility.

• not the most convenient remote control;
• To stream games, your PC must have a compatible video card.

The popularity of this set-top box was brought not only by the well-known name of the manufacturer, but also by its trouble-free operation out of the box. As a rule, the vast majority of inexpensive TV boxes require direct hands and a desire to understand the nuances of firmware. In this sense, Mi Box owners have absolutely nothing to worry about, although the recommended device falls into the specified price category. Let us emphasize that we are talking about the international version of the Xiaomi TV box (model MDZ-16-AB). In addition to the already mentioned advantages, the set-top box will delight you with the official Android TV system, as well as a practical remote control using the Bluetooth interface. The presence of the first automatically implies the possibility of voice search for the desired content, and the second will allow you to hide the set-top box in a secluded place.

• works out of the box;
• official Android TV with Russian-language search;
• convenient Bluetooth remote control;
• affordable price.

• there is no wired interface for connecting to the Internet;
• autoframe rate and deinterlacing are not supported;
• non-switchable noise reduction system;
• Some media file formats do not normally play.

The best representative of an extremely small group of TV set-top boxes on Android that can show television programs not only from the Internet. Moreover, the KIII PRO model is capable of working with all common broadcast channels. True, if you are demanding about the quality of the picture on the “blue” screen, and consider satellite TV to be your main thing, give preference to the recommended device only if you have special skills, since you will need to replace the stock firmware. Knowledgeable people speak well of a third-party build with the Neutrino shell. By the way, the point of replacing the native firmware is also the appearance of an unofficial Android TV. Serious disadvantages include the mediocre sensitivity of the on-air selector (DVB-C/T2), as well as high processor heating. Ideally, the standard cooling system should be supplemented with a cooler.

• versatility;
• active community.

• Re-flashing is required for high-quality work;
• low sensitivity of the DVB-C/T/T2 selector;
• The standard cooling system needs improvement.

How to choose a digital set-top box

When choosing a digital set-top box, you should pay attention not to such factors as color, compactness and price, but to other important characteristics that guarantee quality and durability. The tuner should be evaluated by:

1. Availability of suitable connectors. Depending on the TV, these may be RCA, SCART, HDMI and others. If you do not have the necessary connectors, you can use special adapters.
2. Additional features. Delayed viewing, recording programs on another media and other functions.
3. Possibility of connecting to the Internet. This factor will allow you to expand the number of channels. You can connect IPTV, or watch online through video services.
4. Buttons on the console panel. Very useful if the remote control breaks down. Anyone who has used a TV knows that the remote control is very often sat on or dropped, and it breaks down at the most inopportune moment. For this, the buttons on the console will come in handy more than ever.

Most devices are equipped with USB inputs for connecting flash drives and hard drives, from which you can watch videos, listen to audio or view photos.

Digital functions on “ancient” TV: is it possible?

Digital set-top boxes can be connected to outdated devices, this is not a question. But it is important to decide whether a particular set-top box is suitable for a particular “box”, whether their connectors and technologies are compatible. When we say “old TV,” we can mean the following devices:

• an outdated flat LED or plasma panel, without a built-in T2 tuner for digital television and Smart TV;

• CRT TV, popularly called “pot-bellied”, with the ability to connect a VCR or DVD player. That is, with RCA “triple tulip” or SCART “comb” connectors and the ability to switch to AV mode from the remote control;

• an archaic tube device with a single output for an “RF” type antenna.

To decide which set-top box is needed for your old TV, first of all determine the type of “box” you have and what outputs it has. You can connect the device to any device. Even if the devices do not have compatible connectors, you can use adapters. But in some cases, you will simply overpay the extra amount and will not be able to receive the stated benefits. Therefore, before choosing a digital set-top box for your old TV, consider the following factors:

1. Television quality – images on the screen. Nothing can improve it, so there is no need to choose a model with HD, FullHD or similar quality if you can find something cheaper.
2. The same goes for the sound - it will be reproduced by the built-in speakers, which will not “appreciate” the efforts of the set-top box to improve it.
3. Any adapters will slightly degrade the quality of the television and sound signal. And the “HF modulator” adapter itself is not cheap.
4. The ability to connect a flash drive, record broadcasts, use Smart TV, access the Internet, connect a mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth - you will have these and other functions regardless of the TV model. If they are declared in the console, then you can do all this without restrictions.
5. If your device has additional tuners for cable or satellite television, then you can also watch these channels on TV. In this case, the provision of services must be agreed upon with your operator.

Popular digital set-top boxes

When choosing a set-top box, it is important which TV it will connect to. Old TV receivers will not cope with numerous newfangled functions. For them, it is enough to buy a simple receiver that will display an HD quality image on the screen.

For new TV devices, you should choose tuners with maximum capabilities. If some of them are not in demand today, this does not mean that they will not be needed tomorrow.

The manufacturer of the equipment plays an important role when purchasing. Companies that have long been firmly established in the market offer quality products. In Russia, the most popular manufacturers of digital set-top boxes are HARPER, Hyundai, Delta Systems, BBK and Selenga.

HARPER HDT2-1030

The HARPER HDT2-1030 receiver is a very compact device that has an optimal set of functions. The decoder transmits a digital signal of excellent quality to televisions of any model, regardless of the year of manufacture.

The tuner has the following functions:

• audio connectors, HDMI, composite;
• electronic TV program guide;
• auto-tuning of channels;
• media player that streams files from external media;
• access to IPTV.

TV tuner HARPER HDT2-1030
The device pleases customers with its low price and a set of important characteristics. Price from 820 rubles.

Hyundai H-DVB840

The Hyundai H-DVB840 tuner is suitable for receiving digital cable signals . The receiver is equipped with a special slot that allows you to connect an access card to cable TV. The device accepts MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 format signals, converting them into high-definition HD quality.

Hyundai H-DVB840 has the following features:

1. Recording programs to external media.
2. Delayed viewing of programs.
3. Possibility of connecting an electronic program guide.
4. Formatting the channel menu to your taste - by genre, by preference, etc.

Cable receiver Hyundai H-DVB840
The device is equipped with channel switching buttons on the set-top box and a control panel. Price from 1540 rubles.

Delta Systems DS-950HD

Delta Systems DS-950HD is a multifunctional device for viewing digital terrestrial TV. Has a compact and elegant appearance. Supports Dolby Digital system, which allows you to get high-quality sound.

Technical characteristics of Delta Systems DS-950HD:

• Multiple PLP mode;
• electronic TV guide;
• support for cable TV and Wi-Fi;
• parental control for channel viewing.

TV tuner Delta Systems DS-950HD
It’s easy to program the necessary commands on the remote control and make transitions with one touch. Price from 1600 rubles.

BBK SMP015HDT2

The BBK SMP015HDT2 device for decoding an incoming digital signal supports any audio and video formats. The set-top box combines the functions of a digital broadcast receiver and a media player with support for the MKV format. Allows you to watch high-quality TV and listen to radio in excellent sound format. Radio is broadcast through any audio equipment, home theaters, and speaker systems.

Functions:

1. Interactive program guide.
2. Program guide.
3. Teletext.
4. HDTV support.

TV tuner BBK SMP015HDT2
The kit includes a cable, remote control and adapter. Price from 900 rubles.

Selenga HD950D

The Selenga HD950D television receiver is designed to receive digital cable TV. The receiver guarantees high-quality image and excellent sound. It has built-in functions for recording programs and delayed viewing, and works with any external media. When using an additional adapter that connects Wi-Fi, it allows you to access the Internet.

TV tuner Selenga HD950D
The tuner from Selenga is an excellent combination of price and quality. The user receives a set of basic features that allow you to watch programs in digital HD format. Price from 950 rubles.

Which DVB-T2 set-top box to choose in 2019

To make it clear to all users which DVB-T2 set-top box to choose in 2021, experts have compiled a TOP of the most popular models. This rating of digital set-top boxes was created taking into account reviews from real customers. It is the comments that can be considered the most objective assessment of technology.

The rating of the best DVB-T2 set-top boxes of 2021 includes models from various manufacturers. The range of functionality, cost, level of popularity of the brand are the main differences presented in the list of receivers.

Oriel 421D

Many users choose this model for a DVB-T2 set-top box. A remote control is included in the package, but you can also control the operation of the receiver using the buttons located on the body. A parental control system has been implemented. A tuner is used to watch television broadcasts, photos, videos and other content.

• metal case;
• support for Wi-Fi adapters;
• high-quality LED display;
• universal remote control;
• TimeShift function.

• the console is equipped with a far from top-end processor;
• Not all video formats are played;
• inconvenient placement of USB ports.

This is a combined receiver that supports several standards at once: DVB-T, DVB-T2 and DVB-C.

It's very easy to improve your TV's capabilities. And we’re not just talking about ancient “boxes” with cathode-ray picture tubes. Any, even the most modern model with Smart TV, sometimes lacks the flexibility to realize all our wishes, and the best option for increasing the level of their functionality is precisely the purchase of a digital set-top box that makes up for the missing skills. But which model should you choose? Our rating includes the best set-top boxes that provide DVB-T2 signal reception and the best Smart-TV set-top boxes.

Popular stationary media players

Media player is a device for playing audio and video formats. Multifunctional models can not only play, but also record video and audio content from the Internet.

A media player in a simplified concept is a modern analogue of DVD and CD players, but in an improved version. A hard drive can store a large amount of information at once, forming it into convenient folders.

Xiaomi Mi Box S

Xiaomi Mi Box S is a TV set-top box and media player in one device. Runs on Google Android TV 8.1 operating system. Has 2 GB of internal memory and 8 GB of Flash memory. Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless communication.

Media player Xiaomi Mi Box S
There is one power adapter, as well as universal audio outputs USB 2.0 and HDMI. The lack of a LAN port is compensated for by an adapter, which must be purchased separately. Price from 4990 rubles.

Apple TV 4K 32GB

Apple's media player offers users to watch movies in 4K format. Main functions of the device:

1. The image quality of such videos is an order of magnitude higher, since there are more pixels than in HD. The resolution reaches 2160r.
2. Supports traditional SDR range and HDR dynamic range, which is reflected in the video quality.
3. Works with the Dolby Vision system, providing the picture with a dynamic range of the image.
4. Reproduces surround sound using Dolby Atmos technology. This system allows you to focus the sound on people in the space.

Media player Apple TV 4K 32GB
The high price is compensated by the highest level of software, which allows you to play content in the best quality. Price from 11,000 rubles.

Google Chromecast

An inexpensive and compact media player without a hard drive, Google Chromecast allows you to expand your television broadcasting capabilities. The device connects to the Internet.

Media player Google Chromecast 2018
The player easily reads any media file formats. In addition to standard viewing of recordings on a media player, you can start a broadcast from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Price from 3100 rubles.

MXQ Pro 4K

MXQ Pro 4K is a media player without a hard drive. The device from the Chinese manufacturer supports professional 4K UHD video playback and plays MKV, FLAC, APE formats. Connects to the network via Wi-Fi and Ethernet, reads SD and SDHC memory cards.

Media player MXQ Pro 4K
The player MXQ Pro 4K has a well-thought-out interface. It has clear settings and wide functionality. Price from 2000 rubles.

Xiaomi Mi Box 4C

Xiaomi offers users another multifunctional player, Mi Box 4C. This device has 1GB RAM and runs on Android 6.0.1 system. The multifunctional interface has AV, HDMI and USB outputs.

Media player Xiaomi Mi Box 4C
Xiaomi Mi Box 4C supports 4K video format, Dolby Audio audio format and Google play market service. Plays back images recorded in BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, 3GP, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, RM, RMVB, TS format. Price from 2400 rubles.

The best inexpensive DVB-T2 TV set-top boxes

A good inexpensive combined TV set-top box that allows you to organize the reception of digital television signals in both the DVB-C and DVB-T/T2 standards. It is built on standard components, so in terms of sensitivity and noise immunity it does not stand out in anything special, but the design of Oriel 421 and the quality of its firmware deserve respect. A solid body, a solid set of interface connectors, including a pass-through antenna output and two USB ports, the ability to supply power to an antenna amplifier, as well as a relatively successful visualization of the electronic program guide are proof of this. For example, the same additional USB port will be necessary if you want to connect to Internet services (using an external Wi-Fi adapter) and record some program on a flash drive. It remains to add that the recommended set-top box is available in three configurations: basic, with support for multi-channel audio, and with a learning remote control.

• clear and quite convenient menu;
• an impressive set of interface connectors;
• high-quality performance.

• Compatible with a small number of third-party Wi-Fi adapters;
• false alarms from signals from “foreign” remote control panels;
• The power supply is built into the case.

The best DVB-S2 satellite receivers

To connect and activate satellite TV, you will need a CI slot or a DVB-S2 tuner. Most often, service providers themselves install all the necessary equipment for their clients, as they do.

GS B528 – set-top box from Tricolor with IPTV function

The tuner with server receiver comes with a scratch card from the “Unified” package and a number of pre-installed functions: Cinemas, Best on TV, Online TV, TV archive, TV mail, as well as a PVR package for recording programs.

The box can receive more than 1000 channels and connect via Ethernet. External interfaces are also represented by USB, HDMI, RCA (tulip) connectors and a miniSIM card reader. provides a certificate of additional warranty for this model.

Advantages:

• ability to connect to any TV;
• the presence of a USB 3.0 port for connecting an external hard drive;
• IPTV viewing;
• Timeshift mode;
• the ability to create your own lists of television and radio channels;
• connection to a game console.

Flaws:

• viewing of online channels in UltraHD format is not provided;
• does not support AC3 audio standard.

The B528 receiver will appeal to connoisseurs of high-quality, ultra-quality pictures. It is this model that Tricolor offers to its new subscribers who are connecting satellite TV for the first time.

Open Box AS4K CI Pro – compact and super functional

Unlike the previous model, the Open Box device is more versatile. It receives Tricolor TV and NTV+ signals, but its Internet capabilities are even better.

Essentially, we have a mini-computer running Android 7.0 with support for Torrent TV, KODi and Air Play. It has 2 gigabytes of RAM and 16 GB of flash memory.

The panel houses a large number of interfaces: a card reader, a CI+ slot, an Ethernet controller, USB2.0 and 3.0 ports, as well as a microSD reader.

Open Box has remained the market leader in satellite receivers for several years, but this year the set-top box was updated to the PRO level, adding several additional options: an original Internet browser, its own OS and support for 3G modems.

Now users have the opportunity to connect a wireless headset to the console, and also use it as a simple game console. Many online games have already been developed specifically for Open Box and can be downloaded from the Play Market.

Advantages:

• subscription to several satellite packages;
• remote control function;
• Huawei processor with high-quality accelerator;
• pretty fresh Andro > Disadvantages:

• short power supply wire;
• Overheating is possible during prolonged use.

The Pro version of the popular AS4KCI model will appeal to fans of satellite TV, as it opens access to channel packages from different operators.

How to determine whether a dacha falls into the CETV zone

Determining whether it is possible to organize digital television in a dacha is quite simple. To do this you need to go to the website rtrs.ru. There is a link to an interactive map right on the main page of the resource. By selecting your locality on it, you can find out which multiplexes broadcast in a given point of the country.

The website indicates the frequencies of stations that broadcast digital TV. It is recommended to write them down; they will be needed to manually configure the receiver or modern TV with a DVB T2 tuner. There is also a scale bar on the map. Using it, you can determine the distance to the translator in order to select the optimal antenna model that will need to be installed to receive digital television in the country.

The best Apple Smart TV set-top boxes

It only makes sense to take a closer look at this console for fans of the Apple brand who also own other devices from the American company, i.e. already have a corresponding account in the App Store. In principle, the potential of the TV 4K box is very high, including in terms of gaming, but it is extremely difficult to realize it outside the Apple ecosystem. Let's remember that Google is actively promoting its new format for high-definition streaming (VP9), not least as a counterweight to Apple's proprietary video standards. Developers of popular applications are also not eager to make royalties in anyone's favor. As a result, the recommended set-top box still does not display 4K content from YouTube. A similar situation is observed with other network services, for example, with Netflix.

• powerful filling;
• stable and high-quality work;
• fits perfectly into the Apple ecosystem.

• Great difficulties with displaying 4K content from almost all third-party resources.

If previous generations of Apple TV set-top boxes were focused exclusively on the iTunes Store and the Apple ecosystem as a whole, the TV Gen 4 model allows you to install alternative network service clients, which provides it with a wider selection of multimedia content, including free ones. Nevertheless, it makes sense to purchase this set-top box only if you have other mobile devices from the company and, accordingly, an Apple ID account. Other differences worth mentioning are the modern performance platform, support for dual-band high-speed Wi-Fi and Siri technology. Even the remote control now has a microphone to receive voice commands. By the way, control can be carried out not only using IR rays, but also via Bluetooth.

• natural integration into the Apple media space;
• the ability to install third-party network access applications;
• built-in Bluetooth controller;
• The Wi-Fi module is capable of operating using the 802.11ac protocol.

• does not support 4K resolution;
• port speed for twisted pair 100 Mbit/s;
• The full potential of the set-top box is revealed only if you have an Apple account.