Digital tuner for analog TV. Digital TV tuner - what is it
- Great for streaming
Despite the fact that in the modern world the popularity of the latest gadgets, smart phones, all kinds of tablets is gaining momentum and has spread to the entire population, television and TVs themselves still occupy a leading place in the ranking of information sources.
"Digitization" has fully declared itself. To understand this, just do a market review. You will be surprised by the variety of products: from Smart TVs to models with support for 3D images and UHDTV. Nevertheless, using a device such as a TV tuner, the viewer of an old or inexpensive TV can evaluate and watch television broadcasting in DVB-T2 or IPTV formats.
We present the top best set-top boxes to help you join the world of television in a different, latest format. We hope that our information will help you draw a lot of useful information and make the right choice for everyday use of television and television, depending on your needs, whether it's just watching a movie in excellent quality or entertaining spending time in the expanses of games, and possibly recording family memories on modern media information.
The best tuners for digital television (DVB-T2)
With the beginning of a new era of technology, new words appeared in our speech, such as: a gadget, a smart phone, a device, but the population knew about TV set-top boxes only when a decision was made at the government level to “digitize” television using Digital Broadcasting DVB-T2.
The next generation of "numbers" can provide a wide range of services and services on request and even digital radio, in addition to transmitting high-definition channels HDTV / UHDTV.
Unfortunately, inexpensive TVs do not have a built-in tuner that can support DVB-T2, viewers have difficulties. Nevertheless, despite this, a number of proposals for the purchase of TV set-top boxes are presented on the market, they make it possible to “receive” a signal and “transmit” it through an AV cable, SCART or HDMI interface to a TV.
Rating (2017):4.1
Benefits: Great quality at an affordable price.
The country of manufacture: China
| Advantages | disadvantages |
|
|
This device is very small in size, on its case there is a power button, HDMI / USB connectors, a mini-USB interface, and a composite input.
The device is controlled using the remote control, and the signal reception sensor is remote, which can be installed in any place convenient for you. The controller operates at a distance of 3 to 3.5 m.
The package also includes: 5V power adapter, IR sensor, sensor cables and composite, remote control. DVB-T2 and DVB-T are supported, but the HD format does not show. “Video glitches” may appear in the video connection, without the support of the corresponding channels, it is possible to view the video image without sound.
Apparently, the MDI DBR-501 will be the best option for owners of televisions with a connector "tulip". Unfortunately, the TV set-top box does not have much features.
Rating (2017):4.4
Benefits: Minimum dimensions
The country of manufacture: China
BBK SMR123HDT2 is an inexpensive TV tuner, the second among the best in the rating of set-top boxes. The best when the ratio of cost indicators and the proposed quality of the device. Easy to connect and configure, search for channels.
The case material is made of plastic, HDMI interfaces are located on it, as well as a composite.
But, as is customary, everyone has their own shortcomings. So, at BBK SMR123HDT2 the chipset does not support the AC3 codec, so users who prefer to play video from a USB flash drive will be upset, since it is likely that the video will work without sound. The TV tuner only accepts MP3s. The issue can be resolved by converting the video.
Rating (2017):4.7
Benefits: Minimum dimensions
The country of manufacture: China
| Advantages | disadvantages |
|
|
Despite the Chinese production, the device has many positive reviews and, as a result, takes first place in the ranking. It is the best-selling TV tuner on the market, therefore, it is very common among users, the most common among the population. Very simple to set up - this is its main advantage. It can be connected to a TV via SCART and RCA-in or HDMI-interface, convenient to use.
The case material is aluminum, which gives it an original look and protects the tuner from external influences, scratches. If the remote control is lost, the user can use the power on and channel change buttons located in front on the panel of the case to switch channels, which makes it universal in the current situation. The device is supplemented by an existing USB port, which makes it possible to connect a USB flash drive and an external hard drive.
The downside of this TV set-top box (there are no ideals, even the most advanced devices have flaws) is a little squeak at work.
Rating of prefixes Smart-TV (IPTV)
Smart-TV TV is universal and is able to force a computer and even a smart phone out of human life. The era of the world wide Internet network and the introduction of the latest technologies in everyday life led to its appearance. Smart-TV TV is convenient to use and allows the user to experience all the innovations of modern technology.
With it, you can play, chat, visit the Internet, use IPTV, television of a new era:
- viewing channels in various formats;
- in the “real time” viewing mode, you can pause or record;
- search for a movie or other video;
- huge selection of broadcast packages.
The main difficulty is the high cost of Smart-TV, which can be solved using Smart TV set-top boxes, because they are capable of supporting the IPTV standard.
Rating (2017):4.2
Benefits: The most popular American brand
The country of manufacture: USA (China assembly)
Apple TV GEN4 6GB has a high cost, is widely used in the United States. This device stands out for its expanded functionality and high quality.
The fourth-generation Apple TV has only positive reviews, is equipped with a powerful "filling", supports Full HD format. Working on tvOS, the operating system for Apple’s television, allows you to appreciate the latest technology.
Today, among the set-top boxes for TVs Apple TV GEN4, probably the most “advanced” device, which has:
- siri's voice assistant function will always help you when choosing a channel or switching to another;
- built-in wireless IRDA;
- communication tool WI-FI and Bluetooth 4.0;
- horoscope, weather and much more.
The console of the set-top box does not have batteries, it is charged by charging with a Lightning-connector, so it is better to monitor the charge volume sometimes to avoid inconvenience.
Despite the high cost, Apple TV GEN4 6GB will be a great purchase that will please not only you, but also your family members.
Rating (2017):4.4
Benefits: Attractive price
The country of manufacture: China
Buying MXQ PRO TV BOX, you become the owner of a low-cost TV set-top box with 4KUHD support, which operates on the basis of the Amlogic S905 processor (4 core, 2 GHz). In the matter of “filling,” the prefix is \u200b\u200bsimilar to its analogs: 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of its own memory, which can be expanded with an SD card or USB drive.
MXQ PRO TV BOX runs on Android, which allows you to use the console as a media player, IPTV receiver or device for games. Via Bluetooth, you can connect a keyboard or gamepad.
Rating (2017):4.6
Benefits: High performance
The country of manufacture: China
The device runs on Android 5.1, with which your TV turns into a mini-computer. "Stuffing" has a 4-core Cortex processor - A53 (frequency 2 GHz): it can even show 4K UHD video, built-in 8 gigabytes of memory, which is not enough to store information, but this problem can be fixed using a USB input (standard). It is possible to connect various information storage devices, whether it is a flash drive or a hard disk (about 2 TB in volume). The device is also complemented by a Micro SD memory slot.
The presence of Wi-Fi extends the device’s capabilities, so you can play via the Internet in multiplayer, and 1 GB of RAM allows you to play resource-intensive games.
Software is installed using Google Play. The set-top box fulfills its main duty remarkably - receiving a TV signal. The disadvantages of this device are the high cost and the fact that the manufacturer has made it impossible to upgrade the firmware.
The best video capture devices (external)
This rating of TV set-top boxes cannot be complete without devices, which include tuners that have a video capture function. The models that can receive an IP or digital signal and a device with video capture are united by the fact that they can all be connected to a TV, and the direct purpose of these devices is completely different. To digitize video from a VHS cassette, we need devices that capture the analog video signal and translate it into digital material, we can look at it on a PC.
Rating (2017):4.4
Benefits: Reliable and durable console
The country of manufacture: China
There is no start / end button for video recording on the model’s case; a mini-USB cable is included in the package for connecting to a PC. On the device of this model there is no two-month subscription XSplit (the presence of Twitch makes it unnecessary), this has led to a decrease in cost.
But the main thing that LGP Lite does not have is autonomy. There is no SD slot, and this will not allow you to record video without resorting to a computer for help, therefore, you won’t be able to play without connecting to a PC.
Rating (2017):4.6
Benefits: Great for streaming
The country of manufacture: China
It is the best standalone streaming device; a very small-sized device that connects to any equipment using various cables. The device allows you to capture the signal from a connected TV (HDMI or AV cable) or a Sony PC3 set-top box: this allows computer owners to stream the game process.
There is support for HD and Fill HD video recording formats. Unfortunately, the presence of the “Class 10” record indicates that flash drives less than 10th grade cannot be used. The button located on the device makes the video capture process easier, but it is not necessary when recording images from a PC.
AVERMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES LIVE GAMER PORTABLE is the best video capture device from its class, and this fact cannot leave a negative review. A sufficiently high cost is justified, because gamers have the opportunity to conveniently stream, a complete set of cables, a subscription to the XSplit-service streaming, and in addition there is a cover (polypropylene).
Having examined the presented top, you just have to conclude which device is best for you and will meet your requirements. It is necessary to consider all the features of the device and select the functions that you will use. This must be done in order not to overpay for unnecessary and unused functionality. With this individual approach, you will be able to save money.
When it comes to buying a new TV, most people turn their attention only to the quality of the transmitted image, as well as specificationson which it depends. The price of the device is also important. But the presence or absence of a digital tuner, as well as its type and quantity, is of little interest to anyone. Not many people pay attention to this. As a result, when there is a desire to connect and watch DTV for free, problems arise and you have to spend money to buy a DVB-T2 tuner separately.
Today we look at what a digital tuner is, what it can be and how it works. This will allow you to approach the choice of a new TV more carefully and decide for yourself whether you need such a device built into the TV or not. Moreover, as already mentioned, a digital tuner can always be bought separately.
What is DTV T2
Before considering the features and types of tuners that exist on TVs today, you need to understand what, in principle, this device is and what it is for. A digital tuner is a receiver or, as it is also called, a decoder that allows the TV to directly receive signals various types broadcast and decode them.
Many newer TV models already have a built-in T2 digital receiver. In addition, there are divisions in which there are two tuners at once - T2 and S2. You can find out exactly what type of device is built into your TV by looking at its technical specifications. If you have a built-in decoder that receives a signal of a different format, then the necessary tuner can always be bought separately.
External tuners are very popular today, since not many Russian citizens have the opportunity to spend a large amount of money on a new TV, and such a set-top box allows you to expand the capabilities of your existing device. The most popular are the T2 format consoles, which allow you to connect and watch digital terrestrial television channels, as well as the DVB-S2 prefix. It is bought if you decide to install a satellite TV antenna, and there is no decoder of this type on the TV.
Broadcasting Standards
As already mentioned, the tuner built into the TV can receive one or more signals of different broadcast formats. Consider the most common options.
- DVB-T. Such a receiver can receive a digital television signal, which transmits a picture of a higher level of quality and clarity. To connect it, you need a regular TV antenna.
- DVB-T2. This is the second generation of DVB-T decoders, which differs from its predecessor in increased channel bandwidth, higher signal characteristics and its architecture. In Russia, this DTV signal format is mainly used. It is impossible to receive it through the DVB-T decoder, because these formats are incompatible.
- DVB-C. A very popular format that can decrypt a digital cable television signal. To start using it, you need to insert the provider card into the corresponding slot.
- DVB-S. With it, you can directly connect a satellite dish to your TV.
- DVB-S2. Like the T2, S2 is the second generation of DVB-S receivers. S and S2 are also incompatible, therefore, to receive a signal of this type, you need an appropriate decoder. This format is distinguished by increased channel capacity and the use of new types of modulation.
When buying a TV you should pay special attention to the marking. So, you can see the inscription DVB-T2 / S2. This means that the TV can receive both terrestrial and satellite digital channels.
Features DVB-S2 and DVB-T2
The built-in digital satellite TV tuner has certain features. In order to watch free TV channels available, it will be not enough for you to simply connect a satellite dish to a TV directly. You will also need to purchase an additional CAM module.
The fact is that without it you will not be able to view encoded channels, but only those that are fully open. This is due to the fact that companies involved in the production of such TVs do not particularly think about this. In addition, changing the firmware or entering a code will not be possible. External satellite tuners, sold with us, have firmware in which all the necessary codes are already entered.
That is why you will need to additionally purchase a CAM module, which must be inserted into the PCMCIA connector. After that, you will need to start the search for channels on the satellites specified by the provider and wait until the TV finds them. After that, you can watch all the closed and paid channels that the SAM module will open for you. This is very convenient, since you do not need to buy and connect an additional receiver, and you only need one remote control to switch channels.
To connect digital terrestrial channels, you do not need to buy anything extra. Simply connect the antenna to the TV and configure the DTV T2. Moreover, you can configure channels either manually or by selecting “Auto Search” in the settings menu.
To watch your favorite movies, broadcasts in excellent quality is not enough today to buy a good TV. You will need more related equipment, and as soon as the equipment is complete, you will definitely make sure that you are not lost. Tuner, receiver, decoder, digital set-top box - it's so hard to figure it all out. Meanwhile, all these names are for the same device, which is necessary in order to receive and decode signals digital tv. In our article, we will find out the digital tuner for the TV - what it is and what it is for.
The benefits of digital television
All televisions are equipped with tuners that receive an analog signal, but after the television has appeared “in digital”, this may not be enough. What is so good about digital broadcasting?
- More high level image quality.
- Good signal protection.
- The possibility of unlocking the potential of modern devices.
- A large number of channels.
- A lot of other functions: teletext, recording the transfer to external media, you can stop the broadcast, then continue it and much more.
Digital Television Broadcasting Standards
The international standardization organization includes national committees from a large number of countries. It consists of special groups that deal with solving problems in various industries.
There are various television standards, let's consider those that are accepted in European countries to understand which digital tuner for a TV is better to choose:
- DVB-C. Is a standard cable digital television. To gain access to the channels, a provider card is inserted into the tuner. This standard is based on motion picture coding and MPEG-2 audio.
- DVB-C2. It is the second generation of the standard indicated above. One carrier in it is replaced by OFDM, which provides additional noise immunity and flexibility.
- DVB-S. It is a digital satellite broadcast. A satellite is used to transmit the signal, but it is received using a satellite dish and a decoder.
Important! This type of digital broadcasting is the most reliable, fast and economical. At the same time, high signal quality is maintained at any distance.
- DVB-S2. It is a modification of the previous standard. It does not bind the transport frame to certain standards; therefore, it is possible to transmit both MPEG-2 transport packets and arbitrary streams having a packet or continuous structure.
- DVB-T. It is a digital terrestrial television. Radio is used to transmit the signal, and an individual or collective antenna connected to a TV or receiver is used for reception. For work, a decimeter or meter range is used.
- DVB-T2. It is the second generation of the previous standard, which has fundamental differences. Thanks to this advanced type of transmission, they are broadcast not only in HDTV format, but also in 3D. Audio and video are compressed into the international MPEG-4 standard.
Important! This technology features improved bandwidth, transmission is more stable.
Choosing a TV tuner
TV tuners are high-tech devices, thanks to which a video signal is received, which is then converted and broadcast on the screen. Which TV tuner is better to buy for a TV, because different manufacturers produce a lot of models?
Important! They all have wide functionality, thanks to which it is possible to capture video not only from external sources, for example, video cameras, but also receive a radio signal. If you install the tuner on a computer, you can safely listen to the radio, watch TV shows and record them, and much more.
As in the case with other modern devices, devices of this type have characteristics and parameters that need to be studied before purchase.
Important! First of all, you need to determine for what tasks the receiver will be used, to watch which television: satellite, digital or analog. To receive satellite or terrestrial digital television, it is worth paying attention to hybrid models in which various television receivers are combined.
It is advisable to decide on some technical details that are of great importance:
Tuner type
These devices can have a different type of installation and design:
- External devices have their own video outputs. You can directly connect these USB tuners to a computer, monitor, or TV. It is usually presented in the form of a small box.
- The view of the internal tuners for the TV, like an expansion card. They are installed inside the computer.
Important! Of course, such devices have a number of advantages, primarily regarding functionality. The downside is that not every computer can insert an additional expansion card.
- A stand-alone tuner does not require a computer and its software. When receiving and processing a signal, the resources of the tuner itself are used.
Important! It has much better reception quality, as well as advanced features.
Popular models
Today, there are many manufacturers on the market, each with their own models of TV technology. This variety may make you dizzy, so let's pay attention to the models that are most popular, find out which TV tuner is better.
Strong SRT 8202
It is one of the leading models in the modern market. Carries out reception of an on-air digital television of the DVB-T and DVB-T2 standards. The image quality is the highest - up to 1080p.
This device has the following functions:
- Teletext
- TV guide;
- Supports recording video to external media;
- Ability to stop the program.
Important! If you use a USB flash drive, you can play files in a variety of formats. Built-in support for AC3 sound.
The device is equipped with a small display to display basic information. In general, it has small dimensions. In addition, this digital TV tuner is equipped with a remote control that is small and easy to use.
Galaxy Innovations Matrix Lite:
- This receiver features support not only for DVB-T2 terrestrial digital broadcasting, but also for satellite DVB-S2 and cable DVB-C. The weight of the device is 230 g, the dimensions are quite compact.
- There are not only standard features, but also Internet browsing.
- The device can be attached to the TV, but you can control it using the remote control thanks to the remote infrared sensor.
- The device supports a maximum resolution of 1080p, which allows you to watch programs in excellent quality.
Important! Thanks to the special function introduced by the developer, energy is consumed very economically. However, you will have to pay more for this.
BBK SMP017HDT2
This device has in its configuration all the most necessary functions, while the price is quite affordable. As in other modern models, you can:
- record and stop broadcasts;
- use a TV guide and teletext;
- watch a TV show a few days in advance.
Built-in support for playing files with different resolutions.
Important! The main disadvantage is the lack of a display, but there is a completely convenient and understandable remote control.
U2C T2 HD Plus
Almost the most inexpensive modern device of this type:
- Built-in support for DVB-T and DVB-T2 standards, the maximum resolution is 1080p.
- With it, you can play a variety of file formats, record and stop video, use teletext and TV guide.
- Setting up, connecting and controlling the device is very simple. All this can be done using the remote control is large enough.
If you want to watch TV shows in excellent quality and at the same time enjoy the sound, our advice is to take a look at the TV tuners that allow you to do this. For the rest, we hope that you have figured out the information in this article, and now choosing the appropriate receiver model is not so difficult for you.
A TV tuner is a device that receives television channels whose signals come from an internal or external antenna, satellite or cable television.
Types of tuners
The tuner for the TV is of three types:
An internal tuner is a board that is installed, for example, inside a computer. Also, special drivers and software are installed with it to work correctly.
An external TV tuner for a TV is a set-top box that connects to a TV or computer. It can work both when the computer / TV is turned on and off.
Hardware external - can connect to the gap between the monitor and the video card. It works without a computer, just a monitor and speakers are enough.
The cheapest
An external TV tuner is the cheapest and also multifunctional. Accepts channels from an antenna or cable television. In addition, there is a function for receiving FM radio. It can also be used as a video capture card. As practice shows, the quality of the received signal of different internal tuners is almost the same. But there are differences in functionality. Cheap tuners cannot sort channels, there is no automatic recognition of the color system, etc.
average price
The middle price category includes devices called external USB TV tuners. Their functionality is the same as that of internal ones. But they have one plus, and it consists in the fact that they can be connected without opening the computer, and used almost immediately after installation. But for laptops it will be inconvenient.
High price range
In the high price category, a hardware external tuner for the TV fell. He is able to make a full-fledged TV from any monitor, which will not depend on the PC. Connect the monitor signal cable to the tuner, and connect the tuner cable to the video card. You will get a high quality image. You do not need to turn on the computer. Its disadvantage is that there is no way to record shows, because the tuner is not connected to a computer. Some models do not have a video input for connecting to a video capture card.
Which one is better?
Nevertheless, you will find a tuner for a hardware-type TV that has the function of video capture and transmission of this information via a USB port in mpeg4 format. However, the cost of such a tuner is much higher, and it will be easier to purchase an internal and another - external. You will also find in the modern market internal and external tuners that are capable of receiving satellite TV. When buying such a device, you should not forget that to receive satellite channels you will need at least the simplest satellite antenna. If you have to record fragments of programs, then the internal tuner will be the most optimal acquisition. And the hardware one will become the best for regular viewing of programs and saving space.
Now you know what a TV tuner is, buy, connect and use as you like, watching your favorite shows, switching between many different TV channels.
