If your TV is technically outdated: do not know how to go online and play video games - do not rush to buy a new one. The best TV set-top boxes will demonstrate all the features of the "numbers" and full-fledged Smart-TV.
Content:
What TV set is better to buy
Modern TVs are already catching up on their functional tablet computers, and in some ways even surpass them.
With the most advanced models, you can find a built-in digital receiver, CI and LAN connectors, but even more possibilities open up to Smart-TV owners. To "pull up" your old TV to their level, you need the appropriate decoders and multifunctional set-top boxes.
If the user wants to connect a cable or satellite broadcast, he will need an appropriate decoder with support for DVB-C format in the first case and with a built-in connector for CAM cards - in the second.
Well, you can turn a morally outdated device into a modern device using the Smart-TV set-top box that connects to the Internet via an Enternet-cable or Wi-Fi. Advanced TV boxes work best with HDMI-grade FullHD TVs, but if you want you can easily make friends with classic kinescopes via “tulips”.
We have already talked about the selection of set-top boxes in my article. And now let's see how we will be pleased with the digital box manufacturers this year.
Top DVB-T2 Tuners
These are the easiest and cheapest tuners to work with terrestrial signals. They convert the digital stream (DVB-T2) to analog (DVBT) so that the TV can broadcast the package of federal channels. But recently manufacturers of DVB-T2 tuners are increasingly producing hybrid models that are not limited to these functions only.
Selenga HD 950 D - miniature receiver with IPTV function
At the end of 2018, Selenga presented a hybrid DVB-T2 receiver with support for LAN and Wi-Fi adapters, as well as IPTV, Youtube and MEGOGO.
The decoder does not have built-in memory, but several external devices may well turn it into an analog Smartbox.
The front panel of the device contains a digital clock, USB 2.0 connector and a push-button control panel. It allows you to customize the console manually without a remote control — you never know where it will go.
Behind are the antenna outputs, another USB-port and HDMI, as well as a composite group for connecting the cable with "tulips".
HD 950 D receives 20 terrestrial channels, radio, supports DVB-C (cable television). Of the additional features worth noting: subtitles, teletext, Time Shift and parental controls.
Advantages:
- strong signal anywhere in the house;
- broadcast free channels in DVB-C-format;
- self-tuning;
- FEC robust encoding;
- copes well with the functions of the media player;
- low cost
Disadvantages:
- no reset button;
- fast heating;
- The clock on the panel is adjusted only after flashing.
Selenga HD is suitable for those who want to view network content, even on obsolete TVs.
Oriel 421UD - with cable TV and Internet services
At first glance, the prefix 421UD seems to be a Selengov twin. It also reads cable channels and opens up Internet access. However, the developers saved up their chip for the 421UD in order to stand out among the competitors.
On the Oriel, a new generation of GX 3235S processor was installed, which does not allow the device to overheat. As a result, it almost does not lag and reads information faster, so when playing movies from flash drives the picture does not hang.
On the front and back panel of the console are located USB 2.0 connectors with recording support. The presence of a coaxial digital output allows you to use it simultaneously to power the connected audio system.
The very same device will please such TV functions as a program guide, teletext, timer recording, deferred viewing, the parent key.
Advantages:
- pure signal;
- DVB-C format support (viewing unencrypted channels);
- Wi-Fi internet connection;
- Dolby Digital support;
- power supply via RF input for connecting the antenna.
Disadvantages:
- on the manufacturer's website there is no firmware;
- It's hard to set up a clock on the front.
Most often, the Oriel 421UD tuner is used as a media player, as well as for watching Youtube channels. But the functionality of this console is much broader - you should not discount them.
Best DVB-C Cable Receivers
DVB-C format decoder is used to connect to cable TV. The device provides access to free channels, and in the presence of a CAM-module - to coded packets.
Selenga T81D - 2-in-1 Prefix
The combined set-top box supports DVB-T2 and DVB-C formats (STB standard). The model is traditionally equipped with USB 2.0, which allows it to be used as a media player, as well as a recording device.
The port is placed on the front panel together with a push-button control panel and a timer display. Located behind the antenna output, HDMI-connector, as well as a second USB.
Selenga T 81 D supports audio codecs such as AAC, MPEG, MP3 and AC3. And the installed PVR function package opens up a whole sea of possibilities for the user: timer recording, program guide, viewing records in various modes (delayed, accelerated and slow) and many others.
When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, additional functions become available: weather, RSS-reading, Youtube, Gmail, Megogo.
Advantages:
- IPTV support;
- convenient remote control;
- easy setup;
- simultaneous recording of several programs;
- the price is a little over a thousand rubles.
Disadvantages:
- not enough power to play MP4;
- no CI port;
- no composite group.
Selenga T81D is a convenient model for those who want to combine watching cable and terrestrial television in one device, as well as enjoy the functions of IPTV.
Galaxy Innovations Uni 2 - productive model with Android on board
The prefix is based on the Amlogic S905D 64-bit processor. It includes 4 high-performance ARM CORTEX-A53 cores (1.5 GHz), which process and transmit information much faster than 32-bit counterparts. For the average user, this means that the picture on the screen will not “crumble” and hang.
The console has 1 GB of RAM, MALI-450 graphics at 750 MHz. There is support for flash media for 16 gigs and Open GL.
Uni 2 plays all known video formats, including 4K, and is equipped with contrast and full-color image technologies (HDR 10 and HLG).
Among the features of this model are the digital optical sound output S / PDIF, support for Miracast and KoDI player.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly;
- adequate work Android;
- Wi-Fi support;
- pure signal;
- access to the Play Market;
- produces video with a resolution of up to 1080p.
Disadvantages:
- The remote control must be sent to the console - otherwise it will simply not “see” it;
- There are no control keys on the device itself.
Uni 2 can partially replace a failed computer, smartphone or laptop, as it supports Internet access - at least all the multimedia functions and surfing it will pull.
The best satellite receivers DVB-S2
To connect and activate satellite TV, you will need a CI slot or a DVB-S2 tuner. Most often, the service providers themselves install all the necessary equipment to their customers, as Tricolor TV does.
GS B528 - prefix from "Tricolor" with the function of IPTV
A tuner with a server receiver comes with a single-card scratch card and a number of pre-installed features: Cinema halls, Featured on TV, Online TV, Telearchive, TV-mail, and 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. The Tricolor company gives an additional guarantee certificate for this model.
Advantages:
- the ability to connect to any TV;
- USB 3.0 port for connecting an external hard drive;
- watch IPTV;
- Timeshift mode;
- the ability to create your own lists of TV and radio channels;
- connect to the game console.
Disadvantages:
- There is no option to view online channels in UltraHD format;
- Does not support AC3 audio standard.
The B528 receiver will appeal to lovers of high-quality picture in ultra-quality. This model Tricolor offers its new subscribers who connect satellite TV for the first time.
Open Box AS4K CI Pro - compact and super functional
Unlike the previous model, the Open Box is more versatile. It receives signals from Tricolor TV and NTV +, but its Internet capabilities are even better.
In fact, we have a mini computer on the Android 7.0 platform with support for Torrent TV, KODi and Air Play. RAM has 2 gigabytes of flash memory - 16 GB.
The panel contains a rather large fleet of interfaces: a card reader, a CI + slot, an Ethernet controller, USB2.0 and 3.0 ports, and a microSD reader.
Open Box has remained the market leader in satellite receivers for several years, but this year the console has been upgraded to the PRO level, adding a few additional options: the original Internet browser, its own OS and support for 3G modems.
Now users have the opportunity to connect to the console a wireless headset, as well as use it as a simple gaming console. Especially for the Open Box has already developed a lot of online games that can be downloaded from the Play Market.
Advantages:
- subscription to several satellite packages;
- remote control function;
- Huawei processor with high-quality accelerator;
- pretty fresh Android 7;
- reading audio and video files of all formats.
Disadvantages:
- short power supply wire;
- possible overheating during prolonged use.
The pro-version of the popular AS4KCI model will appeal to satellite TV fans, since it provides access to connecting channel packages of different operators.
The best consoles Smart TV
It's about consoles with a LAN-connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and a Wi-Fi receiver. They provide the user with maximum access to network platforms and IPTV.
With this box and a few extra gadgets, the owner of any TV will be able to visit social networks, call up on Skype, watch news feeds and videos on Youtube, as well as play "on the grid."
Me Cool M8S Plus - the best of the budget
Boxing with Android 7.1 operating system. Built on the Amlogic S905W processor. This is the most decent chip in the budget segment, able to recognize the 4K format.
The device received 8 gigabytes of internal memory, however, more than half of the system files and applications are occupied here, so that users are left with no more than 3.5 GB.
When connecting the antenna cable box can be used as a DVB-T2 decoder.DRM licensing certificates include Google Widevine L1, as well as HDCP 1.x for viewing Netflix HD.
As for connectors for external connection, everything is standard and functional here: two USB ports, RJ45, HDMI, AV and antenna input - the whole park is placed on the rear panel. Here is the power button, although it is not very convenient.
Advantages:
- clear picture;
- stable signal;
- Russian IPTV emulator;
- preinstalled MX Player;
- practically does not heat during prolonged use;
- open root, which allows you to experiment with the firmware.
Disadvantages:
- not every TV will make friends;
- Software without updates.
M8S Plus is suitable for those who want to buy a full-fledged smart set-top box and at the same time save on the purchase.
Among budget models it is the best - both in terms of characteristics and quality of reproduction of “heavy” formats.
Apple 4K - a model of the future
Stationary media player without a hard disk based on the tvOS operating system meets all the requirements for smart set-top boxes. It plays FLAG, HD, SDR, HDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision and 4K.
The developers promise that in the foreseeable future there will be an extension for working with the Dolby Atmos audio format (this is when the sound wave takes into account the location of objects in space).
The prefix of the fifth generation is not very different from its predecessor in appearance - except that the stylish console was slightly modified by circling the Menu button with a bright white circle. But in the smartest box, Gigabit Ethernet appeared already, so even 4K video can be watched online.
From the pleasant: the smart box itself regulates the sound, turns the TV on and off, works with a huge number of “burzhuynsky” services (iTune, Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime).
Advantages:
- high speed;
- convenient remote control with touchpad;
- integration with PC, tablet and smartphone;
- low power consumption.
Disadvantages:
- there is no separate audio output - all signals go through HDMI;
- English voice assistant.
The purchase of this advanced set-top box is not yet relevant for everyone - simply because there is little content of such high quality. But as a foundation for the future, Apple 4K is out of competition.
Best TV set-top boxes for games
TV set-top boxes successfully combine the functions of the tuner, Smart-TV and game console. Due to the increased memory capacity, these devices process information faster, play any video without delay and allow you to create extensive media libraries.
nVidia Shield PRO - a TV box with colossal game features
As soon as in 2016, nVidia announced the release of a game media console, gamers around the world stopped waiting.
A game console with a joystick, remote control, media player and a 500 GB hard drive supported all possible connection interfaces.
In 2018, it was improved by adding a number of features: support for 120 Hz monitors, simplified access to sleep mode, improved streaming of GeForce NOW, support for in-voice chat, nVidia Share for screenshots and screen recording, streaming games, etc.
The updated model plays videos of all possible formats and does not rasterize the picture, and audio files can play using Dolby Atmos technologies.
The console operates on the basis of the original 4-core nVidia Tegra X1 processor using the Android 7.1 system.
Advantages:
- high performance;
- access to 800 online channels through the created media library;
- voice search and input in Russian;
- comfortable joystick;
- compact dimensions;
- 4K and HDR format support.
Disadvantages:
- no HDMI cable included;
- There is no shutdown mode.
Shield Pro has a high price, which honestly works out. This device will appeal to experienced gamers and connoisseurs of high-speed IPTV.
Xiaomi Mi Box - with a focus on multimedia content
Xiaomi Mi Box is a great alternative to expensive gaming consoles. Like the Shield Pro, this console turned out to be very functional, although basically it was a merit of the Google Assistant and the Play Market.
Also, the device recognizes voice commands, for which the manufacturer has integrated a microphone into the complete Bluetooth remote control.
The device is equipped with an Amlogic S905 processor with 4 cores and two OP gigs. Operating system is of course Android in TV version 6.0, since this is a joint project of Xiaomi and Google. Mali-450 is responsible for the graphics, and the console itself is able to work with the latest VP9 and 4K2K formats.
Advantages:
- convenient "axis" Android TV;
- 5 hertz Wi-Fi module;
- built-in microphone in the remote;
- support for resolutions from 480p to 4KSMPTE;
- hardware support for all audio formats and codecs;
- acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
- just one USB connector;
- no microSD reader.
The prefix Mi Box is suitable for novice gamers, but the game component here is just a nice addition to the broadest multimedia capabilities.
Top TV sticks
Externally, the TV-stick is very similar to a USB flash drive, but in fact it is a compact kind of Smart-console and connects to the screen via the HDMI port. Despite their miniature, such devices have the same technical characteristics as traditional smart systems.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K - with Alexa Voice Assistant
TV-stick on the Android operating system supports 4K UltraHD resolution, connects to a TV via HDMI and has a separate micro USB port, which is powered during operation. Included with the device is attached the appropriate adapter and remote control.
The model is able to play video up to 60 frames / sec, which improves the quality and detail of the picture. For signal transmission technology is used HDR, which increases the depth and saturation of the image. Fire TV supports Netflix, Hulu, HBO, ShowTome, and PlayMarket.
Advantages:
- high quality image;
- voice assistant;
- 8 GB of internal memory;
- Dolby Atmos support;
- correct operation of third-party applications;
- easy to manage.
Disadvantages:
- Alexa recognizes commands in English only.
Amazon's new stick will appeal to those who appreciate picture quality in television, do not like messing around with a bunch of wires, and are ready to communicate with Alexa assistant in her native language (or not at all).
Amlogic X96S tv Stick - with the eighth Android on board
AmLogic X96S is a miniature version of the TV set-top box on the Android 8 platform. The stick easily handles large EPG archives and is suitable for IPTV broadcasts. Available in 2 versions, differing from each other only in memory: 2/16 GB and 4/32.
Included with the device is a microUSB cable, power adapter, HDMI wire, IR receiver and remote control. The device supports wireless connection via BT 4.2 and Dual Band Wi-Fi.
Advantages:
- energy efficient processor with overheating protection;
- fast system boot (12 sec.);
- a good amount of RAM;
- dual view;
- root access
Disadvantages:
- heavy games go better at low settings.
The device is useful to those who do not like to wait long for the system to boot and is actively using IPTV.
It will be interesting to friends too
