TV tuners well show how strongly a specific type of electronic devices can transform in a short period of time. More recently, TV tuners were installed in the system unit of a desktop computer, connecting to the motherboard or USB-connector. But now this version of this type of device is becoming increasingly rare. TV tuners in the form of consoles that connect to a TV or monitor have become much more common. First of all, they are designed to watch digital TV, rather than analog, as it was before. They also allow you to listen to music or watch movies stored on a USB flash drive. In short, it's time to get acquainted with the best TV tuners, the purchase of which does not disappoint Russian consumers.
Content:
Which company TV tuner to choose
In the production of high-quality TV tuner is nothing complicated. We can say that the electronic part of such a device migrated from DVD-players. In fact, the same codecs are used here, on the case you can find the same USB-connector, even video outputs use similar ones - only in a smaller number.
What is missing is an optical disc tray. Therefore, it is not surprising that the most popular manufacturer of such devices is the Chinese company BBK - it felt quite at ease in the era of DVD players. Of course, other manufacturers are also present in this market, but they can no longer boast of such massive sales.
We advise you to pay attention to the TV tuners under the following brands:
1. BBK
2. D-COLOR
3. HARPER
4. SUPRA
5. AVerMedia Technologies
The fifth brand named by us is mainly engaged in the creation of video components for PCs. Therefore, its devices are usually engaged not only in showing television, but also in capturing some other video signal (for example, from a game console or video recorder).
Best external TV tuners (digital)
Digifors HD 50
Perhaps the best budget solution. For absolutely ridiculous money, the device allows you to comfortably watch a signal broadcast in DVB-T2 standard. During operation, the TV tuner heats up, but not to critical temperatures.
The device displays the maximum picture in Full HD resolution. On its front panel there is a USB port to which you can connect a flash drive or a 2.5-inch drive. However, the list of supported formats cannot be called complete - heavy MKV files can be played with slow downs.
Importantly, on the back of the Digifors HD 50 is a large number of connectors. If you cannot connect an HDMI cable to your TV, then a traditional three-tulip cord will come to the rescue. And there is also a coaxial digital audio output used to connect a good speaker system.
Advantages:
- In addition to HDMI, there are traditional connectors for tulips;
- Very low cost;
- Included is an RCA cable, remote control and batteries for it;
- There is a coax audio output on the back;
- There is a USB-connector for the flash drive;
- There are recording and deferred viewing modes.
Disadvantages:
- No FM radio;
- Some difficulties with playing heavy files;
- The remote control should be aimed strictly at the console.
D-COLOR DC1302HD
This device can hardly be called very small. Its creators tried to slightly increase the height, so that information from the digital display was clearly visible even to an elderly person with poor eyesight. As it should be, the device is designed for watching digital TV, distributed in the DVB-T2 standard.
Connection to the TV is carried out either using an HDMI cable, or through a cord with traditional tulips.There are no wireless modules here. But there is a USB-port. With it, the device turns into a full-fledged media player, allowing you to watch movies stored on a flash drive.
The device supports PVR function. This suggests that the TV tuner is able to record the broadcast at the appointed time. It turns out the so-called deferred viewing, which was once upon a time first appeared on video clips — TVs combined with a video recorder.
Advantages:
- The presence of HDMI and RCA-outputs;
- Built-in high power tuner;
- There is a function of recording TV on the flash drive;
- Support for Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder;
- There is a USB connector;
- Relatively low cost.
Disadvantages:
- Heats up quite strongly;
- Too short power cord;
- You can't listen to FM radio;
- There is no correct zooming of the picture.
HARPER HDT2-1005
One of the easiest tv tuners. It is possible that this is what made him so popular. People like that the creators have eliminated all unnecessary from the case of the device. On the front panel, in addition to a pair of logos, you can only find an IR signal receiver from the remote control and a USB connector. There is no display here - all information is displayed on the TV screen. On the back wall you can find the traditional connectors - HDMI and RCA.
The device allows you to watch not only digital TV, but also movies stored on a flash drive. Also on the USB-drive can record TV, if you need it. The device is sold at a very low price. But in most cases, everything will not be limited to the money that is asked for the HARPER HDT2-1005. The fact is that in the box you will find the remote control, batteries, the device itself and all sorts of papers. A cable to connect to the TV will have to either search at home, or buy separately.
Advantages:
- Maximum simplified operation;
- Minimum sizes and weight;
- Do not forget the USB port;
- You can record TV;
- There are all popular connectors for connecting to a TV;
- Extremely low price tag.
Disadvantages:
- MKV movies are played without sound;
- No FM tuner;
- The remote control needs to be pointed directly at the tuner;
- Long switching between channels.
BBK SMP240HDT2
This prefix is made in the traditional form factor. The body was made of black plastic. On the top panel you can find air vents. On the front wall are a variety of logos, three buttons (on and channel switching), an infrared receiver and USB-port.
Using the latter, you can use a USB flash drive to watch or listen to the content contained on it. However, heavy files may experience problems with outgoing video and audio.
It is noticeable that the Chinese at the factory operates low quality control. Some buyers complain of a variety of breakdowns. Others are faced with flickering images when using a simple antenna.
Some noted that the remote echoes the infrared commands of the TV. And only about half of the people have this TV tuner working properly. It ranked our rating due to its high prevalence and low cost.
Advantages:
- Simple use;
- In addition to the HDMI connector, there is a place for connecting tulips;
- The case has a USB port;
- You can save the broadcast on a flash drive;
- Pocket to many people.
Disadvantages:
- Radio you can only listen to digital;
- Low reliability;
- There may be some problems with the translation menu;
- Not the best built-in media player.
The best external TV tuner for PC
AVerMedia Technologies AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2
This is a small device that is not larger than a conventional USB flash drive. Comes complete with drivers and a special program. But it is much easier to download them from the manufacturer’s website. However, recently the CD with software has completely ceased to be invested in the box. In addition to the TV tuner, you can find a remote control, batteries, an antenna for FM radio, a portable TV antenna, and a special cable that combines composite connectors and S-Video.All this is necessary not only to watch television or listen to the radio. All this is useful if you decide to capture an external video signal. For example, you can digitize old video tapes using a video recorder and a TV tuner.
The program supplied with the device writes video using the H.264 codec. But some users point out that in the future with the installation of the resulting video there are problems. Therefore, it is recommended to use third-party programs to capture video. But with watching TV there are no problems. The device supports both analogue signal and DVB-T2 standard.
Advantages:
- It even works on older operating systems;
- Included is everything you need;
- Minimum size;
- You can set up a timer recording;
- Analog and digital standards are supported;
- There is the possibility of video capture on tulips or S-Video;
- There is an FM tuner.
Disadvantages:
- Not the most thoughtful software;
- Low sensitivity;
- Strong heating of the electronics inside;
- Long switching digital channels.
Best Internal TV Tuner for PC
AverMedia AVerTV Nova T2
This TV tuner is inserted into the PCI-Express slot, which is present on all motherboards. In addition, the buyer will find a special bar in the box, which will be needed by owners of low-profile cases. Also there is a remote IR sensor, remote control, antenna, universal cable and all sorts of paper. Among the supported standards for digital TV is DVB-T2, so there will be no problems with signal reception in Russia. Analog TV tuner is too tough. But in most cities it will not bother anyone. But the lack of FM-radio will disappoint someone.
Especially for this device are written a variety of drivers. As a result, the TV tuner is determined by almost any operating system from the Windows family - from XP to “ten”. The maximum device can display a picture in 1080p resolution.
Developed by the same manufacturer, the program allows you to record a timer on television. However, this will have to use its interface, since there are simply no corresponding buttons on the remote control. But to capture video from another device is better to use third-party programs.
Advantages:
- It even works on Windows XP;
- Easy installation;
- Supports high resolution;
- Video capture from the game console or the videorecorder is possible;
- Broadcast recording function;
- Present function "picture in picture."
Disadvantages:
- Not the best software;
- No FM radio support;
- Simplified remote control, which does not have many useful buttons.
Which TV tuner to buy
There are two main types of TV tuners. The first group includes devices connected to a monitor or TV - they do not need a computer.
If you need just such a device, we recommend that you look at the following models:
1. Digifors HD 50. It is inexpensive and pleases the functional.
2. HARPER HDT2-1005 and D-COLOR DC1302HD may offer the ability to view content stored on a USB drive.
3. BBK SMP240HDT2 has full support for the MKV format. However, about half the circulation of this device suffers from one or other flaws in the design. Therefore, this model before buying need to meticulously check.
The second group includes TV tuners for the computer. Among them are both internal and external copies. For example:
1. AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2 connects to a USB port. With it you can not only watch television, but also digitize old video tapes.
2. AverMedia AVerTV Nova T2. This model is different in that it is inserted into the motherboard located in the system unit. Also, the creators of this TV tuner decided to get rid of the support of analog television. But now it is difficult to consider a serious shortcoming.
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