Modern TVs easily receive a DVB-C or DVB-T2 signal. It is in such standards that the signal of cable and digital TV is distributed, respectively. Moreover, some TVs have learned to understand the DVB-S2 standard, so you can connect a satellite dish directly to them! But do we need to say that not all of us have modern TV? At the disposal of many people - just a simple LCD TV, which was created before the popularization of digital television. And the residents of the towns and villages do not have anything at all except the "puzaty" CRT-TV. That is why cable and satellite receivers, which will be discussed today, will enjoy stable demand for a very long time.
Content:
Satellite or cable receiver which company choose
Some people believe that a television receiver is the console that is needed to receive a DVB-T2 signal. But in reality this is not the case, the receivers are smarter devices and they are sharpened primarily for DVB-S2 and DVB-C standards.
In this regard, they look more impressive, the design of their body often causes associations with Hi-Fi technology.
When choosing a satellite or cable receiver, focus on the products of the following companies:
1. World vision
2. Goldmaster
3. StarTrack
4. Opticum
5. Topfieldw
Products of these manufacturers often get the highest quality. They can please with their functionality.
Top Cable Receivers
GoldMaster C-505 HDI
Relatively inexpensive and compact device. It works with the DVB-C standard, namely, cable operators distribute the signal over fiber optic networks. Supported broadcast formats include MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 (H.264). This suggests that even if your operator moves to a more modern format (although almost everyone has already done this), you will not have to change the receiver. And here is the function of recording TV on the flash drive, which uses the usual USB-port.
Maximum television broadcast here is broadcast in HD-resolution. Recorded on USB movies can be displayed and, of course, in Full HD resolution. Among the formats supported by the built-in media player are not only AVI, but also a favorite of many MKVs. Another flash drive can be used to update the software - the latest firmware can always be found on the official website of the manufacturer. The GoldMaster C-505 HDI is connected via HDMI 1.3 or traditional RCA connectors.
Advantages:
- Stable EPG electronic guide;
- The presence of connectors HDMI and RCA;
- Dolby Digital AC-3 codec support;
- The front panel has a small display;
- There is a USB port;
- The media player plays movies in the MKV format;
- Upgradeable firmware;
- Not forgotten RF modulator;
- Can record TV.
Disadvantages:
- No internet connection;
- There is no support for the on-air DVB-T2 standard;
- No CI slot.
Opticum HD XC403p
The large size of this device may surprise at first. Dimensions are explained by the presence of a CI slot. It is allowed to watch not only traditional TV channels, which the cable operator offers by default. You can also connect to paid channels by receiving a special card from your operator, which will be inserted into the CI-slot.
More decent size due to the fact that this device can really be called such a loud word as a receiver. The fact is that there are a large number of connectors: they are much more than on any set-top box. In particular, there is a digital optical output.In short, to the Opticum HD XC403p you can simultaneously connect a TV, a monitor, and a speaker system.
Advantages:
- There is a digital display;
- There is a CI slot;
- There is an electronic EPG guide for seven days;
- Compatible with MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 standards;
- A large number of connectors on the rear wall;
- There is a USB port;
- You can write TV on a flash drive;
- There is an RF modulator;
- Firmware update via internet cable.
Disadvantages:
- Cost may seem high;
- No DVB-T2 support.
Top Combo Receivers
World Vision Premium
This is a real combine. With it you can watch cable TV. If you forgot to pay for the next month of viewing, then you can switch to the on-air standard DVB-T2 - digital TV signals can now be caught in every major Russian city.
The device was created on the basis of the processor ALi M3821. High power made it possible to realize here the content contained on YouTube and some other online services. Connection is via Wi-Fi - no need to pull a separate cable. But the corresponding adapter will have to be bought separately. Of course, there is also a traditional USB port to which the drive is connected with the movies it contains (including in the MKV format). Among other features of the combined receiver is the presence of an RF modulator and a large number of audio and video outputs.
Advantages:
- Well distinguishable digital display;
- Supports DVB-C and DVB-T2 standards;
- There is a USB port;
- Added the ability to record TV shows on the drive;
- Ability to view Internet content;
- Can be connected to the antenna connector on the old TV;
- There is a coaxial digital audio output;
- Works fine electronic TV guide.
Disadvantages:
- No CI slot;
- There may be problems with the 256 QAM modulation;
- Wi-Fi adapter is not included.
Startrack SRT 3030 HD Monster
The device that is easiest to characterize with the words "all in one." Two tuners are built in here. One is designed for DVB-T2 and DVB-C standards (terrestrial and cable television, respectively), and the other is for satellite signal in DVB-S2 standard. Even if you regularly change the way you watch television, the receiver will not stand idle. But that's not all! On the back of the device you can find an RJ-45 port. With it, the device connects to the router (you can also connect a 3G modem to the receiver), after which the owner has the opportunity to access a web browser or YouTube.
Like other devices considered today, the Startrack SRT 3030 HD Monster has a USB port. With it, you can watch content from a flash drive or an external hard drive. Also on the drive, you can write airtime, including a timer. Of the other features, there are two card collectors. This allows, if desired, access to paid channels. Simply put, this receiver gives you the opportunity to watch a record number of channels - if only you had enough money for it. Unfortunately, the card collectors are licensed here, they understand only the modules of the operator "Telekart"
Advantages:
- Many connectors, including - SCART and digital audio outputs;
- Do not forget the USB port;
- There are antenna outputs;
- Present function Timeshift;
- Linux based software;
- You can access the Internet;
- Two TV tuners;
- The front panel has a highly visible digital display;
- Two card collectors.
Disadvantage:
- Pay channels can only be viewed from the operator "Telekart HD."
GI Matrix Lite
Solid combination receiver from Galaxy Innovations. Like the previous model, it has two TV tuners that allow you to watch terrestrial, cable and satellite TV. Available for viewing in standard and in HD-resolution. In the box with the receiver, the buyer will find a special mount. With such a small thing you can fix the device on the wall.
The device includes a licensed card reader recognizing the Conax encoding. This allows you to use the receiver to view paid channels from Telekart HD and some other operators.A curious feature of the device is the ability to connect an external IR receiver. This will help to hide the device from prying eyes, without losing the ability to control it with the remote control. In general, GI Matrix Lite can be considered an excellent choice, since at its not very high cost it offers all the standard functionality. There is even a viewing of online services, but for this you have to additionally buy a special Wi-Fi adapter.
Advantages:
- The creators have not forgotten about the USB-connector;
- The device consists of two TV tuners;
- You can connect an external IR sensor;
- It is possible to record the air;
- Many connectors, including - digital optical audio output;
- There is a card reader.
Disadvantages:
- Wi-Fi adapter sold separately;
- Recorded paid channel broadcasts cannot be played on a PC;
- The card reader is licensed.
Top Satellite Receivers
HDBOX HB 2017
An excellent choice for those who have not yet decided which satellite operator to connect to. The HDBOX HB 2017 receiver was created based on the ALi 3612 processor. It received a card reader with support for Conax encoding, in which several operators, including the Telecard, transmit their signals. There is also a USB port on the case. With it, you can write video to an external hard drive, or watch movies already stored on it. Also available to expand the functionality by connecting a Wi-Fi adapter.
In fact, the HDBOX HB 2017 can be called the simplest device. It does not heat up, and the number of connectors here is minimized - besides HDMI, only a coaxial output can be distinguished. If your TV does not have HDMI-input, it is recommended to use the supplied cable "3.5mm - RCA".
Advantages:
- Miniature sizes;
- Minimum power consumption;
- Stable software;
- On the case there was a place for USB-port;
- The built-in media player is omnivorous;
- Very low price tag.
Disadvantages:
- The card reader is primarily sharpened by the "Telecard";
- The minimum number of connectors;
- Limited functionality;
- Wi-Fi adapter sold separately.
NTV-PLUS 1 HD VA
As it is easy to guess, this satellite receiver was created specifically for those who connected to the operator "NTV-Plus". On sale you can find different sets of the device delivery - with and without an access card. In any case, the device itself in these kits is no different. It has two USB ports that can be used to record TV broadcasts. Importantly, recording is available not only by timer, but also by electronic guide. Not forgotten here, and the function of playing content - are recognized, including movies in MKV format.
The heart of the device is the STi237 processor. On the rear panel of the receiver can detect the Ethernet port. But it is premature to rejoice, because first of all it is intended only for updating the firmware. Other connectors include HDMI, RCA and SCART. Will be present at the owner and the ability to output digital sound - for this is used optical S / PDIF. By the way, in this way the sound is output to the home theater - in this case the Dolby Digital 5.1 format is applied.
Advantages:
- Fully compatible with NTV-Plus;
- There is a built-in media player;
- The firmware is updated from time to time;
- Among the connectors on the back there is an optical audio output;
- You can write the ether, using for this television guide;
- Realized recording of the air while watching another channel.
Disadvantages:
- Not the widest functionality;
- Only one tuner;
- The card reader is sharpened strictly under the "NTV-Plus."
Which satellite or cable receiver to buy
1. GoldMaster C-505 HDI is designed strictly for viewing cable television. The DVB-T2 over-the-air signal will have to be forgotten, since its support is absent here.
2. Opticum HD XC403p offers a little more advanced functionality - you can subscribe to paid channels with it.
3. World Vision Premium has support for both cable and terrestrial digital television. It also allows you to watch online content, but this will require a special adapter.
4. Startrack SRT 3030 HD Monster was created for those who want everything at once.There are two TV tuners that recognize terrestrial, satellite and cable signals. When you connect a Wi-Fi or 3G-adapter access to the global web.
5. GI Matrix Lite is one of the most inexpensive ways to simultaneously connect to cable and satellite operators.
6. HDBOX HB 2017 is intended primarily for subscribers of "Telecard". But it can work with the signals of satellites of other operators, then you just have to forget about pay channels.
7. In the direction of NTV-PLUS 1 HD VA should look subscribers "NTV-Plus."
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