Modern technologies do not stand still, but are developing very actively. This is most noticeable in the format of digital technology - now there is a widespread rejection of analog broadcasting in favor of digital and satellite. These two types of television broadcasts offer better picture quality, stable signal and clear sound. Unfortunately, not all televisions in the homes of users are able to work with this type of signal. So that people can watch channels in high quality, special equipment was developed, called the receiver.
Today, a large number of such devices are on sale, each of which has its own principle of operation and other distinctive qualities. For an inexperienced user, choosing the best product for themselves will not be easy, since a significant number of factors must be taken into account. To facilitate this task, we decided to write a review of the best receivers in 2019. However, before starting to analyze the qualities of specific models, let's figure out what exactly when choosing a receiver you should pay attention to.
Summary of the rating:
What qualities are important when buying a television receiver?
Broadcasting of digital television channels is carried out in DVB T2 format, so the receiver must be purchased with support for this technology. You should immediately consider what functions are necessary for this equipment, since the cost of the device will directly depend on them. The simplest models are designed for only one single function - receiving the required signal format, however, there are designs that can record broadcasts on the hard drive, pause the program when viewing, rewind, activate or deactivate subtitles.
Many models support broadcast quality in HD with a resolution of up to 1080i, however, on sale you can find designs that can work with 3D format and 4K resolution. Such broadcasting in most cases is paid and encoded. You can catch free channels, but they will have much less exclusive content. For complete information about the channels, you can contact the selected provider, which will tell you the type of receiver you need and select the required service package.
In order to transmit the signal to the end user, one of three methods is used - via satellite, cable and digital broadcasting. All three of these methods are somehow connected with the receiver. According to experts, the cable connection is considered the least quality, because it is designed for models of TVs of past generations. If there are several TVs in the apartment or in the house, then they can be connected to one receiver. That's just according to experts, in this case, the picture quality will be significantly lower, the same they say about sound.
By itself, this console can be equipped with a wide variety of connectors, which are usually located on the rear end. There are often USB ports, a card slot, usually located in front or side.At the back you can find the HDMI port, Ethernet, inputs for video and audio, a power button. The number and variety of connectors may vary depending on the make and model of the receiver. Be sure the device must be equipped with a remote control that comes with the receiver. It is worth noting that in many modern devices there is a Wi-Fi module.
The main advantage of digital television over satellite is that it is absolutely free. Most people have enough standard federal and local channels, but in terms of using satellite television, in any case, you will have to pay money as a monthly fee. In terms of maintenance of the device and the correctness of its operation, everything directly depends on the provider, so it is advisable to learn more about it before connecting.
When choosing models to include in our rating of the best receivers, we took into account all the factors discussed above, and also drew attention to user reviews and the price / quality ratio of the model, so the most expensive products were not included in our review. Now let's analyze the useful characteristics of each model.
Satellite models
5. DTS 54
This is the simplest design, which is not equipped with almost no additional features, which makes it the most budgetary in our review. The appearance is quite simple - the body of the product is made of high-quality matte plastic, on which traces of dust, touch, various kinds of pollution are not visible. On the surface there are several slots for ventilation, which reliably protects the device from overheating. There are not very many connectors either - one for power supply, another input for an antenna, as well as an HDMI jack, which allows you to connect the device directly to the TV. There is only one port for the access card, so you can work with only one provider. This connector is located on the side, so placing a card or removing it will be quite simple.
Directly on the case itself there are buttons for switching channels, volume control. The remote control is quite convenient, has an ergonomic shape, comfortably fits in your hand. The receiver does not have a USB connector, but there are buttons on the remote control for recording and playback from an external drive. It loads at first power-up for about 20 seconds - quite a long time, the channels switch quickly, the picture quality is quite acceptable even when using the device on large screens. The Tricolor company is engaged in the manufacture and sale of this equipment, so the receiver will be optimally combined with the channels broadcast by this provider.
Benefits:
- Good image quality;
- Reasonable cost;
- There is everything necessary for the correct operation.
Disadvantages:
- It works with only one provider - Tricolor.
4. General Satellite GS B534M
The overall dimensions of this device are small, on the surface of the case there is a USB input, it is possible to watch television channels in the highest resolution. The receiver has built-in memory, the volume of which is 16 GB, thanks to which it is possible to record television broadcasts. The equipment has a “time-shift” function, which allows you to pause the broadcast. If necessary, you can edit the channel list. The menu itself is quite modern and very easy to use. The remote control has an ergonomic shape, it is convenient to hold it in your hands, reaching the buttons has become much easier.
A USB port is located on the front of the device. At the back you can find two LNB ports, slots for HDMI, Ethernet cables, as well as a composite video output. One of the main distinguishing features is the presence of a connector for a remote infrared receiver. This receiver is equipped with two TV tuners, but there is only one card slot.Thanks to access to the Internet, emails will be displayed directly on the TV screen. The device provides support for the DiSEqVC format, due to which you can redirect the dish to another satellite in automatic mode using a motor suspension.
Benefits:
- Extended functionality
- A large number of ports;
- It is possible to connect a remote infrared receiver.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes it can slow down.
3. Tiviar Mini HD
It is equipped with a tuner that supports the DVB-S2 standard, which easily copes with the reception of a television signal from satellite transmitters. As many users note in their reviews, this model is not only a receiver, but also a true full-fledged media center. The design is equipped with HDMI, SPDIF connectors, two USB ports, a slot for installing the module, a receiver for access cards is provided. This equipment gives the user the ability to watch programs simultaneously on many devices, and you can also manage the product itself in a remote format. Thanks to the ultra-modern filling, you can use the device on the iOS platform as a remote control. To do this, you will have to download the special AirTivi + application, which is available in a free format on the Apple Store. After installation on the device, you will need to activate the "Media Server" mode.
If necessary, through the USB port you can connect not only ordinary flash drives, but also full-format external hard drives, the volume of which can reach 1 TB. It is worth noting that it is absolutely not necessary to physically connect, you can do this through a local computer network. There is a function of deferred viewing. The receiver has a built-in player, so through it you can listen to music, view photos and video clips. If you install additional plugins on this device, then through it you can work with many Internet services. The receiver can be connected to a home theater, which ensures sound quality at the level of Dolby Digital 5.1 format. The device comes with a remote control, a remote infrared receiver, and there is also a bracket designed to be attached to the back of the TV.
Benefits:
- Quite reasonable cost;
- Ability to use as a media center.
Disadvantages:
- When you turn it on for the first time, it’s very difficult to properly configure it.
2. General Satellite GS A230
It is a fairly stylish design that does not even have to be hidden from prying eyes. The upper part and the front panel are made of glossy black plastic, on which fingerprints, dust and other dirt will be clearly visible. The lower edge on the front side is made of light gray plastic. The central part of the front panel is an LED that glows in orange. In addition to digital displays, here you can see very functional and informative icons. On the left you can see several touch buttons without explanatory inscriptions. For the full use of this equipment, you don’t have to install a smart card, since the ID for working with the Tricolor provider is built into the firmware of the product.
The card slot is still present, the installed card will protrude approximately 5 mm outside the device, so you can pull it out with your fingers if necessary. The design is designed so that it can only be installed on a horizontal surface. However, if necessary, the receiver can be hidden from prying eyes, using a remote infrared receiver, but it will have to be purchased separately. The product is based on the STMicroelectronics processor; a small radiator is used here as a cooling system. There is a hard drive, the capacity of which is 1 TB, it also provides a fairly powerful Wi-Fi module.The remote control has a compact overall dimensions, on it there are only 36 buttons with inscriptions in Russian.
Benefits:
- Support for resolution in the highest quality;
- 1 TB hard drive is provided;
- Extended functionality.
Disadvantages:
- It is quite expensive.
1. AX (Opticum) HD51 4K
It can receive a video signal to one or two tuners, depending on the configuration of the device. The model runs on the Linux operating system, the maximum supported resolution is 3840x2160 pixels, image quality can increase from SD and HD to 4K. The basis of this device is the rather powerful ARM BCM 7251s processor, which operates at a frequency of 1.5 GHz, there are 4 GB of internal memory and 1 GB of RAM. The operating system allows you to fine-tune the receiver, which provides a full view of the encoded channels. The display is mounted on the front of the device. It displays all the information the user needs - time, channel number, name of the broadcast program, various icons that indicate various functions.
The remote control has a plastic case with a matte finish, characterized by excellent ergonomic characteristics. In particular, in its lower part there are special protrusions for a comfortable girth. All buttons are rubberized, have a fairly large size, are pressed quietly. The system has a passive cooling system, so the receiver functions completely silently. This receiver is distinguished by an excellent price-quality ratio, it has stable operation, can receive satellite, terrestrial and cable signals, converting them to 4K resolution.
Benefits:
- Supports the highest resolution that is found today;
- Equipped with the most powerful processor;
- 4 GB of internal memory with the ability to connect an external hard drive;
- As an operating system, Linux is used, which is characterized by high speed.
Disadvantages:
- Apart from the high price was not found.
Digital receivers
3. Selenga T81D
This set-top box is capable of working with terrestrial and cable formats. After connecting to a TV and activating the DVC format, the channel search is carried out within minutes. According to users, you can catch up to 200 channels. The menu is very convenient, with its help you can change the format and resolution of the image, play video and audio files. The body of the structure is made of high-quality black plastic with a matte finish; there are practically no types of fingerprints and other types of pollution on it. Products are characterized by small overall dimensions - 63x125x28 mm with a mass of 330 grams. The front panel is made of translucent plastic. It has all the buttons necessary to control the device. There is also a LED type display where the channel number will be displayed or the time if the device is in standby mode. If necessary, the device can be used even without a remote control.
There are not too many connectors on the product - one USB port, one HDMI connector, an input for connecting an antenna and composite outputs for video and audio. This device is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to access the Internet through a TV, view the news feed, weather, email and so on. A distinctive quality of the software is the installed application for viewing IPTV. If there is no connection to cable television, the device will scan the meter and decimeter ranges, where you can catch about 20 channels.
Benefits:
- Compact overall dimensions;
- There is an opportunity, if necessary, to go online;
- Automatically adjust image quality depending on the resolution of the TV.
Disadvantages:
- The cooling system does not work very well, so the device can get quite hot.
2. D-COLOR DC1302HD
In its class, these products are one of the most inexpensive and simple to operate and use. It can receive a signal from the simplest antennas, it functions well with any external media, the sensitivity of the antenna input is at the highest level. Using this set-top box, you can play any audio and video formats. USB and HDMI connectors are provided, which allows you to connect products not only to an ordinary TV, but also to a computer monitor. The menu is quite simple - even a not too experienced user can figure it out. Built-in memory allows you to store up to 999 channels. The device has a large number of additional functions - a timer for turning off and on, teletext, automatic search, and so on.
If necessary, channels can be sorted, removed unnecessary. There is a parental control function, the prefix is Russified. The device works with the NTFS file system, so it can support not only traditional flash drives, but also large-capacity hard drives. Like most similar devices, there is a TimeShift function that allows you to pause the ongoing broadcast or record a program.
Benefits:
- Built-in power supply;
- All the necessary control buttons are on the case, so using the remote control is not necessary;
- Qualitatively catches and holds the received signal.
Disadvantages:
- Short power cable;
- An HDMI cable is not provided, it will have to be purchased separately.
1. BBK SMP240HDT2
This model is characterized by rather high demand among consumers, largely due to its stable operation and reasonable cost. The device is being manufactured in China, therefore, while it is new, it will have a characteristic odor. This design is not just receivers responsible for receiving channels and transcoding the signal for output to the screen, but also an original media player that allows you to play videos in HD format. The body of the device is made of high-quality metal with a matte finish. It has a significant number of holes designed for free passage of air. This provides a high degree of ventilation, so the device will not overheat during operation. They must not be closed, otherwise the device will become hot.
According to users, the manufacturing quality of the equipment is at a very high level - no creaks, backlashes and other defects were found. The display located on the front panel of the product displays information on the current operation of the device. For high-quality signal reception, an ordinary indoor antenna is quite enough, there is also a delayed viewing function, the air can be recorded on external media connected via a USB connector.
Benefits:
- The lack of an external power supply;
- Pretty fast;
- Convenient control system;
- High quality production;
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- The buttons on the remote control are small.
Receivers connected to the TV via USB
2. ESPADA ESP-DVBT2
This receiver was designed and manufactured by AstroMeta Techonology, a company not well known to the domestic consumer, but the quality of production of this equipment is at its best. The same thing is noted in terms of the device’s functionality - it works with analog FM radio, supports digital broadcasting standards DVB-T2, DVB-C and some others, and the equipment is characterized by a quite reasonable price. In terms of appearance, this device is a standard compact size TV tuner that connects to the TV via a USB connector, and it is closed with a special plastic cover to protect it from dust and other contaminants.
The device on the back side has inserts made of high-quality transparent plastic, opening up normal access to the infrared sensor through which the signal from the remote control is received.The status of drivers and software is on top, and they will be updated automatically. The control panel is very convenient, fits comfortably in the hand, will not slip out of it during use. The equipment has a very long period of operation.
Benefits:
- Insignificant overall dimensions;
- There are ventilation holes on the case that do not allow the device to overheat;
- There is support for many broadcast formats.
Disadvantages:
- Many users note the product interface is not very convenient.
1. AVerMedia Technologies AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2
The device has a very compact overall dimensions, everything you need fit in a small case. On one side of the product is a traditional USB connector, equipped with a removable plug. On the other hand, there is a jack for connecting an antenna, and you can connect cable television. There are two types of antennas, one of which is designed to receive a digital signal, and the second can be used to receive a signal from the FM band. To install this receiver there is a special mount made in the form of clothespins, so it can be installed on the edge of a laptop, TV or monitor. There are several connectors such as "tulip" that allow you to use this technique on TVs of an outdated model.
The product has a standard interface and increased functionality compared to previous models. Each mode of operation of the device can be configured, scan the range, thereby catching all the channels available on the air. Like standard receivers, this design has a TimeShift mode, and the broadcast can be recorded in various formats, including those that support devices from Apple. A parental control function is provided, which allows you to set a password for certain channels or even remove them from the list. There are five themes of the interface design, which makes the device even more attractive to users.
Benefits:
- Enough wide functionality;
- Ability to work with various ranges;
- High quality workmanship and assembly of products.
Disadvantages:
- Except for a rather high price, it was not revealed.
In conclusion, a useful video
Well, our review of the best receivers of the year ends. We hope that after studying the useful characteristics of the models included in our rating, you were able to choose for yourself the most suitable product that will be useful to you in the process of use and at the same time will not cost too much. If you still have some questions or if you want to share your experience with using similar equipment with us and other readers, then you can always express yourself in the comments to this article.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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