8 best digital set-top boxes DVB-T2

During 2019, all of Russia should switch from analogue to digital television. This means that a device with support for the DVB-T2 standard will now be required to receive the signal. In this transition there is a definite plus. Now absolutely all the inhabitants of our country will be able to enjoy high quality pictures. The problem is that not everyone has a TV with support for DVB-T2. Fortunately, this problem can solve the purchase of a digital set-top box. About them will be discussed in our rating - we consider only the best models.

Rating of the best digital set-top boxes with support for DVB-T2 standard

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best digital set-top boxes with support for DVB-T2 standard	1	AverMedia Technologies AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2	5 305 ₽
	2	D-COLOR DC1302HD	1 029 ₽
	3	HARPER HDT2-1514	1 050 ₽
	4	LUMAX DV-3206HD	1 590 ₽
	5	World Vision Premium	1 436 ₽
	6	Oriel 421 (DVB-T2 / C)	1 030 ₽
	7	Selenga t81d	898 ₽
	8	BBK SMP145HDT2	1 022 ₽

AverMedia Technologies AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2

Rating: 4.9

At the time, the company AverMedia produced very decent TV tuners that were built into the computer. Now the range of the company has changed quite a lot. Many gamers know this brand from video capture cards, which allow writing gameplay on an external drive or streaming it. Well, the production of TV tuners continues. Only now it’s not internal boards, but devices like the AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2.

This gadget is designed to connect to a computer. This can be either a desktop model or a laptop - you only need one free USB port to which you connect. From the other end of the device is an antenna connector. As an antenna, you can use indoor and outdoor models. The second option will provide the best level of signal reception.

Under the body of this device there is also an FM tuner. This allows you to use your computer to listen to the radio. But more often the device is used for receiving digital TV. They support the DVB-T2 standard, so if you live in a large city you will get access to both “multiplexes”, each of which consists of ten channels.

Do not forget that in addition you will need a driver and a special computer program developed by the creators of the TV tuner. The first one should download automatically, and you can use either the complete disk or the manufacturer’s official site to search for the application.

A careful acquaintance with the product is immediately struck by the presence of an S-Video connector. This means that the TV tuner can be used for video capture by connecting third-party image sources to it. This is done using an adapter with S-Video to composite connectors (a separate jack is used for receiving sound). Of course, the corresponding adapter is in the box in which the device is supplied. And there are two portable antennas - for radio and television. It is felt that the manufacturer was primarily thinking about the owners of laptops who want to watch one or another public television channel, while outside their apartment.

Returning to the video capture function, it is impossible not to notice that it works by no means perfect. Alas, it is impossible to transmit a picture in high quality using the connector available here. Modern game consoles can only be used with full-fledged video capture cards - their abilities of the TV tuner from AverMedia will not suit you at all. It is assumed that you will connect to the device Dendy, Sega MegaDrive or at the most Sony PS One. You can also digitize your old video tapes using a TV tuner by connecting an appropriate tape recorder.

As for watching television in DVB-T2 standard, in this regard, the TV tuner will delight with several additional features. At any time you can start recording broadcast. Also available is the so-called deferred view - this means that you can order the utility to write something at the time you specify, for example, when you are at work. It is only necessary not to turn off the computer out of habit - the program will not be able to launch it automatically.

D-COLOR DC1302HD

Rating: 4.8

But let's close the topic of computer TV tuners. Surely 90% of readers of this rating are going to watch digital TV on their TV. And for this you need a digital set-top box that transmits a picture and sound via HDMI or composite connectors (the so-called "tulips"). For example, you can buy a D-COLOR DC1302HD. This model is sold for 1200-1500 rubles. It is clear that it does not have any extended functionality. But the overwhelming majority of the digital consoles now on sale, sharpened under the antenna connection, cannot boast of this, so you should not worry.

This console can not be called the cheapest. This is no accident. The fact is that this is one of the most reliable representatives of our rating. Many digital set-top boxes are manufactured from budget components, and therefore they fail after a year and a half. If you believe the reviews on the D-COLOR DC1302HD, then this prefix remains operational for a much longer period. There are exceptions to the rule, but nothing can be done about it - a certain percentage of the marriage is allowed in the production of any technology.

The design of this console is as simple as possible. You will receive a small box of black color, the front panel of which is decorated with many logos. Also here is a segment display that displays the number of the channel you selected. Well, in the lower left corner lurked USB-port. It will further expand the functionality of your TV, especially if it is a kinescope. This connector can be used for two purposes:

One or another broadcast can be recorded on the connected USB drive;

With USB flash drives, you can play a variety of media content - video, music and images.

I am glad that you can record video, including timer. This is very convenient if your favorite TV show is shown while you are at work. You do not need to keep the TV on - it’s enough that the prefix itself is activated. By the way, the transfer of pictures on the TV here is carried out either by RCA-cable (included) or via HDMI. It turns out that even the owners of kinescopic televisions, on the back of which there are only multi-colored "tulips", will not be deprived. Well, to more modern devices, the console should be connected with an HDMI cable - this is how you get higher image quality.

Cheaper consoles for receiving digital TV have many of the features described above. What is the high cost? It must have been with the presence of an over-sensitive tuner.This allows you to use paired with such a prefix conventional indoor antenna - most often this leads to good signal reception. Also, the manufacturer spent on licensing the Dolby Digital 5.1 codec. This should provide the user with quality sound when he plays content from a USB drive.

HARPER HDT2-1514

Rating: 4.7

Another fairly reliable TV set-top box in our ranking. Its cost in most stores does not exceed 1200 rubles, which is good news. For this money you will receive a traditional black box, on the top panel of which there are beautiful ventilation cuts, decorated in a pattern. The front panel is a haven for a USB port and a segment display. Well, all the connectors are on the back wall.

Traditionally, such consoles are equipped not only with HDMI output, but also with “tulips”. HARPER HDT2-1514 is no exception to the rule. As a result, it can be easily connected to any TV, even the very old one. It is recommended to control the console with the supplied remote control. Despite its minimum size, the accessory can boast a large number of buttons. Here even the volume control is available. In short, you can remember the remote, intended for the TV, only at the moments of switching on and off.

This prefix without any problems determines the digital signal encoded in the DVB-T2 standard. If you connect a USB drive to the corresponding connector, the broadcast can be saved as a separate video file. It also has the ability to play content already contained on a flash drive. But we do not recommend connecting an external hard disk to the device. Reviews show that drives with a capacity of 1 TB or more are not detected by the device.

Unfortunately, the device has one more serious drawback. It is the possibility of overheating. And this is despite the presence of so many vents! Oddly enough, this problem does not occur for all buyers. That is why we still recommend HARPER HDT2-1514 for purchase, especially if no other model is sold near you among those considered in this rating. But do not forget to immediately test the console in every possible way. If you still encounter outages and reboots due to overheating, then use the warranty, returning the goods to the store.

LUMAX DV-3206HD

Rating: 4.6

One of the most interesting set-top boxes in our ranking. This is a rare model that has a memorable design. On the front panel of this device is an arc of white color, to which are attached numerous buttons. However, this design had the first version of the console. Unfortunately, now a simplified version is coming off the conveyor, which is a faceless black box, where even the buttons are not painted in a different color.

If you think about it, it quickly becomes clear that this console is equipped with additional functionality. First of all, this is evidenced by the price, reaching 1600-1900 rubles. Secondly, the aforementioned buttons hint at this, because cheaper consoles cost on the strength of one or two keys.So, what can this device? First of all, it will be used to receive digital television signals - the support of the DVB-T2 standard guarantees the absence of any problems. Also, the product is intended for playback of media content contained on a USB-drive. All audio codecs are supported, so playing a movie without sound is almost impossible (and this is an urgent problem for many budget games that were not included in our rating). Of course, a USB flash drive can be used to record TV content. Including the possible activation of the timer recording - this is important for those cases when the television series is shown at a time when you are at work or just something busy.

But the above functions can boast of other digital set-top boxes. What is the difference LUMAX DV-3206HD? Perhaps, in the presence of online functionality. Unfortunately, due to the very weak processor and the lack of a full-fledged operating system, it had to be severely limited. In fact, YouTube, weather, maps and less interesting features are available to the user. And not all of this is normal, especially if you are using a Wi-Fi connection to the router! If you have such a problem, then try connecting the console to the router with a cable - for this purpose, the standard RJ-45 port is used here.

Another distinctive feature of the product is a coaxial digital audio output. With it, you can output the sound to the speakers in the maximum available quality. This is especially true for those people who are going to use the set-top box as a media player.

Note that the online functionality is present here only as a bonus. If you seriously want to be able to watch YouTube, then it is better to get yourself some TV with Smart TV support. Next to it, you definitely won't have to put a digital set-top box, since you will get built-in support for DVB-T2. You can also acquire the above-mentioned smart prefix. But we do not recommend looking in the direction of cheap models - they usually brake shamelessly.

World Vision Premium

Rating: 4.5

Another digital console that has a stylish look. The front panel of the device that has fallen into our rating is partially made of plastic, the surface of which is similar to polished metal. And again here you will find a huge number of buttons that allow you to control the console in case of loss of the remote. Another on the front panel is a segment display that displays the channel number and some other information.

World Vision Premium is a rather expensive TV set-top box. It is unlikely that you can buy it for less than 1500 rubles. But then you get a device in your hands that should not fail after one or two years of use. You can also enjoy additional functionality that represents the Internet options here. However, due to the lack of a full-fledged operating system, many applications are very limited. The same ubiquitous YouTube is not implemented here in the best way - in terms of convenience, it is much inferior to similar customers installed on a smartphone. Also embarrassed by the fact that the console does not have any built-in Wi-Fi, nor an RJ-45 connector. Want to activate access to the Internet? An appropriate adapter is required. Do I have to say that it is sold for 500-800 rubles?

Well, what can you say about the main functionality? To him, too, there are certain complaints. The DVB-T2 broadcast signal is recognized by the set-top box without any problems. Moreover, it also supports the DVB-C cable standard.This is great news for those whose cable operator offers to buy his console for money. The problem is quite a long inclusion of the console. And if you can put up with him, the menu regularly infuriates itself - it is extremely ill-conceived. It is also inconvenient to sort and rename TV channels.

On the case of the device there is a traditional USB-connector. This allows you to connect a flash drive with media content to the console. The device understands many modern formats, so most often movies and music are played without any problems. Also on the external drive saved TV. Certain problems may also arise with their recording. If the transfer ends after midnight (for example, at 1:40), then it can be recorded on a timer only if you enter “25:40” in the “Stop recording” field. Although it is possible that in the new firmware this bug has already been fixed.

On the back of the console are the HDMI jack and composite outputs. You can find both cables in the kit for connecting to these connectors. This is nice, because manufacturers of set-top boxes often save on the HDMI-wire. There is also a coaxial audio output here - it will be useful to owners of some speakers.

In short, the digital prefix World Vision Premium is quite suitable for us to recommend to buy it. Devices of this kind with an atypical design are now extremely rare. But be sure to test this device right away! There are also problems with overheating. However, they are not too strong - the product will not turn off for sure.

Oriel 421 (DVB-T2 / C)

Rating: 4.5

Another representative of our rating, recognizing two digital standards at once. That is, you can connect to it as a normal antenna, and "cable". Of course, in the second case, you need to clarify whether this “trick” will work with your cable operator. The fact is that, for example, cable TV from MTS works when a SIM-card is connected, but here there is no place to insert it.

Of course, the manufacturer did not deprive his creation of USB-connector. Moreover, there are two of them here! If you connect a flash drive, you can write to it any broadcast. And it is not necessary to be at home for this - you can pre-set the time when the recording is activated and completed. Also, the user can view the media content already on the external drive.

The high cost of the device suggests that it has additional functionality. Indeed, a YouTube client is built in here. And this is a rare case when it is convenient to use! But without pitfalls has not done. There is no RJ-45 port or built-in Wi-Fi. This means that to connect to the router you will need an appropriate adapter (in stores it is usually called an access point). At the same time, excessive Wi-Fi adapter heating is possible, which will definitely affect its service life.

The rest of the prefix Oriel 421 is unlikely to surprise you. Yes, there is a digital coaxial audio output. But a rare person will connect this box to high-quality speakers. Separately, it should be noted that the console is equipped with a remote control, to the work of which there are certain complaints. The fact is that it needs to be sent to the device precisely - the problem is either in the infrared transmitter or in the corresponding receiver. However, this is a typical misfortune for many TV set-top boxes, including those distributed by cable operators.

Even in the reviews there are complaints about the quality of playback of media files from USB-drive.In this regard, the product is seriously inferior to full-fledged media extensions, even the cheapest. However, if the device is connected to a kinescope TV, then the quality is enough for the eyes!

Selenga t81d

Rating: 4.4

Most digital prefixes have a familiar appearance. This means that they have right angles, and their body is painted black. Exceptions to this rule are extremely rare. For example, the Selenga T81D can boast some differences from most competitors. This product has a curved body. Another unique feature of the device is the back panel, which is not the most loaded with connectors. Instead of two composite sockets, a single 3.5 mm output is used here. The cable with the appropriate plug comes in a set - on the other end are the usual "tulips". Of course, the manufacturer did not forget about the HDMI output. It will be used to connect the console to a modern LCD TV or monitor. Well, next to it is a USB-port.

Any USB flash drives can be connected to the digital console without any difficulty. They may contain one or another media content - if the video resolution does not exceed 1080p, then with high probability it will be recognized. Also on the flash drive, you can write live TV. Scheduled recording is also available, which is important for those cases when the telecast is at the time when the user is at work or somewhere else.

If you carefully examine the console, you can find a second USB-connector. Why do you need such a number of them? Everything is very simple. The firmware of the device is supplemented with several Internet applications. In particular, YouTube and MeGoGo are available to the user. But the built-in Wi-Fi module is not here, as there is no RJ-45 port. So, to connect to the router you need to use one or another USB-adapter. As a result, when you connect this accessory, you will not lose the ability to connect an external drive. By the way, the product supports external hard drives, not just flash drives, but first you need to stock up on a power supply with a current of 2 A.

At this functional device is exhausted. Before buying it, be sure to think about the type of connection - if HDMI is selected, then the corresponding cable must be purchased separately. As for the remote control, it works fine. Importantly, it has a wide angle of action - this is a definite plus.

BBK SMP145HDT2

Rating: 4.4

BBK Electronics is a real monster, although many are not even aware of this. She produces a variety of devices. The greatest demand is, of course, budget devices. For example, BBK SMP145HDT2 is actively bought in our country. This is not the cheapest digital set-top box, but you can't call it expensive either - in Russian stores they are asked not more than 1,300 rubles for it. The price tag says that the Internet functionality from such a device can not wait. Indeed, the prefix provides only basic features.With it, you can watch digital TV encoded in DVB-T2 standard. If you connect a USB drive, it becomes available to view media files. Also on the flash drive, you can save those or other television broadcasting, including doing it on a timer. But this is not surprising. Even watching a TV program is an ordinary function, which is also not deprived of any of the existing digital set-top boxes.

You can pay attention to the fact that the front panel of the device is a haven for a sufficiently large number of buttons. However, they are only needed to bring up the menu and switch channels. In short, they supplied the console in case a person loses the remote control. It's nice that the product can even recognize an external hard drive - one of the buyers writes in reviews about the successful connection of a 2 TB drive. With regard to the transfer of images on the TV, then this can be used composite connectors and HDMI.

Conclusion

This is the list of the best digital set-top boxes that receive a TV signal encoded in DVB-T2 standard. All devices considered in this article perfectly cope with their main task, especially if they are used together with a good antenna. However, keep in mind that none of the existing set-top boxes are everlasting. Alas, the components used in them are usually ordered to live long after a half or two years. Someone is lucky, his prefix works for three to four years. But it is extremely rare for such devices to function longer. That is why it is better to buy a TV with DVB-T2 support, so you will not be confused in the remote controls.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.