8 best TV set-top boxes based on user feedback

Requirements for electronic technology are constantly growing. Today it is not enough to have just a TV with dozens of channels. We are interested in HD-quality, the ability to control the viewing, as well as a number of additional functions. Many actively use the services of YouTube and online cinemas, others go to social networks and various sites. To expand the standard set of capabilities of your TV will help special TV set-top boxes. They are easy to connect, do not require complicated configuration and offer a wide functionality. On the market are inexpensive and functional models of many well-known manufacturers.

The best manufacturers of TV set-top boxes for homes and cottages

If you wish, you can choose an inexpensive TV set-top box for your TV, allowing you to enjoy high-definition digital signal and a number of additional functions. To date, the range is quite extensive, because such devices are actively buying both for home and for giving. Since the Federal program is now active, designed to gradually transfer all subscribers to a digital signal, the demand for such consoles is only getting higher.

BBK

BBK is a major manufacturer in China, offering quality and affordable products. She has already started to produce her own LED-TVs and DVD-players, and today she is actively developing the release of new-generation TV set-top boxes. Most of the products are sent to the CIS countries, Sweden, USA. In Russia, the company received professional awards and popular recognition of “Mark No. 1”.

Oriel

Oriel is a Russian manufacturer and distributor designed to meet the demand for high-quality digital TV set-top boxes. It received an impetus for development against the background of the federal program on the gradual transition to digital broadcasting throughout the country. The range includes inexpensive, but high-quality devices. The company focuses on the mass consumer and takes into account Russian realities.

AVerMedia

The Taiwanese manufacturer AVerMedia specializes in the production of a variety of multimedia equipment, which include digital converters and TV tuners. It seeks to occupy a segment of low-cost and practical devices for a mass buyer interested in a digital television signal. At the moment, AVerMedia is a relatively small company offering highly specialized products in Russia, the USA, Canada and Germany.

Top TV set top box

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best TV set-top boxes for DVB-T2 digital television	1	BBK SMP240HDT2	1 025 ₽
	2	D-COLOR DC1302HD	960 ₽
	3	Oriel 963 (DVB-T2)	1 296 ₽
Best TV set-top boxes with SmartTV support (IPTV)	1	Apple TV Gen 4 64 Gb	12 500 ₽
	2	Xiaomi Mi Box International Version	4 690 ₽
	3	IconBIT XDS94T2	-
The best external video capture devices	1	AVerMedia Technologies Game Capture HD II	8 830 ₽
	2	AVerMedia Technologies Live Gamer Portable	9 520 ₽

Rating the best TV set-top boxes for DVB-T2 digital television

BBK SMP240HDT2

Rating: 4.8

BBK SMP240HDT2 receiver is able to open access to digital TV broadcasting according to DVB-T / T2 standards. The video is transmitted in MPEG-2 / MPEG-4 format, protected from distortion and noise. When watching TV with this set-top box, you can forget about noise and ripples on the screen.The picture will always be clear and bright when watching programs.

To obtain high quality, no special cable or satellite dish is required; to receive a signal, it is enough to use an ordinary indoor or outdoor antenna. As an additional feature, an interactive menu of the Electronic Program Guide with a program guide appears.

D-COLOR DC1302HD

Rating: 4.7

Functional TV set-top box D-COLOR DC1302HD is presented in a compact black case, inside which are hidden modern technological solutions. It does not take up much space in front of the TV, but at the same time it greatly expands the possibilities.

The receiver will allow you to watch high-quality digital television for free, it’s enough to use an ordinary indoor or outdoor antenna. The device is equipped with its own USB-port through which you can connect external drives to watch movies or listen to music. The model supports the TimeShift function, so it is possible to control the viewing.

Oriel 963 (DVB-T2)

Rating: 4.6

The Oriel 963 receiver (DVB-T2) is focused on the Russian market, therefore it is distinguished by high-quality support. It allows you to receive a DVB-T2 digital signal at home or in the country with a conventional indoor or outdoor antenna. The device itself is compact in size, so it does not take up much space next to the TV.

The body is made of durable metal and plastic, providing the necessary protection. On the front are the main control buttons and a USB port for playing various content from flash drives and hard drives. The receiver provides not only a clear broadcast channels, but also offers a TV program on the screen.

Rating of the best TV set-top boxes with SmartTV support (IPTV)

Apple TV Gen 4 64 Gb

Rating: 4.9

TV set Apple TV Gen 4 64 Gb is a full-fledged media player from one of the world's leading manufacturers of mobile equipment. It can turn a television into a full-fledged multimedia center for entertainment. Internet connection is via Wi-Fi or by connecting an Ethernet cable.

It allows you to play movies and music through iTunes and Apple Music, there are pre-installed applications for viewing Netflix, HBO, Showtime. The menu interface has been improved compared to previous models. Control is carried out with the help of an advanced remote control.

Xiaomi Mi Box International Version

Rating: 4.7

The set-top box Xiaomi Mi Box International Version is represented by an emerging Chinese company offering functional and low-cost mobile devices. She introduced her own stylish set-top box for TV, supporting current technologies that allow you to comfortably view online content on your TV.

It has the ability to view 4K and HDR video without hanging. Quad-core processor provides high performance. TV set-top box supports wireless data transmission via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, there are HDMI and USB connectors for connecting flash drives.

IconBIT XDS94T2

Rating: 4.6

The IconBIT XDS94T2 set-top box offers the full-fledged SmartTV capabilities for your TV. Manufacturers strive to achieve the best value for money, offering versatile devices to create a full-fledged home entertainment center.

The set-top box supports online services and the DVB-T2 standard for viewing terrestrial TV channels in digital quality. Thanks to Android 5.1, flexible settings are offered to create an individual style. If desired, you can remove and install various applications and games. In the list of available online cinemas, video hosting, information catalogs and much more.

Rating the best external video capture devices

AVerMedia Technologies Game Capture HD II

Rating: 4.7

The device for capturing AVerMedia Technologies Game Capture HD II is intended primarily for those who enjoy video games, and those who have to do video reviews, documentary materials with comments. This device allows you to capture and record everything that happens on the TV screen, computer, smartphone or tablet.

TV set-top box allows you to record video and edit it with a standard set of built-in tools. It is able to work without being connected to a computer, offering a wide range of functions for managing video stream and recording video.

AVerMedia Technologies Live Gamer Portable

Rating: 4.6

The AVerMedia Technologies Live Gamer Portable video capture card offers a wide range of options for users. It is able to compress video hardware without connecting to a computer and broadcast video to the Internet. The model is an improved version of the previous TV set-top box, devoid of the same drawbacks. It is a much more functional device.

Included are all the necessary cables for quick connection to a TV, game consoles or computer. The user is available a wide range of settings to achieve high quality video.

Which TV set is better to choose?

TV has long ceased to be a separate device. Connect to it DVD-players, game consoles and TV set-top boxes. The latter are a must if you want to receive a digital signal and watch TV channels in high quality. Today, there are many devices on the market that differ in price and functionality. Some models are able to turn the TV into a full-fledged multimedia center for entertainment. They provide access to various services and online cinemas.

When choosing a TV set-top box for home or cottage, you should pay attention to a number of important aspects:

1. DVB-T2 support for digital signal reception;

2. availability of USB, HDMI and wireless data modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth;

3. proposed feature set;

4. reliability and stability of work.

Today, no longer need to suffer with indoor antennas, directing them in the right direction. It is enough to connect a DVB-T2 receiver to the TV, which will allow you to watch terrestrial channels in digital quality for free. For these purposes, you can choose a functional and inexpensive TV console BBK SMP240HDT2, or the Oriel 963 model, which is designed specifically for the Russian market.

Those who do not want to be limited to watching live channels should consider SmartTV consoles.They allow you to access popular online services - cinemas and video hosting sites. One of the leaders in this segment is the prefix Apple TV Gen 4, but it is tied to the services of this company. If you want to get a functional and relatively inexpensive model, then it is better to choose IconBIT XDS94T2. Another interesting model is the TV set-top box of the Chinese brand Xiaomi Mi Box, which stands out with support for 4K video and HDR.

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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.