High-quality digital television is one of the symbols of comfort and coziness. Modern TVs have firmly occupied the niche of the main supplier of multimedia, they broadcast digital TV in excellent quality. But in cheap models there is simply no digital tuner (or it is set to receive a DVB-T signal that is not used in Russia), so you have to limit yourself or pay for satellite or cable TV. The problem is easy to solve with the help of a set-top box: a special tuner in the form of a small box will not take up much space and will open up new possibilities for watching your favorite TV shows and movies.
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Which company to prefer
In the review of leaders it is difficult to choose the best manufacturer of set-top boxes for digital TV. The ideal model does not exist: individual functions can be regarded as advantages and as “programs to workload”. Someone menu and settings seem too simple, but someone - comfortable. User feedback can vary dramatically around the same model.
TELEFUNKEN, BBK and Sven have been producing digital technology for many years, and not the first generation of digital set-top boxes are on the market today. The developers had enough time to take into account all the flaws of previous years and make adjustments to the mechanics and software. However, among young companies like Tesler there are also many chances to win consumer confidence. At least, the reviews on the products of this brand are the most positive.
You should not rely on a big name and brand in choosing - it is better to study the characteristics of a particular model and build on them. Below we present a list of the most popular TV set-top boxes according to our customers.
Rating the best TV set-top boxes for digital television
D-COLOR DC1002HD - TV set-top box for playing digital video format FULLHD
Main advantages:
- Low cost
- Convenient menu
- Good signal catch
Minuses:
- Does not play Dolby Digital sound.
- Very hot
- Massive, uncomfortable remote
Customer reviews about the D-COLOR DC1002HD differ - most users noted the excellent signal quality and high performance for a similar price. But some of the technical issues in the assembly factories did not take into account - some formats may not be reproduced, the device often overheats.
Most complaints come to the remote - it works in a narrow range: in order for the console to respond to orders, you must direct the remote control strictly in the direction of the device. You can purchase for the garden or the kitchen.
TELEFUNKEN TF-DVBT201 - a prefix for viewing and recording digital TV
Benefits:
- Excellent signal catch
- Main ports and connectors
- Low cost
- Reproduces almost all formats.
Disadvantages:
- Brakes when turned on
- Heats up
- Weak remote
Customers speak about TELEFUNKEN TF-DVT201 mainly in a grateful way: regardless of location (in the city or countryside), the prefix catches the channels perfectly, you can use it as a regular player, and minor tweaks such as the tendency to overheat are easily solved by banal film peeling off.
Tesler DSR-10 - a multifunctional TV set-top box for playing digital television and multimedia from media up to 2 TB
Benefits:
- Several types of connectors to choose from
- Metal case heat sink
- Rich functionality
- The ability to record on a flash drive two TV programs at the same time
- Good reception quality
Disadvantages:
- Some versions do not have AC3 codec
- Enough uncomfortable remote control
- Not fully developed menu
- Does not support DTS sound
User feedback on Tesler DSR-10 can be safely ranked as compliments - almost all owners noted the high functionality and convenience of the model. Most of the so-called "flaws" can be safely attributed rather to minor inconveniences. This model should be considered more closely - in the budget line it is the most attractive option.
BBK SMP136HDT2 - TV set-top box for playing a weak signal in high definition
Benefits:
- Low price
- Perfectly catches the signal in any terrain
- Handles most common formats.
- Compact
- Does not hang and does not heat up
Disadvantages:
- The menu is more complicated compared to previous models
- Not enough connectors
- Possible overlays with screen modes
Most reviews about BBK SMP136HDT2 are fairly neutral. On a par with the visible functionality and the excellent work of the console as a player, some technical points remained unworked: the console can only be controlled from the console (the developers did not take out any buttons on the panel), a number of usual connectors are missing, the console must be sent strictly to the tuner. In general - the average model that justifies every penny of investment.
SUPRA SDT-120 is a stylish set-top box for broadcasting digital TV and conveniently recording TV programs.
Benefits:
- High sensitivity
- Stylish design watches
- Acceptable price
- Large selection of connectors and easy connection
- Excellent response to the remote control
Disadvantages:
- Does not support AC3 codec
- No control buttons on the console itself
User reviews of the SUPRA SDT-120 describe the console as a functional and convenient model. Most customers were satisfied with both the quality of signal reception and the assembly itself - the console does not overheat and generally does not annoy the owner (does not squeak, does not hang, does not turn off). A metal case will protect the device from any force majeure.
Oriel 963 (DVB-T2) - a prefix for broadcasting digital TV with the maximum possible settings
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Benefits:
- High sensitivity
- Durable metal housing
- Supports DD
- Large selection of connectors and easy connection
- The ability to record and simultaneously watch digital TV
Disadvantages:
- Complicated menu
Users speak of Oriel 963 (DVB-T2) favorably: an excellent level of signal reception and high functionality left no one indifferent. But there is in this barrel of honey and a fly in the ointment - insignificant little things like an inconvenient menu can complicate management with daily use. Often there are complaints about whistling, but in general the design is quite strong, and FullHD works like a clock.
BBK SMP242HDT2 - a digital TV tuner with rich functionality and a wide format for viewing and recording video
Benefits:
- High sensitivity
- Affordable price
- Reads all media well
- Easy connection and setup
- Functionality
Disadvantages:
- Inconvenient remote control
- Does not reflash
- Minimum screen modes
Most reviews of BBK SMP242HDT2 are positive. Users noted high image quality and excellent speed. The main part of the claims is aimed at minor details in the design, but never mentioned a strong overheating or freeze. It is quite convenient and "working" model.
The best consoles for smart TV
Defender Smart Transmitter X2 - Media Player Prefix
Benefits:
- Cheap
- Compact
Disadvantages:
- After each power up, you need to update the settings.
- Problems with AirPlay (not available on all models)
- Does not support all video and audio formats.
Consumer reviews about Defender Smart Transmitter X2 are quite critical. No advantages other than low cost can be noted, so you should look at the more expensive and productive models.
UPVEL UM-501TV Smart TV set-top box with the ability to connect multiple devices
Benefits:
- Low cost compared to competitors
- Easy to set up and manage
- Large memory
Disadvantages:
- Internet speed is reduced without extension cable (WI-FI catches badly)
Judging by the reviews about UPVEL UM-501TV - the prefix is a bit flawed. For full-fledged work, it is necessary to go for additional tricks: buy an additional cable, adjust the signal reception. In principle, it is possible to find a more advanced version among similar models at a price.
Defender Smart Android HD2 - a prefix for playing any video and audio formats
Benefits:
- Big memory
- Performance processor
- High speed WI-FI reception
Disadvantages:
- There are no updates on the manufacturer's website.
- Weak power supply (can be replaced)
- Skype may not work
Customer reviews of Defender Smart Android HD2 are rather ambiguous. On the one hand, the Smart TV functional console performs all the declared functions and faithfully transmits both TV and plays all readable formats from flash drives and hard drives, plays videos from Youtube without interruption and hangs and gives access to all Internet resources. But minor flaws still make it difficult to unequivocally call this model the best choice.
M8 Android TV Box - a prefix for playing digital TV and surfing the Internet
Benefits:
- 4-core processor with a clock speed of 2 GHz
- Roomy memory (2 GB RAM and 8 GB flash)
- High speed WI-FI reception
- Many ports and connectors
- Game console
- Supports all possible image and sound formats.
- Free access and playback of any Internet resource
- Skype
Disadvantages:
- Price
User feedback on the M8 Android TV Box is very positive. If you don’t rely too much on the price (which is about one and a half to two times higher than that of the models of the middle, mediocre class), then this model should be paid attention to when choosing a prefix for Smart TV. The console has no restrictions on formats - you can get the most from both the TV and the Internet.
So which TV set is better to buy
The choice of specialized equipment is quite wide, products almost always correspond to the declared characteristics. However, when buying, it is worthwhile to be guided not only by bare numbers - first you need to ask your neighbors or independently figure out the signal level, since in the area of uncertain reception, the main preference should be given to models with a sensitive search. So, far from the tower it is worth stopping the choice on BBK SMP136HDT2, but in the city you can pamper yourself with a clear image from SUPRA SDT-120. With a limited budget, the best choice would be Tesler DSR-10.
Separately, you need to check the compatibility of a specific set-top box with a TV - some old TV sets are simply not equipped with a number of modern set-top boxes due to the lack of necessary connectors. As for Smart TV, for its successful use it is necessary to organize WI-FI coverage, which will also require additional costs, but will provide a lot of advantages in the form of widescreen television.
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