Digital tuner for TV - what is it? What does the built-in digital tuner on a TV mean? Digital tuners for TV.

Digital television standards are constantly being improved, let alone talk about the familiar analog signal, which is gradually becoming a thing of the past. But what to do if buying a modern TV with digital signal decoding is not part of your plans, especially in a country house or dacha - it’s not entirely rational? The logical solution would be the best digital TV tuner of the dvb t2 standard for a TV, the one that is already in the house. This is an extremely budget purchase, unless you choose a new-fangled model with the maximum range of functions. The Marka.guru portal has prepared a rating of classic DVB-T2 set-top boxes, as well as IPTV for smart devices.

Before purchasing, you should decide on the set of functions that the receiver should perform; this will greatly facilitate the choice and help you decide on the device segment.

1. Classic T2 receiver for digital terrestrial television - an ideal option if there is no goal to increase the number of channels. A device with a minimum of functions and a cost of up to 1000 rubles will allow you to obtain a high level of picture quality.
2. Receiver for Smart TV boasts the ability to control display, record programs, timer, delayed start.
3. Access card slot to paid content can become an important component in the operation of set-top boxes. New opportunities open up for users to increase the number of channels, but only after concluding an agreement with the provider.

And now more details about each model of the console included in the rating.

DVB-T2 standard

Such a TV set-top box can change the signal reception quality of a regular street antenna. As a rule, the difference in image quality becomes most noticeable.

The digital signal is characterized by improved sound; it becomes larger, even if the TV remains the same, as does the quality of the speakers.

A budget solution that will significantly change the viewing of your favorite programs and films on terrestrial television.

1. Selenga T40

The most simple and reliable device for receiving a digital signal. This is objectively the best digital TV tuner of the dvb t2 standard for the most ordinary country TV.

There are no difficulties in connecting and setting up; the package also includes the console itself, a remote control and a power supply.

The acquisition cost is extremely attractive - about 1000 rubles.

• designed for connecting external memory cards;
• there is a timer synchronized with the recording function;
• excellent build quality;
• simple and high-quality software.

• high noise level during operation.

Prices for Selenga T40:

2.HARPER HDT2-1005

Compact device with the best level of converted signal quality.

The autonomy of the receiver is complemented by a classic design and high-quality assembly of the case.

The equipment is standard, no frills. One of the advantages is the remote control with large and quite convenient buttons. The price of the set-top box is also about 1000 rubles.

• finds a fairly large number of broadcast channels;
• has an affordable price;
• quickly connects and configures;
• There is a convenient wall mount.

• There are no control buttons on the device body.

Prices for HARPER HDT2-1005:

This is not just an external tuner, it is a full-fledged media player with recording function and support for HD format. Optimal choice of options and quality of the device.

Supports an incredibly large number of playable file formats, both video and audio.

However, it copes well with the immediate task of receiving and decoding a signal. The receiver costs about 1500 rubles.

• stylish design;
• possibility of connecting additional external devices;
• remote IR port;
• picks up the signal perfectly.

• gets very hot.

Prices for:

4.BBK SMP240HDT2

This receiver copes well with the signal even without an antenna, just a short wire is enough. This is the best budget option with a wide range of features.

If you need a recording timer, delayed viewing mode, as well as teletext - all this is provided in the device and works well.

VVK receivers are easy to maintain and do not require frequent firmware updates. The minimum cost is about 900 rubles.

• customizable video playback from external media;
• intuitive controls;
• low cost;
• possibility of broadcast recording.

• inconvenient remote control.

Prices for BBK SMP240HDT2:

A compact device of the DVB-T2 standard, which perfectly receives the signal, with the ability to control viewing and recording of the broadcast on an external media. Video and audio files can be played.

It has a good quality build and the easiest connection to the TV.

A functional device for only 1000 rubles.

• compact body;
• reliably receives television and radio signals;
• clock display;
• updated firmware from the manufacturer.

• The remote control is not very sensitive.

Prices for:

Compact and simple tuner with standard media functions.

It does its job perfectly even in settlements remote from the city, located at a distance from signal sources.

Today this is one of the cheapest receivers with similar functionality and the ability to connect external devices, the minimum cost is about 660 rubles.

• accessible interface;
• minimum conditions for a secure connection;
• excellent image quality;
• quality materials.

• there is no control on the receiver.

Prices for:

7. D-COLOR DC1302HD

Equipment for comfortable viewing of your favorite programs and films, both live and recorded.

It has a highly sensitive tuner for maximum amplification of the received signal, as well as an output for Dolby Digital - surround and high-quality sound is simply guaranteed.

High picture quality up to 1080 pixels, as well as recording and delayed viewing functions. An excellent gadget is complemented by a display and a clock. The purchase price will be a little more than 1000 rubles.

• wide functionality;
• compact size;
• ergonomic and fast-acting remote control;
• practically does not heat up

• short power cord.

Prices for D-COLOR DC1302HD:

8. D-COLOR DC1002HD

A simple and most understandable receiver. Equipped with everything you need: recording, timer, display with clock, playback from external storage devices. It has a modern design with simple and accessible controls.

Suitable for any TV, an excellent alternative to a media player.

The cost of the set-top box is about 1000 rubles.

• simple Russian menu;
• excellent quality of materials;
• affordable price;
• excellent signal quality of the DVB-T2 broadcast standard.

• In some formats there is a separation of sound and picture.

Prices for D-COLOR DC1002HD:

Smart TV IPTV standard

These are new generation consoles that turn viewing into a completely controlled process.

Smart TV devices synchronize perfectly with TVs via a local network or cable.

High signal quality, excellent picture and maximum interactivity - all this at an acceptable, but not so low price.

1. Apple TV Gen 4 64GB

This compact box from a well-known brand combines a lot of features and advantages of a whole range of equipment.

You shouldn’t think that you can only use Apple services, not at all, access is open to free and simply popular resources.

Despite the fact that the price is quite high and starts from 11,000, the high-quality picture and wide functionality will quickly convince you that the costs are justified.

• extremely stylish brand design;
• integration of media content on the screen;
• multi-level synchronization with electronics;
• access to numerous services.

• To expand the functionality of the Smart TV set-top box, you need an Apple account.

Prices for Apple TV Gen 4 64GB:

This model instantly syncs with modern TVs, opening the way to the maximum amount of content and files. A functional remote control that allows you to control viewing and a wide range of functions that change the perception of watching TV at home, turns it into a high-tech process with maximum comfort for the consumer. The cost is much more pleasant than that of the leader in the rating, and is about 4,000 rubles.

• universal and fast-acting remote control;
• convenient combination of connectors;
• powerful processor with 4 cores on board;
• does not overheat.

• Video from the Internet may freeze due to access speed.

Prices for:

3. MXQ Pro TV Box

What's important is that this minimalistic device supports 4K, which means stunning images are guaranteed from the moment of purchase.

Fast response is guaranteed by 4 processor cores with 1 GB of RAM. Expanded functionality and regular updates of services provide access to Google Play. The acquisition cost is only 2500.

• excellent combination of characteristics;
• quick setup;
• Wi-Fi reception at quite a distance;
• customizable remote control.

• by 2018, no branded service centers had appeared.

MXQ Pro TV Box prices:

Conclusion

Changing the quality of television signal reception is quite simple; just purchase a digital set-top box and set it up in a few minutes. Even in the outback without connecting to satellite services, you can increase the number of received channels and significantly improve picture quality. The Marka.guru portal reviewed only the most popular and proven models of receivers that turn watching programs into a real pleasure.

Is it worth buying a dvb t2 digital TV tuner for your TV, which one is better and how to choose? For a city dweller, the question of purchasing a device to increase the number of interesting channels is not urgent. Cable television, which has become widespread, offers users many different packages with a wide range of prices and a range of channels to suit every taste. Having a cable television connection, the user can select and watch any TV channel within the purchased package. The situation is completely different if the user lives in a village or small town

In this case, citizens are content with terrestrial analog television channels, which are not always transmitted in good quality. Analog signal transmission is not immune to interference, and depending on the antenna, some channels cannot be tuned in at all. In this case, users install special satellite dishes.

Satellite TV is quite popular among users of small towns. It gives access to a large number of channels. But not everyone can afford to purchase special equipment for connecting satellite television. In addition, satellite TV has a number of inconveniences:

• to tune the antenna to different satellites to increase the number of channels, you need to buy additional heads;
• you need to call a specialist to configure and install the equipment;
• Recently, many channels are encrypted and in order to access them you need to pay extra.

Therefore, the t2 tuner will be a good alternative for residents of small towns and villages, as well as country houses.

The concept of digital broadcasting and the dvb t2 format

Before choosing which digital set-top box is suitable for a dvb t2 TV, let’s consider what digital television is and the dvb t2 format.

Digital television is a method of transmitting video and audio data streams by encoding them through digital channels. There are several digital broadcasting standards that are established by special international organizations:

• Japanese standard;
• European;
• American.

For the territory of the Russian Federation, the European digital television standard is used.

According to the type of signal transmission, digital television can be:

1. Terrestrial or terrestrial television DVB T2 is a new generation format for digital terrestrial broadcasting. When using dvb t2, data is transmitted by special repeaters that transmit sound and picture. To receive data from the repeater, special set-top boxes or tuners built into the TV are used. Moreover, a regular street antenna is suitable for receiving data.
2. Satellite. This format uses a satellite signal to transmit data, which is transmitted to a satellite in low-Earth orbit and then received by a special satellite antenna.
3. Cable television is a method of transmitting a digital signal through a cable connection. As a rule, cable television is provided to companies by providers who charge users a subscription fee depending on the connected package.

Positive aspects of digital data transmission:

• high level of immunity to interference. We can say that with digital data transmission there is no interference, the picture is either in good quality or completely absent;
• for the digital format, low power transmitters are used;
• excellent picture and sound quality;
• more television programs;
• ability to customize language and subtitles;
• additional capabilities for recording, storing and managing video.

When transmitting data using digital encoding, there are also disadvantages:

• if the signal level is not strong enough, the image is received in the form of small squares;
• dependence on weather conditions. During a thunderstorm, blizzard or strong wind, the signal is practically absent;
• the need for a large number of signal repeater centers.

What are digital T2 tuners used for?

A digital tuner is a device that provides reception and transmission of digital data, converting it into a format understandable to the TV.

DVB T2 set-top boxes are designed for receiving terrestrial television. There are two types of receivers:

1. Built-in. Devices that are initially included in the basic package of the TV. They are an integral part of the device. Information about whether the TV has a built-in receiver is indicated on the packaging.
2. External. These receivers are independent devices; they are connected to the TV through special connectors or a USB port.

The benefits of using dvb t2 tuners:

• low cost of the device;
• there is no need to spend additional money on equipment, since the tuner works with a regular analog antenna;
• increasing the number of received terrestrial television channels;
• better picture and sound quality;
• The device is well suited for populated areas without cable television. For example, a remote village or a suburban area.

On the other hand, receivers are inconvenient because the signal quality depends on:

• because of how far the repeater tower is located;
• on the height of the antenna used;
• from weather conditions.

Review of DVB T2 set-top boxes

Let's review some receiver models so that each buyer can decide which of the set-top boxes is the best digital dvb t2 set-top box specifically for him.

1. Tuner Lumax DVB T2 model 1000 hd. A compact attachment, shaped like a regular whistle. Connects to TV via USB port. The device is activated when the TV is turned on, so it does not require a power connection. A fairly sensitive device that provides good quality signal transmission.
2. Selenga model HD860D. An inexpensive receiver that provides fast channel switching and high image quality. The high sensitivity of the device allows it to be selected for locations farthest from the transmission tower.
3. World Vision T A fairly simple and inexpensive tuner with the ability to connect various drives, which allows the user to view videos in AVI, MP3 and MKV format. This set-top box only supports the ability to receive a live broadcast signal, and cannot be used for encrypted pay television channels.
4. GI Matrix Lite. A universal device that works with satellite and terrestrial television formats. Additional features of this tuner include a built-in media player, WI-FI connection, and a card receiver.
5. BBK series SMP124HDT2. The receiver, working with the T2 format, has a built-in player and the ability to connect additional media. One of the advantages of this device is the electronic TV program.
6. Galaxy Innovations model VU/Duo 2. A receiver that is quite expensive, but despite this remains the best seller among devices of this type. Provides high-quality image transmission, has the ability to connect WI-FI and access the Internet. The device has additional connectors for connecting other types of cards, as well as a receiver for pay channel cards.

Choosing a receiver for terrestrial television is not so difficult, since often these devices are designed and used only for receiving and decoding one type of digital broadcasting. More complex models are equipped with built-in players that read various video file formats or the ability to connect flash cards, hard drives, and Internet access. If the device has a receiver for pay television cards, then the user can connect to one of the providers at any time and increase the range of received channels. Receivers with additional functions, in addition to the function of receiving terrestrial television, allow you to expand the capabilities of even the most ordinary old-model TV. This attracts users, since it is much cheaper to purchase a receiver with additional capabilities than to buy a newer TV model. Terrestrial terrestrial television receivers are especially relevant for residents of settlements that do not have the ability to connect to cable TV.

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

Sometimes you want to turn your desktop computer or laptop into a whole multimedia device with great capabilities, turning it into an advanced TV. In this case, you need to use an analogue or external TV tuner that can receive signals in the DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, etc. standards. Some devices of this type are designed for installation in a desktop computer, others are equipped with a USB port and suitable for laptop. In addition, there are devices that work without a PC - they only need a monitor and speakers.

What is a TV tuner

This device is a type of television receiver, the main function of which is to receive a television signal in various broadcast formats and display the picture on the monitor. Simply put, it is a board or attachment for a PC. Reception of analogue signals and digital television channels is ensured by an external or internal antenna from satellite or cable TV. Most modern television receivers of this type are capable of receiving FM radio stations and can be used as video capture devices.

Why is it needed?

An analog or digital TV tuner is, first of all, capable of watching television programs, including satellite channels. You can watch them either on the full screen of your PC or in a reduced size. In addition, the device can pick up radio and record - one of the most attractive reasons for purchasing a device. Depending on the recording mechanism, it can be used to record radio or video in the so-called. manual mode. Some TV tuners have a scheduler that records TV programs of interest without user intervention.

How it works

Thanks to the reception function, the tuner is able to receive television signals in different broadcast formats. It is used to receive channels of the European terrestrial digital broadcasting standard (DVB-T, DVB-T2), American (ATSC), Japanese and South American (ISDB-T), etc. As for the operating principle, the receiver receives a signal from an external source, after which transmits it to the demodulator. The latter separates and extracts signals from the carrier signal. To watch TV on a PC, you must install the appropriate software on your computer.

The best TV tuners

When planning to buy a TV tuner for your TV, familiarize yourself with the current situation in the modern market. Prefixes of this type can be internal, i.e. installed in a computer, external with a USB connector, which are used in most cases to work with laptops and external hardware devices. The latter do not have a USB connector, but are connected into the gap between the monitor and the video card - they do not need a computer to operate. The most popular are internal video tuners - they are more advanced in terms of capabilities. Final processing and video output is implemented by software.

Analog TV tuner

As a rule, modern manufacturers practically no longer produce purely analog set-top boxes, because they have been replaced by hybrid video tuners. Such devices are capable of receiving both analog and digital signals. You can order a suitable device with delivery by mail in any specialized online store. An excellent mobile device for watching cable and satellite channels is:

• Model name: Vga MTV box;
• price: 1600 rub.;
• characteristics: dimensions – 12.5x7.5x1.8 cm, output frequency – 37 kHz-75 kHz, video input – 1Vp-p (psl/ntsc), resolution – from 800x600 to 1920x1200;
• pros: built-in speaker, good functionality;
• cons: none.

The next receiver is a portable analog video tuner with a switching timer, calendar and other auxiliary functions. It is relatively cheap:

• Model name: HDTV HD LCD TV Box;
• price: 1102 rub.;
• characteristics: dimensions – 12.5x8.5x2 cm, weight – 103 g, output frequency – 37 kHz-75 kHz, regeneration speed – 60HZ, video input – 1VP-P (PAL/NTSC), resolution – from 800x600 to 1920x1200;
• pros: stable and clear picture;
• cons: none.

Digital

With the development of digital television, portable devices that can receive signals in the digital standards DVB-T and DVB-2, DVB-S and DVB-S2, etc. are becoming widespread. On sale in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country you can You can find a lot of devices of this type, some of which are sold at good discounts. Alternatively, you might be interested in an external TV tuner:

• model name: Top box AM-01;
• price: 1400 rub.;
• characteristics: version - external, HD support - 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 16:9, digital standards - DVB-T2, dimensions - 168x35x102 mm, weight - 500 g;
• pros: works without a PC, recording timer;
• cons: dimensions.

The next set-top box has a universal control panel, a power cord and a bracket with a cable for the hard drive. This standalone video tuner costs an order of magnitude more than its analogues:

• model name: Openbox SX9 Combo HD;
• price: 9500 rub.;
• characteristics: version - external, operating system - Linux, HD support - 720p, 1080i, 1080p, digital standards - DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-C, DVB-S;
• pros: many additional options, there is a display;
• cons: expensive, no video capture for that price.

External TV tuner

A good choice would be the external T2 tuner, which in its functionality is practically no different from its internal analogue. To connect an external set-top box, you also need to install drivers and appropriate software. The quality of channel reception highly depends on the specific modification and sometimes may not be very good. The advantage is the ability to connect without opening the PC. It is inconvenient to use for laptops, because... takes up extra space. One of the devices in the category:

• model name: Dexp HD 1702M;
• price: 1150 rub.;
• characteristics: HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p,16:9, dimensions – 148x35x70 mm;
• pluses: presence of a display, delayed viewing mode;
• cons: none.

Pay attention to another external option - Top box AM-06 with an autonomous connection type. You can find out how much a TV tuner of this type costs below:

• model name: Top box AM-06;
• price: 1030 rub.;
• characteristics: HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p,16:9, dimensions – 115x22x75 mm, weight – 200 g;
• pros: there is a delayed viewing mode, a recording timer;
• cons: none.

Interior

To watch digital and analogue television, you can purchase an internal device that is installed directly into the PC. This is very convenient in terms of saving space, but in this case TV shows can only be watched when the computer is turned on. To work you need to install drivers and software. One of the multifunctional options:

• Model name: TBS 6680;
• price: 13940 rub.;
• characteristics: connection method – PCI-Express, compatibility – Windows XP / Vista/ 7/8/10, Linux, dimensions – 145x104 mm, weight – 122 g;
• pros: you can connect an external IR sensor, double CI slot;
• cons: expensive.

In general, internal TV tuners are considered the most multifunctional; they can receive television channels both from an antenna and from cable TV. The next set-top box is connected via PCI-Express. A distinctive feature is analog video capture, more details:

• model name: Beholder Behold TV T8;
• price: 5500 rub.;
• characteristics: HD support – 720p, 1080i, supports analog and digital standards, compatibility – Windows 2000/XP/2003/MCE/Vista/7/8 32/64 bit;
• pros: there is an FM tuner, recording timer, video capture;
• cons: expensive.

For TV

There are set-top boxes that can be connected not only to a desktop computer or laptop, but also to a TV. One of them is BBK SMP123HDT2. This device, specially developed by BBR, is capable of transmitting a signal from the receiver to the TV using a composite video output or an HDMI connector. More details about product parameters:

• Model name: BBK SMP123HDT2;
• price: 1290 rub.;
• characteristics: external digital, HD image output, HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p, dimensions – 120x30x115 mm, weight – 210 kg;
• pros: good functionality, reasonable cost;
• Cons: the firmware supports few audio codecs.

The D-Color DC921HD digital receiver has high-quality components and the latest software. It is capable of transmitting a bright and clear picture, and supports MPEG4 AVC H.264 SD/HD video format:

• model name: D-Color DC921HD DVB-T2;
• price: 889 rub.;
• characteristics: external, connection type – stand-alone, maximum resolution – up to 1920x1080, dimensions – 116x32x100 mm;
• pros: low cost, has a recording timer, teletext;
• Cons: poor reception, sometimes freezes.

For computer

There is a whole category of TV tuners for computers. To save on purchasing them, look for stores that offer all kinds of promotions and sales. An excellent purchase could be an internal TV tuner for a Technologies Nova T2 2.0 computer from AverMedia with HD image output:

• model name: AVerMedia Technologies Nova T2;
• price: 3890 rub.;
• characteristics: PC connection – PCI-Express, analog video capture available, compatibility – Windows 8.1 / 8 / 7 / XP (32/64-Bit), weight – 51 g;
• pluses: presence of teletext, recording timer, good quality;
• Cons: unfinished software, a little expensive.

Check out another PC device - Espada ESP-DVBT2. Unlike the previous one, this TV tuner is external. It has support for multiple audio tracks and Time shifting feature:

• Model name: Espada ESP-DVBT2;
• price: 1827 rub.;
• characteristics: connection to a PC via USB, there is an FM tuner, supported television standards - DVB-T2, DVB-T, DVB-C, dimensions - 28x16x91 mm, weight - 110 g;
• pluses: teletext, timer, compatibility with third-party software;
• cons: none.

For laptop

TV tuners with USV can be used to connect to a laptop. This option is no less convenient and popular than the others. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing a suitable set-top box that will transmit picture and sound to the laptop monitor clearly and richly without stuttering. Pay attention to the Rombica tuner with support for Windows 8 and ProgDVB and the ability to record programs on a schedule without loss of quality. The device can receive analogue DVB-T, DVB-T2 and digital radio with stereo sound:

• model name: Rombica Pro DVB-T2;
• price: 2990 rub.;
• characteristics: execution – external, connection to a laptop and PC via USB, analog video capture is possible, HD support – 720p, 1080i, 1080p, compatibility – Windows 8 / 7 / Vista / XP (32/64-bit),
• pluses: presence of a recording timer, teletext, high-quality picture, low system requirements;
• cons: none.

AVerMedia Technologies TD310 is another external TV tuner with USB connection. In addition to the device itself, the kit includes a compact folding dipole antenna and a remote control with batteries:

• model name: AVerMedia Technologies TD310;
• price: 3250 rub.;
• characteristics: version - external, connection via USB, supported television standards - DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-T2, HD support - 720p, 1080i, compatibility - Windows 8.1 / 8 / 7 (32/64-Bit);
• pros: good picture, recording timer and teletext, easy connection;
• cons: none.

How to choose a TV tuner

When planning to order a TV tuner for a monitor, computer, laptop or car, read the selection criteria. A competent and thorough approach will help you choose a truly optimal video tuner that will receive TV channels from a car antenna or satellite and cable TV. To do this, pay attention to some useful tips:

• Decide between an analog and digital device. The first option is perfect if you are going to make the usual terrestrial television, which you receive on a collective or indoor rooftop, or if you have cable TV at home. This type of customizer is the most difficult to implement, because... it should provide good reception quality in different conditions and protection from interference. Digital may be the preferred option because... Digital television has become widespread today. You can often find hybrid models that can support multiple signal types.
• Choose between internal and external TV tuner. The first one takes up minimal space, because is installed inside the PC, but to do this you need to open the computer case. An external device connected via USB is more convenient in this regard.
• Please note additional features. It will be good if the selected model can capture video, receive signals from FM radio stations, etc.

For digital television

If you are interested in digital TV, then pay attention to DVB-T tuners. Compared to analogue broadcasting, digital broadcasting can provide high picture quality regardless of various types of interference. A digital stream often includes several audio tracks, including multi-channel ones. In addition to DVB-T, digital video tuners include DVB-S/S2 and DVB-C - the former are satellite, and the latter are cable. You can immediately purchase a kind of mega-hybrid TV tuner that combines analog and two digital types of television broadcasting.

For analog television

The device chosen for analogue TV must be able to provide an acceptable level of quality in different conditions and have developed signal processing mechanisms. True, not all models of analog tuners can meet these requirements. Some devices have extremely limited functionality and provide the user with unsatisfactory quality images. Of particular importance is the functionality and ease of use of the software. The ideal choice would be a hybrid version of the TV tuner, which can also be used for digital TV.

For car

Active antennas installed inside the car on the windshield have become very popular. Such antennas are compact in size. To increase the functionality of this type of device, choose a suitable TV tuner. Digital DVB-T2 models are also in demand, used to receive different communication channels. Thanks to them, you can watch your favorite programs at a high-quality level. Among the well-known car digital receivers are INCAR DTV-16, BGT-TV-Box, MyDean DTV-1519, etc. However, their cost exceeds 11-12 thousand rubles.

Quite often when choosing a TV, we are faced with digital standards that are embedded in one or another type of tuner. However, not everyone can obtain the necessary information using the abbreviation specified in the characteristics. Most likely, this is due to the fact that ordinary consumers do not pay much attention to these technical issues and, in principle, are not interested in digital broadcast formats. Of course, this parameter in the technical specifications does not have privileges over screen resolution or matrix type, but it is still useful to know about it.

Before moving on to the analysis of digital standards, a definition should be given in order to understand why a digital tuner is needed on a TV?

A tuner (also called a decoder, decoder or digital receiver) is a device that allows the TV to play broadcast video streams by receiving and decoding signals of different broadcast formats. According to their design, they can be external or internal (built-in).

In modern TVs, the built-in decoder usually supports several broadcast standards, which manufacturers describe in the technical specifications for a particular model. Keep in mind that you still follow the basic characteristics, and if the built-in tuner in the model you like does not support the necessary standards, then you are always free to buy an external one.

At the same time, having a tuner on your TV that supports the standards you need can, in some cases, save you from additional costs.

Digital television broadcast standards.

There is an international organization for standardization (ISO - International Organization for Standardization) which includes national standardization committees from more than 100 countries. Special groups have been formed there to solve problems in individual industries. Today there are the following basic standards:

• DVB- European digital television standard.
• ATSC- American digital television standard.
• ISDB- Japanese digital television standard.

Of course, we are interested in the DVB group (Digital Video Broadcasting - digital video broadcasting).

DVB-C. Cable digital television standard. To access the package of channels, just insert your provider card into the tuner. This standard is based on MPEG-2 coding of moving images and audio.

DVB-C2. This is the second generation of the above-mentioned standard, which provides a low-cost option for upgrading such a network. In addition, it uses OFDM instead of a single carrier, which provides additional flexibility and noise immunity.

DVB-S. Digital satellite broadcasting. The signal is transmitted via satellite, and for reception you need a satellite dish and a decoder. This digital broadcasting has been and remains the fastest, most reliable and economical way to transmit a high-quality TV signal to any point in a vast space.

DVB-S2. A modified DVB-S standard that covers the shortcomings of its predecessor. One of the important reasons for the creation of the new standard was plans for the mass launch of HDTV. Since the structure of the transport frame is not tied to a specific format, it is possible to transmit both MPEG-2 transport packets and arbitrary streams with a continuous or packet structure.

DVB-T. Digital terrestrial television. Here the signal is transmitted over the airwaves and received by an individual (room) or collective antenna, which is connected to a TV with a built-in decoder or to a receiver that supports this standard. The work is carried out in the UHF (decimeter waves) or MV (meter waves) range.

DVB-T2. Accordingly, this is the second generation of the previous standard, which is fundamentally different from it. This improved type allows TV channels to broadcast programs not only in HDTV format, but also transmit a signal in 3D format. The type of audio and video compression in the international MPEG4 standard is supported. This technology improves throughput by more than 30%, as well as transmission stability.

If this is your first time hearing about the DVB-T2 standard, then watch the video.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in these abbreviations for a non-technically savvy person. The letter T - (Terrestrial) stands for terrestrial broadcasting, C - (Cable) for cable, and S - (Sattelite) for satellite. If your TV supports any of the digital standards mentioned above, then you will still need to purchase a CAM module. As a rule, all modern models have a CI/PCMCIA slot on the back for pairing a CAM module and an access card from your provider.