Digital TV Box: Essential Tuner Information

Television stepped forward confidently, and the era of analog broadcasting was replaced by the era of digital television. Their main difference is the best image quality. New generation televisions are already equipped with special devices that ensure high TV signal efficiency. For owners of old models, there is also an outlet - this is a digital TV set-top box that can be easily connected to any TV set. This article is devoted to this topic.

Digital set-top box for TV, or TV tuner: what is it

Referring to a number of reference books, it is possible to formulate a rather short and accessible concept, according to which a digital tuner is a separate special device that serves for the production, transmission and demodulation of a signal. Simply put, a TV tuner is a receiver of a TV and radio signal with subsequent retransmission on the screen. It should be noted that the first digital TV receivers appeared quite a long time ago - back in the mid-90s. Then these devices had limited capabilities and had a minimal set of functions.

The cost of the predecessors of modern multimedia devices was much higher, although in terms of technical and quality characteristics they can no longer be compared with their current counterparts. This is actually a completely different device with a lot of features that allow you to turn the simplest TV into a progressive AV device.

The main function of a digital TV tuner is to provide TV viewing. At the same time, you can watch TV both in full screen mode and in parallel windows simultaneously with other programs. In addition, almost all modern tuners allow you to listen to FM radio. By the way, this advantage is quite popular among users. It should also be noted that the TV tuner can record programs.

This function allows you to manually record video and radio materials. In this case, you just need to press the "Record" button, as on a regular VCR. You can also use the scheduler - a mechanism that will independently record the desired TV programs without human intervention.

What to consider when choosing a TV set-top box

Before choosing a set-top box for a digital TV, you should carefully study the advantages of the devices and, based on the list of useful functions, choose the most suitable option for yourself. Special software implements all functions, which include:

• reception, signal processing;
• image removal;
• sound reproduction;
• recording audio and video files.

Useful advice! If the recording function is important, it should be noted that the improved tuner models greatly simplify the recording planning process, and some allow you to record programs without advertising. For this purpose, individual manufacturers, using the recording mechanism, create application applications that help expand the capabilities of even the most basic tuner. For example, a conventional video surveillance camera located at the entrance, connected to a tuner, will record all the processes that occur near the premises.

Before purchasing a device, you should understand the question of what kind of set-top boxes are. According to specific differences, tuners are divided into built-in and external ones. Moreover, each of them has a number of both advantages and disadvantages.

It should be noted that the recording function is the most vulnerable spot of TVs with built-in tuners. It is by no means possible to install another expansion card in every built-in processor; moreover, they may simply be incompatible with the operating system. It should be mentioned here that the majority of manufacturers focused on the Windows system, but there are also those based on the macOS and Linux platform. At the same time, it is the internal tuners that are most popular, due to the more affordable price of a digital set-top box for a TV.

External set-top box to the TV for watching digital TV

External tuners as a separate type of set-top boxes are divided into categories. They can be standalone and software dependent, commonly referred to as USB tuners. Stand-alone set-top boxes are an independent external device with a separate video output that can be connected directly to the monitor.

These digital TV tuners are virtually independent of the software installed on the TV. The television signal is received and processed by the resource components of the set-top box itself. There was a time when standalone tuners were used to improve picture quality by converting an inexpensive LCD monitor into a full-fledged LCD screen. Such a trick saved half the money on the purchase of a TV.

Now that LCD TVs have dropped significantly in price, external tuners are being used to connect to plasma models and large LCD panels. An external set-top box, in comparison with the tuner built into the latest TV, allows for a much better signal reception quality, while expanding the possibilities of a wide screen.

It should be noted one more feature that a stand-alone TV set-top box has. This applies to parallel use with a computer, when an external tuner is connected between the screen and the video card output. This way of connection will make it possible to watch the TV picture both in full screen mode and in a separate window.It should be noted that it is absolutely unimportant which operating system is installed in a computer or TV and which application needs to be launched at the moment.

Digital TV tuner for TV: important nuances

One of the main disadvantages of a standalone tuner is functional limitations. This is primarily due to the fact that it can work exclusively in viewing mode - the device does not have a recording function. This disadvantage is partially compensated for in the second type of external tuners, which are connected to a computer using a USB port.

Useful advice! Before choosing a tuner for digital television, you should clearly determine the type of device, taking into account both the pros and cons of each of them.

Such set-top boxes also have a number of additional features, since they have no design restrictions and can be connected not only to a TV, but also to any computer, in particular to a laptop. The only important condition for the successful operation of the device is the compatibility of the program installed on the tuner with the computer operating system.

Digital receivers in ExpressCard or PCMCIA form factors deserve special attention, which allow you to connect the device to laptops. In terms of structure, they are no different from internal tuners, but made more compact. They are very easy to use with a laptop. Thus, giving preference to the external type of digital TV tuner, one should take into account not only the numerous advantages, but also the listed nuances.

Built-in TV box for digital TV

If we talk about the structure of tuners, built-in or external, then they consist of two main elements:

• high-frequency unit;
• decoder or chipset.

The high-frequency unit is designed to convert the signal coming from the antenna into a digital stream that can be understood by the TV. It is made of metal and looks like a classic box-block or a small chip in a silicone block. According to consumers, the classic unit allows you to get better signal reception, although experts believe that the reception quality primarily depends on the characteristics of the antenna. In the case of poor receiver quality, no block will provide a perfect image.

If the antenna is of high quality, then even a silicone block will allow you to get a good picture. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account certain nuances when choosing a set-top box, since the silicone block has certain drawbacks when it operates in the upper frequency range, in particular in the decimeter range, where there is a high probability of additional noise and loss of picture clarity. Although much depends on the conditions of signal reception.

A decoder for digital television converts the video stream from the high-frequency unit or the audio and video input of the tuner into a digital signal, which is further converted by the program into a video image.

Which set-top box for receiving digital television is better: manufacturer's choice

Modern models of digital TV tuners are mainly equipped with decoders from two manufacturers - Philips and Conexant, which provide high quality chipsets.

Useful advice! If there is no audio transfer function on the PCI bus, you will need to use a sound card with a line-in to broadcast the audio signal, which can subsequently lead to a lag in sound from the picture, especially on old TVs.

Particular attention should be paid to the specific chipset models that define the basic functionality of the tuner. Currently, three modifications of the Philips chipset are used in the production of TV tuners. Receivers with a lower price usually use the Philips SAA7130HL decoder.This is an entry-level chipset that differs from the more expensive Philips SAA7134HL and SAA7135HL models only by the lack of TV reception with NICAM / A2 stereo sound. They also lack built-in audio effects and the ability to transfer audio over the PCI bus, which is especially important for broadcast quality.

Thus, the two listed elements in the form of a high-frequency unit and a chipset are quite enough for the full use of all the basic functions of almost any digital TV tuner for a TV. Some manufacturers equip models with additional elements that expand the functions of the device. For example, the Beholder company was one of the first to equip top models with an RDS decoder, which allows displaying text on the screen. This can be information about the weather forecast, exchange rates, etc., transmitted on the frequency of the radio station.

Digital set-top boxes for TV equipped with hardware MPEG encoder

Modern models are very often equipped with a hardware MPEG encoder, which performs the function of encoding video into MPEG format with subsequent transmission to the screen. This feature helps to significantly reduce the load on the TV receiver itself. It is worth noting that the MPEG encoder is the most suitable option for consumers who want to record video in DVD format, but are poorly versed in program settings.

It should also be noted that a hardware MPEG encoder must be included in Windows Media Center software, which is a unique multimedia environment that allows you to transform your home computer into a multi-functional entertainment center. The main advantage of Media Center is the ability to use two tuners at once, that is, you can simultaneously watch and record TV programs from two channels. This feature prompted manufacturers to produce so-called two-head tuners.

Related article:

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Possibilities of modern digital television. A variety of devices, selection rules, an overview of popular tuner models.

In practical terms, basically all manufacturers offer advanced options. For example, AverMedia, Compro and LifeView are pioneers in the industry in providing advanced platforms for digital television receivers. Beholder manufactures even more advanced tuners, which are equipped with many innovative technologies, in particular the computer power management program (ARPC), the ADSS function, which divides the screen into analog and digital parts. Beholder still uses the basic stuffing with the classic HF unit and Philips decoder.

Useful advice! When choosing a set-top box for a TV, you should pay attention not only to the functional, but also to the design features of the device. Simply put, you need to take into account how the design of the device fits harmoniously into the interior.

External set-top box for digital TV with MPEG encoder

External tuners are characterized by a similar circuit design, apart from some special chips, therefore, when choosing an external USB tuner, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Sound transmission. It is necessary to take models with sound transmission via USB. It is best if the external USB tuner is equipped with a hardware MPEG encoder that allows you to transmit the finished DVD stream. At the same time, the tuner reduces the load on both the processor and the USB bus.
2. Dimensions of digital receiver for TV. This point is less important, but miniature models still look more attractive. They are much more compact as they are the size of a simple flash drive.
3. Availability of audio and video inputs. This nuance is important for those who intend to digitize recordings from a VCR or camcorder.
4. Availability of FM radio. This feature is also available on a number of models.

In addition, for those interested in purchasing an autonomous tuner, the following points are important:

1. Support for high resolution, which is necessary for owners of large widescreen screens and panels over 20 inches.
2. Support for different scaling modes that allow you to view on-air TV on a monitor with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 and 16: 9. It is preferable that the tuner has a panoramic mode. It should be noted that at present there is only one such receiver for digital television - Behold TV SOLO.
3. Audio and video inputs are also important for parallel connection of a game console or VCR.
4. Control and customization availability. This nuance can be clarified only after purchasing a tuner.

Digital TV STB standard parameters

When choosing a TV tuner, you should also pay attention to HDTV standards, which reflect the maximum image resolution supported by the tuner, as well as the ability to receive video signals in Full HD (1080p) with progressive scan.

The output image format indicates the ratio of the width to the height of the output image. In order for the picture to be correct, you need to select this characteristic based on the parameters of the TV screen.

It is also necessary to say about the important digital television standards - DVB-T. Modern options for digital TV set-top boxes:

• DVB-T2 - provides digital terrestrial broadcasting;
• DVB-C - Advanced DVB-C2 for digital cable television;
• DVB-S is an updated DVB-S2 for satellite broadcasting of digital TV channels.

You should pay attention to the video compression format, since modern digital TV channels can be compressed using various codecs, including MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. To select the most complete list of channels, it is advisable to select tuners that support the required standards.

Useful advice! It is best to purchase a set-top box for digital TV with the TimeShift function, which, by recording video, allows you to pause it and watch TV shows or movies with a time delay.

Additional functions of digital set-top boxes for TV

Almost all set-top boxes that are present on the market have a number of additional functions, among which the following stand out:

1. The Electronic TV Guide is a TV menu in a user-friendly format that displays TV and radio program schedules with an interactive search function for content by time, title, genre or channel using only a standard remote control.
2. Teletext is a teletext service that allows you to keep track of the weather, traffic schedules, news and other information at any convenient time without leaving the TV screen.
3. Recording video and audio to external media is a good way to store your favorite shows. To do this, it is enough to buy a TV tuner with the function of recording TV programs to an external USB drive.
4. The TimeShift function allows you to pause the TV broadcast, so that the viewer will not miss a single minute of an exciting movie or interesting program being watched if he needs to move away from the TV.
5. The multimedia feature includes different file types that are responsible for all video and audio formats that one particular device plays. The most common digital audio models today are MKV, MPEG, MPEG4, AVI, and MP3.
6. JPG are graphic format files that are the standard in modern digital photography.
7. Reproduction of information from external media, for which it is enough to insert a USB flash drive or hard drive with fixed multimedia files and enjoy watching. This allows you to get rid of old disc players that are taking up extra space.
8. Dolby Digital support allows for the playback of video files in a variety of formats, which is important for watching videos from USB drives through an internal player.

Connectors and commutation of set-top boxes for TV

Before choosing digital set-top boxes for your TV, you should pay attention to the type of connectors through which the tuner is connected. It is important to take into account some parameters.

The CI slot is used to expand electronic modules that are built into modern televisions, as well as digital television receivers, and allow you to play encoded TV and radio channels. This slot is used in digital broadcasting systems that provide protection for commercial media content.

Digital interfaces are used to connect standard low-cost set-top boxes, although other additions may appear on models with a higher price. Basically, digital terrestrial television receivers have a standard connector called "tulip". This connector provides analog signal transmission that can be reflected in image quality. It may not be entirely natural. Better broadcasting can be obtained using an HDMI cable that transmits an uncompensated image in digital form.

Useful advice! Before buying a tuner, you should pay attention to the Ethernet, USB and others interfaces. The main group is made up of digital interfaces: e-SATA port, Ethernet (RJ-45), HDMI, microSD card slot, mini USB, regular SD card slot, SPDIF, SPDIF (coaxial), SPDIF (optical), interfaces USB.

Analog connectors for digital set-top boxes

The analog signal is transmitted using a certain number of connectors. First of all, the output for a conventional antenna should be mentioned. This is the same composite input (RCA) - in common people "tulip". Through it, you can connect not only a VCR, DVD-player or game console, but also a video camera, photo camera.

The S-Video connector is used to connect VCRs, camcorders and other devices. The component input includes all the components of the video signal, among which two are responsible for color, one for brightness (transmitted over different channels). The converter is designated as follows: Y PbPr. The component input is for connecting a DVD player, DTV decoder, and other equipment.

SCART is the European standard for connecting a variety of devices. Through it, it is possible to transmit audio and video signals, both analog and digital. VGA is a 15-pin connector that connects analog monitors and TVs. In addition to standard stereo and audio outputs, the list of analog connectors includes the following: RS-232C, SCART, S-Video antenna input, composite AV (RCA), composite mini AV, component YPbPr (RCA).

There is also a pass-through antenna output for conveniently connecting the antenna to another TV or set-top box without additional signal separation (splitter).

How to choose a set-top box for digital TV: additional options

In search of an answer to the question of which set-top box for digital television is better, one should take into account a number of seemingly unimportant, but at the same time essential characteristics. This is the material from which the tuner is made, the presence of a display, equipment and dimensions.

Mostly plastic and metal are used in the production of cases for consoles.Plastic models are lighter, and metal, in turn, are more durable and resistant to external mechanical stress.

The display is an optional, but still an important part of the tuner, which will make the instrument easier to use. The complete set of goods should also not be overlooked. When buying, you need to check if all the components are available.

Dimensions are aesthetically important. The actual weight of most digital TV set-top boxes does not exceed 100 grams. At the same time, there are devices that can weigh over a kilogram. The height of digital TV tuners can be from 20 to 150 mm. Attachments are usually compact devices that can be easily positioned anywhere. However, they do not particularly affect the interior. Standard tuners range in depth from 40 to 200 mm and widths from 70 to 300 mm.

Useful advice! The presence of additional functions is a huge plus for the device, especially if it is an Internet set-top box for a TV that provides for watching programs and films on the Internet. At the same time, one should take into account the fact how much the set-top box costs, since additional features imply a higher price.

Thus, when choosing a set-top box for digital TV, it is necessary to be guided by a number of criteria, both in technical terms and taking into account the dimensions, material of manufacture and aesthetic design. It is worth asking about the characteristics on specialized sites. This will allow you to determine which set-top box is best for digital TV (customer reviews will help you make the right choice).