Digital television is not so long ago, but has already firmly entered our lives. However, not all of us have managed to acquire televisions with built-in digital receivers. There are two ways to solve this problem - buy a new and modern TV or install a small DVB-T2 receiver in your home.
The second option is the most profitable and acceptable, because receivers cost an order of magnitude less than a new “TV box”. However, some difficulties may arise here if you don’t know what to look for when purchasing.
DVB-T2 receivers
Today, TV towers broadcast both analog and digital signals in the same range. Therefore, to receive high-definition video channels, there is no need to install a new antenna - ordinary decimeter “horns”, which each of us probably has, will do.
It is also important to remember that not all TVs are capable of “reproducing” a digital signal. Of course, by connecting a DVB-T2 receiver to an old TV box, you will be able to watch your favorite channels, but you will not notice any differences in image quality.
Modern digital receivers are small devices that look very similar to DVD players. Most models have a simple liquid crystal display on the front panel and control buttons.
On the back wall of such a device there are connectors for connecting to an antenna and to a TV, additional slots for flash cards, adapters and other devices, as well as a power switch. When choosing a DVB-T2 receiver, you need to focus on the rear panel.
Receiver characteristics
The first important characteristic of a digital receiver is the supported video resolution. This setting must match the resolution of your TV. So, if the screen only supports SDTV, then there is simply no need to buy a set-top box that supports high-definition HD video - the TV will still broadcast as before. The same applies to the built-in 3D function.
The presence of the necessary connectors to connect the set-top box to the TV is the second most important parameter. The vast majority of equipment uses an RCA cable, or “tulips,” for connection. Some DVB-T2 over-the-air receivers use SCART cables along with RCA ports.
In addition, you can use one of the built-in interfaces to connect to your TV. As a rule, this very often serves as an HDMI port. The presence of all the listed connectors will allow you to connect two TVs to one receiver at the same time.
Built-in Interfaces
You can often find equipment on the market with a built-in USB interface, thanks to which you can connect a flash drive, phone, and in some cases even a laptop to the receiver. However, such a DVB-T2 receiver is slightly more expensive than a conventional installation. Most often, the described capabilities are used to record a TV show on a flash card or to play audio and video files stored on a flash drive.
The built-in CI slot for connecting a conditional access card, which allows you to view paid channels, has a significant impact on the price. Today, almost all channels broadcast in Russia are free, but in the future such an opportunity may turn out to be very useful.
Additional functions
The receiver may have a large number of built-in functions that the owners are not even aware of. The most popular is the ability to “stop time” - TimeShift. But this feature is just a trick that makes the DVB-T2 digital TV receiver more expensive.
The fact is that such a function is only available for “antenna” devices, when “time is stopped,” a screenshot is taken and the sound is turned off, but the transmission itself continues to go.
Another popular feature, the TV guide, which allows you to view the program guide, works slightly better. Its functionality depends on the specific channel. Setting a timer to automatically turn the channel on or off are the only additional features that work flawlessly.
Connecting the set-top box to the TV
You can connect in two ways. If your antenna has a ready-made coaxial cable, then you just need to insert it into the DVB-T2 digital TV receiver, and then start setting up channels. In some cases, you have to buy the coaxial cable yourself, especially if your antenna has a built-in amplifier.
In this case, you will also need a screw-on f-type connector. To install it on the cable, you need to cut off the insulation layer, distribute metal foil and mesh along the contour and get to the copper core. Then you can screw the connector into the receiver.
There are many more ways to connect a TV to a set-top box. You can use tulip, RCA, SCART or HDMI cables. There will be no difficulties here. After combining the devices, all that remains is to configure the DVB-T2 digital receiver in the same way as setting up a channel search on a TV.
Budget models
The cost of budget models is in the range of 1-2 thousand rubles. Their functionality is sufficient for comfortable viewing of TV shows.
Our list opens with the VVK SMP240HDT2 receiver costing up to 1.5 thousand rubles. There is a built-in USB interface, which makes it possible to record TV programs and view media files. The HDMI connector can be used to connect an HD TV. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the poor response to the remote control and the coincidence of commands with the signals from the TV remote control.
The D-COLOR DC1302 set-top box has all the same built-in functions as the previous representative. But this digital DVB-T2 receiver is more user-friendly - it responds better to remote control commands. Buyers also noted the stylish metal case with plastic inserts. Among the disadvantages is the delayed channel switching.
The receiver is less functional than previous representatives - there is no HDMI. Users especially liked the simple channel setup - it can be done in just a couple of clicks. But the menu is not very convenient and understandable - you will have to figure it out.
Special Representatives
These consoles presented below can be called special for some additional features that are not available in the models already described. In addition, the cost of these devices also does not exceed 2 thousand rubles.
SUPRA SDT-94 is a digital DVB-T2 receiver with HD resolution support and a USB interface for viewing data from flash cards. Separately, users noted good signal reception, regardless of the type of antenna connected, as well as simple channel search. A special feature is the parental control function, which blocks certain channels until a password is entered. The main disadvantage is the reduction in image quality when connected via a composite output.
A more original model is the Rolsen RDB-532. The receiver is compact in size and has low power consumption, which allows it to be used as a portable receiver. All you need to do is buy a power cord. It lacks an HDMI connector, but the ability to view multimedia remains. TV DVB-T2 has no complaints from users. Its functionality fully corresponds to the price.
SMART receivers
This group of devices is the most expensive. However, they are more functional and are able to access the Internet, and also have a number of other features.
The Dune HD Solo 4K receiver, in addition to watching TV channels directly from the Internet in 4K format, playing multimedia, recording video, accessing the global network, a convenient menu and functions already described for other models, can be used as a wireless access point to a Wi-Fi network. Fi. At the same time, providing high speed to several users simultaneously. Of the minuses, the high price should be noted - about 24 thousand rubles.
IconBIT XDS94K is a much less functional DVB-T2 digital terrestrial receiver. But it also costs 4 times less than the previous representative. In addition to browsing Internet resources and playing multimedia, the device can be used to make video calls; you just need to buy a webcam. Additionally, you can connect a mouse and keyboard to the receiver. Among the disadvantages is the rather long loading of channels.
So, you want to connect digital television. What needs to be done for this, and what to pay attention to? I will answer all your questions. Let me say right away that we are talking about terrestrial digital TV(set-top box, antenna, air), about cable - this is not here)
How to connect digital TV? It's actually very simple!
I suggest you simple algorithm, following which, you can easily connect and configure 10 or 20 digital channels on your TV. But, since each step has its own nuances, I wrote separate articles on them. Carefully study everything that is written here, and you will be happy - free digital television in your home. All links open in a new window.
So, let's go.
The first three steps when connecting digital TV, or “Where to start”?
- Read this short introduction to the topic written by me. This way you will get a rough idea of the issue in general.
- Watch it using terrestrial digital TV. Maybe you expected more or something different? If you are not satisfied with what is broadcast there, you can close this site and continue with your business)
- Make sure that there is a digital TV nearby that operates in the DVB T2 format, and that you are within the broadcast area of one of them.
If the first three points did not discourage you, then let’s continue. Most likely, further steps will require money, so check the coverage area well and think about whether you are doing all this in vain.
All you need is a TV (I took it for 1100) and (with an amplifier I took 700 rubles). In total, the issue price is 1,800 rubles, which pays for itself in a year of cable TV subscription. And if you don’t buy an antenna, then that’s great. And the TV may well already have a built-in receiver for connecting digital TV.
Further steps to connect the “digital”
- Let's solve the issue with .
- We solve the issue with
- Having everything you need on hand! (hooray!)
- If you have caught more channels than you should (duplicates!), .
- If something didn’t work out and we didn’t catch anything, then don’t despair.
- If nothing helps, then call or write an email to the local customer support center. I wrote, and they actually answered my questions from there. Well done!
Connecting digital television is not launching a ship into space, and I think that it is available to everyone who has such a desire and very little money)
Here is a short manual with a bunch of pitfalls. I hope you found it helpful.
Hello friends! In this post I will continue the topic of how to set up DVB-T2. Terrestrial digital TV, 20 channels for free, how to set up an antenna and enjoy a high-quality image.
If you are interested in what types of digital television there are and how to choose the right TV given this variety, then follow this link and
You can ask about how to choose the right antenna for digital television
Well, right now, about how to set up the antenna and equipment for digital channels.
A little general information for a better understanding of the matter.
Currently, terrestrial digital television offers 20 television programs for viewing and 3 radio stations for listening. Total 23 and these channels are included in two digital television packages.
But what’s interesting is that the user does not need to separately configure all 23 frequency channels on his TV or set-top box, but only two.
P.S. Residents of Moscow and the region can enjoy more; they are broadcasting a third package, which already includes 30 digital television programs and the need to tune in three frequency channels.
To make it clearer, let's remember how this works in an analog signal? In this case, one TV channel is broadcast on one frequency channel, for example, in my region, Channel One was broadcast on frequency channel 6, the Rossiya TV channel was broadcast on channel 12, and NTV broadcasts were broadcast on channel 27 in the UHF range. And then further - One frequency channel = one television channel!
With the advent of digital broadcasting, everything has changed!
And one of its advantages is that now not one TV channel is broadcast on one frequency channel, but ten or more at once, so to speak in a package. This is called “Package” or “Multiplex”. For example, from the television center in Belgorod on channel 43 of digital broadcasting, 10 television channels and plus 3 radio stations are transmitted - this is the first package, and on the frequency of channel 46 another 10 TV channels are transmitted - this is the second package. Thus, only two television frequencies are used, and not twenty-three. But keep in mind that if in Belgorod these are channels 43 and 46, then in another city these will be different frequencies.
There is only one thing that unites everyone, in any region these will be frequencies of the decimeter (UHF) range, and therefore an antenna is also needed for UHF. (ADDITION: Currently, some broadcasters are still broadcasting only one of the two packages, i.e. only ten channels.)
Find out on which channels Digital Terrestrial Television is broadcast in your region, where the transmitting towers are located and whether they operate in full mode, broadcasting two packets. This information can be extremely useful for the successful installation of the antenna.
So, if you decide to organize digital terrestrial TV channels, you will need:
- A TV with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner or, if it does not have one, then you will need a set-top box for digital television, also in DVB-T2 format.
- And of course the antenna itself, UHF range. Indoor or outdoor, depends on the proximity to the translator and the quality of the signal in your area.
- Television cable, antenna plug.
- Sometimes it helps to have a helper, and it never hurts to have patience and persistence.
How to find out if my TV is capable of receiving Digital Terrestrial Television
First, let's find out whether your TV is capable of receiving DVB-T2 signals without a set-top box, the fact is that not all devices are able to do this, old, non-flat TVs don’t even need to be checked, but flat LCD TVs may or may not receive . But if you know exactly what your TV is capable of, feel free to skip this part.
There are several ways: 1) (Dreary) Get the technical passport from the TV and look in the “technical specifications” section to find the presence of DVB-T2 there. Why is it boring? Look at your passport!….. Although sometimes you get lucky.
2) (Simpler) There is a tag on the TV case, on its back, with the TV model written on it, write it down or take a photo. Next, you need to enter the TV model into the search bar of your browser and add the word “Characteristics”. See examples in the photo below.
The model has been determined, we type in the search engine…….
Having gone to the site, select “Technical Specifications” then “Advanced” and we get where we need to go.
As you can see, this model is capable of receiving DVB-T2; it does not need a set-top box. Further designations indicate: C - digital cable, S2 - digital satellite. But we are interested in DVB-T2 and it is present, otherwise we would have to purchase an additional set-top box for digital television.
How to set up your antenna and TV for digital TV under different signal conditions
Let's look at the simplest option first: You live in an area of good, reliable signal reception. We have decided on the antenna, an article about this will help you. We connected the antenna to the TV and turned on auto channel search, in some models, when we go to the settings menu, the TV may ask you to choose whether to configure analogue or digital channels, choose digital. If everything went well, the TV itself will save the caught channels. You can admire the excellent image quality.
Let's complicate the situation a little. On auto-search, the TV did not catch anything, or only a few channels that were snowing. If this is so, then these are not digital channels, but ordinary analogue ones; digital television cannot go with the snow. (the fact is that on auto search, the TV can scan the entire range, both digital and analog).
Your next steps: If the auto search did not help, then It will greatly simplify the situation by knowing which TV channels broadcast the first and second multiplexes in your area. And also where and in what direction the TV tower is located from you in order to correctly point the antenna. If you don’t know this, then you can also see the desired direction of the antenna by paying attention to where the neighbors’ antennas are “looking.” Just don’t use satellite dishes as a guide; they are pointed at the satellite.
If you know the channel number, then do the following - You need to find the manual tuning mode in the TV menu, don’t forget to select “Digital”; it can be designated as DTV. Next, your task is to dial from the remote control the channel number on which one of the multiplexes (packages) is broadcast. In manual mode, a scale will be displayed on the screen that visually shows the signal level received by the antenna. (Sometimes there may be two scales, for example “Level” and “Quality”, refer to the bottom one)
And now, on the scale, you can see whether there is a signal from the antenna, in some cases, if there is no signal, then the indicator on the scale may behave like this: It will jump, zero percent - one hundred percent - zero - one hundred ..... etc. d. This indicates there is no signal. By changing the position and direction of the antenna, visually determine the best signal level, and this level should be stable, and if it changes, it should be within small limits, not to zero.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the result from changing the antenna position will not be reflected immediately, after about 5 seconds. Therefore, look for the best position in stages, each time taking a short pause and observing the signal level on the scale. If the antenna is located on the street, then it will be more convenient to work with an assistant.
When we managed to find the antenna position at which the signal is stable, we give the command to search and save channels. We repeat the search and save procedure for the second multiplex, indicating its channel number (if there is broadcasting of two multiplexes, it is not everywhere yet)
And now a very difficult situation: You live in an area with difficult television reception. This may be due to the distance from the transmitting tower, the complexity of the terrain (mountains, lowlands, wooded areas). High-rise buildings located quite close to you and at the same time standing on the way to the transmitting tower, your antenna directed at the tower seems to “rest” against the high-rise.
In these cases, the principle of the adjustment itself is the same as described above; you need to visually determine the best position of the antenna using a scale. But the antennas used and some methods differ.
Antennas in difficult reception conditions must be used active ones, i.e. with an amplifier, also structurally having a higher gain. Typically, the longer the antenna arm, the greater its own gain.
Methods include the following: Determine if there are other transmission towers in a more favorable position for you. And try to catch a signal from them (fortunately they will be built quite tightly)
Using masts and other heights is the task of raising the antenna higher. (Effective in lowlands and wooded areas)
In built-up areas that are not very far from the tower, it is not necessary to use a powerful antenna; try to catch the reflected signal, point the antenna not at the TV tower, but in the opposite direction, at the building behind you or on the side. If it is possible to install an antenna on the roof of a high-rise building, this will give excellent results.
Antenna setup via digital set-top box
When using a digital set-top box, everything is the same as described above; it is better to set it up manually in order to see the signal level. The only difference is that the TV plays the role of a monitor connected to the set-top box via an HDMI or RCA cable (tulips). This means that all settings need to be made in the set-top box, and not in the TV. Just don’t forget to switch the TV to the appropriate VIDEO or HDMI mode (depending on what connectors you used for connection)
To do this, you need to find the corresponding button on the TV remote control; in different models it may be designated differently, here are some examples, separated by an asterisk: AV* AV/TV*VIDEO* SOURSE * HDMI * RECTANGLE ICON WITH AN ARROW IN* INPUT* In some On SONY TVs the order is as follows - HOME - Settings - External inputs.
All further setup steps are performed using the remote control of the set-top box, through manual or automatic search.
Do not forget that in this case we connect the antenna to the set-top box, and not to the TV.
Read about what you need to know when choosing a digital set-top box.
Well, I hope this article can help you in connecting digital broadcasting to your home.
P.S. I decided to add them below to this article as interesting cases related to tuning antennas become available. If you have any, write them in the comments and they will definitely appear in your feed.
- In my practice, very rarely, but there were cases when the antenna did not receive the signal at all, but as soon as I moved it literally a meter to the left or right, everything went fine, we returned it a meter back, again everything disappeared.
- Today I encountered another incident. I'll describe it in detail. The situation is this: An old TV is on the floor, it works great through the set-top box, the indoor antenna is on the windowsill nearby, the signal level is about 70-80%. In this case, there is the following task.
You need to set up the number on the new LG LCD. I put it on the windowsill, next to the antenna that I connect to it, so what? LG does not see a signal at all, not even an ounce. Maybe it doesn’t support DVB-T2, I thought! I checked the model, no, everything is supported in order. What's wrong with the antenna? No, the old TV works through a set-top box. I'm at a loss!
I connect a set-top box to the new LG (What if!)........ There is a signal through the set-top box, but below 10% - It’s some kind of mystery why everything is fine with the old TV, but with the new one, which, even when in monitor mode, is connected through the set-top box, - the television signal drops completely. 😯
After a short “Dancing around and around” It turned out!
The power supply of this LG was external and it was connected to the socket there, on the windowsill (there was an extension cord tee there). So, the OH power supply emitted such radio interference that being next to the antenna completely jammed the signal.
As soon as we moved the antenna and power supply of the LCD TV in different directions, several meters, everything immediately returned to normal. Bringing it close to the antenna again, the signal disappeared!
3. If you use an indoor antenna and your window is covered with metal blinds, then they can also seriously interfere with the signal. Keep this in mind!
To connect your TV to the digital terrestrial TV network to receive the DVB-T2 standard, you need a digital TV capable of receiving DVB-T2, or a digital DVB-T2 receiver that decodes the digital signal from the antenna.
The type of digital receiver required depends on your TV - for newer TVs with a composite audio/video input (RCA), digital video DV input (Digital Video), an interface for high-definition multimedia HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), a corresponding receiver with an appropriate exit. If you have a TV that does not have a composite input, you need a receiver with a SCART output.
For older televisions without the above inputs, a receiver with a television radio signal output, connected to the antenna socket of the television, is suitable. In this case, there is no possibility of viewing analogue programs (if it is not provided by the receiver).
First you need to connect the antenna, receiver and TV with the appropriate conductors, depending on the interface used: (DVB-T2 tuner built into the TV, RCA, DV, HDMI, SCART, RF signal) as shown below.
Let's consider the connection diagram if it is possible to receivedigital TV directly from a TV with a DVB-T2 tuner:
To do this, you will need the TV itself, an antenna for receiving a UHF TV signal and an HF connecting cable. After meeting these requirements and the necessary connections, select the image source “Digital Terrestrial Television DVB-T2” in the TV menu and perform an automatic channel search according to the instructions for the TV.
Let's look at the connection diagram via the HDMI interface:
To do this you will need: a TV that supports the HDMI high-definition standard, a digital receiver that supports HDMI, an antenna for receiving a UHF TV signal, and connecting wires. After meeting these requirements and the necessary connections, select the HDMI input type on your TV and automatically scan for channels in the receiver according to the instructions for the receiver.
Let's look at the connection diagram via the DV connector:
To do this you will need: a DV digital video input, a digital receiver with a DV connector, an antenna for receiving a UHF TV signal, and connecting wires. After meeting these requirements and the necessary connections, select the DV input type on your TV and automatically scan for channels in the receiver according to the instructions for the receiver.
Let's look at the connection diagram via a composite RCA connector:
To do this you will need: a TV with a 3RCA input, a digital receiver with a 3RCA output, an antenna for receiving a UHF TV signal, and connecting wires. After meeting these requirements and the necessary connections, select the AV input type on your TV and automatically scan for channels in the receiver according to the instructions for the receiver.
Let's look at the connection diagram via a SCART connector:
To do this you will need: a TV with a SCART connector, a digital receiver with a SCART connector, an antenna for receiving a UHF TV signal, and connecting wires. After meeting these requirements and the necessary connections, select the AV input type on your TV and automatically scan for channels in the receiver according to the instructions for the receiver.
Let's look at the connection diagram via the antenna input of the TV
(suitable for all types of TVs):
For this you will need: any TV, a digital receiver with a radio frequency output, an antenna for receiving a UHF TV signal, connecting wires. After meeting these requirements, perform an automatic search for channels in the receiver according to the instructions for the receiver, using an automatic channel search (if available) to search for a channel from the receiver. In this case, the ability to view analog channels disappears (if it is not provided by the receiver).
Antennas
To connect terrestrial digital television, as with regular analog TV, you must use a receiving antenna. The choice of the receiving antenna, according to its characteristics, is individual for each subscriber based on the distance from the transmitting station, the level of the received signal, and the conditions of line of sight to the transmitting station. It could be like efficient antennas with high gains with a suspension height of 10 meters or more, as well as indoor antennas. It should also be noted that the concept of a “digital antenna” does not exist and in most cases, reception of DTTV programs will be possible on the antenna that already exists at the subscribers.
The only recommendations can be the use of modern certified efficient antennas with narrow directional patterns and tuning the antenna in azimuth as accurately as possible in the direction of the transmitting station (for example, wave channel type antennas or log periodic antennas).
In addition, we draw attention to possible problems with the reception of digital and analogue TV when using antennas of the “Polish grid” type (download).
Receivers
As shown in the picture. To receive DTTV, you must use either a digital set-top box, often called a “Set-top-Box,” or a TV with a built-in DTTV receiver.
Receivers must receive and decode a digital signal in the DVB-T2/MPEG4 standard.
Compliance of receivers with technical requirements for them, recommended by the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation (download).
How to connect and configure
For digital receivers built into the TV, the connection is simple by connecting the RF reduction cable from the antenna to the TV.
If a digital set-top box is used to receive DTTV, the HF cable is connected to it. To connect digital set-top boxes to the TV, various connection options are used, which also depends on the capabilities of the set-top box. As a rule, the standard options are connection via an RF cable, via a composite cable (CVBS), component video output (YPrPb), and for modern TVs via HDMI.
Setting up TVs and set-top boxes for each model is individual, however, as a rule, they are simple by analogy with analog TV or connecting a satellite receiver to a TV.
Source
How to install, connect and configure digital terrestrial receiver TV DVB T2
First we need to connect our receiver to the TV.
Here is the receiver and its complete set.
In this video, I connected a digital terrestrial TV set-top box DVB T2 Rolson RDB 514 to an old Samsung CRT TV.
Even as a child, living in the village, I always tried to tune the TV to good reception of a large number of channels. The only option that I understood for myself from these attempts is that the higher the antenna is, the better the quality of the channels and the greater their number. But there is a limit to the height of the antenna mast. Therefore, some channels were always shown well, some were shown not so well, and some were not shown at all. Now, living in the city, you don’t experience any problems with the quantity and quality of the TV channels provided, but when visiting a village, sometimes you want to turn on the TV and change channels, choosing an interesting program. But in the countryside, time moves slower and modern technologies arrive there late, and sometimes don’t arrive at all.
In this regard, I set out to set up as many television channels in the village as possible. To begin with, I propose to consider what options are available today for obtaining a high-quality signal and picture on the TV:
1Cable TV- television, in which the signal is distributed through a television cable that is directly connected to each television
Pros: high-quality TV.
Cons: Subscription fee, available only in large cities.
2 Satellite television. Satellite television broadcasts using a satellite suspended in low-Earth orbit. The signal is received by TV viewers on an individual dish antenna.
Pros: high-quality TV.
Cons: Cost of equipment, subscription fee.
3 Terrestrial television. Terrestrial television distributes the signal using terrestrial repeater stations; in order to receive this signal, you must use an antenna.
Pros: minimum costs.
Cons: the signal level is often low; the display and quality of channels depends on the weather, distance from the tower, mast height, etc.
You can also say that TV channels can be watched via the Internet, but in this article I would like to talk about watching channels without using a computer/laptop, and especially the Internet.
Of all the methods described, the only one that suited me was using satellite TV, but I really didn’t want to spend money on buying equipment and then paying a subscription fee. After scouring the Internet, I found an alternative way - terrestrial digital television. The essence of digital television is the following: the transmission of television images and sound occurs using digital encoding of the video signal and sound signal using digital channels. Digital encoding, unlike analogue, ensures signal delivery with minimal losses, since the picture and sound are not influenced by external factors (interference). Of the nuances of using digital television, I will note the following - a television channel in digital television has two situations, it will either work in good quality, or it will not work at all. Unlike analog TV, there is no borderline state or interference, the only exception is if the channel has very poor communication quality, it can slow down, turn off and turn on again, to avoid this you need to use another antenna, raise the existing one higher or turn towards the TV tower .
What you need to watch digital television:
TV antenna;
TV or set top box (Set Top Box) with tuner DVB-T2(namely DVB-T2, the outdated DVB-T will not work), support for the MPEG4 video compression standard and the Multiple PLP mode.
You do not need to buy an additional antenna, just use an antenna for an analog signal. But the antenna itself is not enough, to watch digital TV you need a set-top box with a DVB-T2 tuner (some modern TVs do not need such a set-top box, since it is built into the TV, this information can be obtained from the documentation for the TV or on the manufacturer’s website, which discusses a similar case ). Set-top boxes are not expensive, on average from 1500 to 2000 rubles. In fact, you don’t need to buy anything other than this set-top box. Another plus is that you don’t need to pay a subscription fee for terrestrial digital television.
It is important to note that digital TV allows you to view a limited number of channels; at the time of writing there were 20 (possibly less depending on the region of residence).
Digital television is not configured according to the principle - the higher you raise it, the more you catch. You can only tune these 20 channels, plus you can add more analog channels that your antenna will pick up (if your DVB-T2 set-top box or your TV has such a function). To learn more about the number of channels and the possibility of using digital television in your region, you can call the RTRS hotline: 8-800-220-20-02 (calls within Russia are free) or on the website: www.rtrs.rf.
So, I propose to move from theory to practice. In my case, I used a regular television antenna, which was very popular about 15 years ago. With this antenna I managed to catch about 3 analogue channels in good quality, 2 in satisfactory quality, and a couple more channels appeared in poor quality in good weather.
I purchased a DVB-T2 set-top box. Regarding the choice of consoles, I didn’t rack my brains, since technically they are all as similar as two peas in a pod. Most of them have two outputs - tulip (some SCART) and HDMI, there is a USB connector for viewing the contents of USB media. I got the impression that they are all made at the same Chinese factory, only they are equipped with different boxes and labels. When purchasing, pay attention to the control panel of the set-top box, since you will use it constantly (switch channels, turn the volume lower, higher, etc.).
I connected the antenna to the DVB-T2 set-top box, and connected it to the TV using a tulip (it usually comes with the set-top box).
Tulip RCA connectors for video and stereo audio. Yellow is for video, white is for monaural or left channel of stereo two-channel audio, red is for right channel of stereo two-channel audio.
I’ll make a reservation right away that I connected the set-top box to an obsolete CRT TV, so I chose a tulip cable. If you have an LCD or plasma TV with an HDMI output, then you should connect it with a proper HDMI cable (it must be purchased separately), since the image quality will be much higher.
I switched the TV to AV mode and got to the DVB-T2 set-top box interface. Setting up the set-top box requires minimal effort; all default settings will satisfy most users. The main thing you need to do is set up the channels. To do this, I went to the channel search menu and selected Auto search.
A few minutes later, the DVB-T2 set-top box found those same 20 channels + 3 radio stations. But a few days later, channels 11 to 20 disappeared, on the website rtrs.ru I saw that the towers to which I connected did not support 2 multiplexes (from 11 to 20 channels), and the fact that they worked for a couple of days was most likely tests. As a result, I purchased a high-quality, “strong” antenna to watch all 20 channels. Test video below.
Antenna test video ANT-T2-MAX
In order to understand the capabilities and settings of this set-top box, I offer a photo of each menu item (please excuse the low quality of the photo).
A digital set-top box, as I wrote earlier, can play files from a USB flash drive. To do this, insert the USB device into the set-top box, go to the menu, select "USB" - "Multimedia", select the playable format (music, pictures, video).
In addition, digital set-top boxes have the ability to record images from the TV to a flash drive. To do this, just press the “Rec” button on the control panel of the DVB-T2 set-top box, after which the recording will begin on a USB device.
To summarize, I am very pleased with the quality and quantity of digital TV channels (of course, more channels are possible, but not all at once). In my opinion, for remote places, dachas, villages, towns, where people are not ready to spend 10,000 rubles on purchasing satellite TV + pay a subscription fee, I consider this option the most suitable.
