Despite the widespread use of mobile gadgets for leisure activities, such as tablets and smartphones, televisions (and indeed television in general) remain not only the main sources of information, but also entertainment centers as well. If you look at the market of TV devices, we will see that it is teeming with all sorts of “smarts”, 3D visualizers, any kind of diagonals and pictures for every taste, up to ultra-high resolutions.
For those who are not in a hurry to buy a high-tech TV, but want to get involved in all the digital charms, as an alternative, we can advise a very simple and quite acceptable solution for the average user - this is a set-top box for digital TV DVB-T2 (Russian broadcasting standard). It is, as a rule, a small box that will stand modestly near your TV and broadcast digital channels that were previously inaccessible.
So, we will consider the best set- top boxes for digital TV DVB-T2: review and reviews, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the opinion of experts in this field. All of the models described below can be easily found in the domestic market of household appliances and electronics. In addition, all devices are perfectly adapted to Russian realities and are easy to connect and manage.
MDI DBR-501
This set-top box for digital TV DVB-T2 made in China, differs very modest, but at the same time universal dimensions. On the plastic case of this miniature tuner you will not see anything superfluous, only the most necessary: the power button, mini-USB interface, HDMI output and composite input for old TVs.
The main control is carried out using an IR remote control, and a portable reception sensor can be attached to any reasonable place. The maximum range of the "shot" DPU - about 3.5 meters, which is more than enough for the middle room.
Device features
In addition, the DVB-T2 DBR-501 digital TV set-top box has very good equipment for its dimensions: a 5V charger (adapter), a multi-function remote control, a remote infrared sensor with a loop, and a standard composite cable (“tulip”). There is no need to talk about a picture in high resolution (HD) due to the modest set of chipsets, but for old TVs it is.
Owners mostly respond positively to the model. Here, an acceptable price, and the presence of all the necessary interfaces, and convenient control with a rich remote control. Some complain about a too modest set of codecs that reads well except maybe AVI, yes MP4, and the rest is either with brakes, or without sound at all. Otherwise, MDI DBR-501 is a very solid set-top box for digital TV DVB-T2. For televisions with a large diagonal, it makes no sense to buy it, due to the lack of HD-layout, but for medium and small screens just right.
Estimated price - about 1500 rubles.
BBK SMP123HDT2
VVK DVB-T2 digital TV set-top boxes have always been very popular among Russian consumers. The SMP123HDT2 model was not an exception, where both price and return are successfully combined. The gadget is very easy and intuitive to configure, so there should be no problems with connection and use.
The case of the console is made of durable plastic, which is practically not heated during operation. As for the interfaces, here we have a standard set - a composite output and an HDMI port. In addition, the presence of a USB output allows you to view video from third-party media.
The owners quite warmly respond to the model, where the main argument for the purchase was still the price, and not some gadget features (which are quite on the level). Some complain about the fastidiousness of the console to video formats (without the support of the AC3 codec), but this is a disaster for all devices of this kind in this segment.
Estimated cost - about 1000 rubles.
ORIEL 963
This is one of the best-selling models on the domestic market of this kind of technology. One of the main advantages of the set-top box is its simple setup and reliable reception of a digital signal. The gadget feels great both on the HDMI output and on SCART with a composite (“tulip”). Pay special attention to this nuance before connecting a digital set-top box for receiving digital TV.
In addition, the case of the model is made of aluminum, which makes the gadget not only protected from scratches and other minor damage, but also significantly improves the heat transfer of the entire structure. That is, after prolonged use, it is enough to turn off the console for a few minutes, and after a very short time it will completely cool down.
Feedback from users
Owners speak very well about the model. They appreciated the simplicity of setting up the set-top box, good reception in HD-resolution, as well as the presence of a pretty metal case. Moreover, the gadget is devoid of the problems that burden the above devices, that is, conflicts with codecs. Some owners complain of a subtle squeak during the console’s operation, but this moment cannot be called critical, except for those who like to sleep under their favorite video sequence.
Estimated price - about 1700 rubles.