Digital TV tuner for TV, what is it, how to choose

What is a TV tuner and its types

A TV tuner is a type of equipment that is used to work with a digital TV. It has advanced functionality that differs depending on the tuner model.

There are several types of TV tuners. Conventionally, they are divided into three categories:

Broadcast type.
Output standard.
OS (operating system) type.

Broadcasting involves decoding, which is carried out by a TV tuner. This is possible if one of the following standards is available:

DVB-T. This broadcast format is becoming increasingly rare. In digital television, it is only possible if the owner himself installs DVB-T, which involves terrestrial transmission of information.
DVB-T2. This broadcasting standard is based on over-the-air data transmission. The device has high bandwidth and is able to export HD images.
DVB-S and DVB-S2. These two types are most common on digital television. They are responsible for synchronizing the device with the satellite dish.

The output can have several standards: built-in and external for PCs, as well as external for TV. The only difference between them is the port connection. The latest TV models, as a rule, have a standard USB connector, which replaces any port and does not require synchronization between the computer and television.

The operating system type is specified separately by the manufacturer. Each type corresponds to one of the computer programs: Windows, MacOS and others. Mobile operating systems, such as Android, are also found.

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As a rule, modern manufacturers practically no longer produce purely analog set-top boxes, because they have been replaced by hybrid video tuners.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 – standalone, maximum resolution – up to 1920x1080, dimensions – 116x32x100 mm;
pros: low cost, has a recording timer, teletext;
Cons: poor reception, sometimes freezes.

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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 the internal TV tuner for the 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: version – external, connection to laptop and PC via USB, analog video capture 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.

Main functions

You can understand what a TV tuner is with the help of additional data. Now all tuner models have the following standard features:

Recording broadcasts. Now you can watch the program several times in a row. The TV tuner will save the program and provide subsequent access to settings that allow you to cut out advertising and remove unnecessary fragments.
Radio. The device assumes the presence of an FM receiver. With its help, the radio is connected directly to the TV as a separate channel.
Online inclusion. By installing a tuner, you can make a plan for watching TV programs that are turned on or recorded automatically.

Control. This feature is known as “parental controls”. It is used mainly to protect children from adult or extremist content.

Connecting to a TV

Each person, using the instructions, will be able to connect a DVB digital tuner to the TV to watch a large number of television channels in ideal quality. To connect all components, you need to follow the scheme, which is the same for all TV models:

The remote control contains batteries.
The receiver is installed in close proximity to the TV.
An over-the-air decimeter antenna is connected to it.
The decoder is connected to the TV using a special tulip or AV cable.
The tuner is connected to the electrical network.
The TV is switched to TV/AV mode.

The digital receiver is connected, all that remains is to go to the website map.rtrs.rf and find out the TVC of digital multiplex broadcasts. When using a TV with a built-in TV tuner, it is enough to switch to the appropriate channels (from 21, etc.).

Important! 2 physical channels can also be configured manually, which should be used if analogue broadcast programs are running. When using auto search, ATV channels will disappear.

How to choose the right tuner for digital TV

A TV tuner for a TV must be selected based on several rules:

A USB port is required. This port is universal and fits almost any device. It is easier to connect it to a computer or phone to watch the program.
Suitable connectors. In addition to USB, there should be additional connectors that can be synchronized with home devices. Before purchasing, you should study the characteristics of the tuner and compare its connectors with those already in the house.
PVR - function. This function is responsible for recording programs, delayed viewing of programs and saving videos. These are advanced settings for the user that should be in a high-quality TV tuner.
Broadcast standard. It is better to give preference to the latest versions: DVB-T2 or DVB-S2. They are suitable for various digital devices and have an extended version of settings.

Useful: Which set-top box to buy for digital television

World Vision or BBK is considered one of the most reliable and at the same time budget brands. Manufacturers of these devices always focus on the latest digital TVs and multimedia updates. They take into account the wishes of customers, creating a better and more convenient device.

TV-tuner. What kind of device is this?

The name “TV tuner” itself speaks about the nature of the device’s purpose. It is nothing more than a receiver of a television signal and converts it to a format understandable by a computer or any other consumer. Most modern TV tuners also include the function of receiving an FM radio signal, on the range of which most commercial radio stations broadcast, such as Avtoradio, Hit FM and many others.

As a rule, a TV tuner can capture received video, provided by a driver or specialized software that comes with the TV tuner itself upon purchase. There are also a number of more or less universal programs available for video capture.

TV tuners are classified depending on:

depending on the supported broadcast standard;
on the nature of the received signal;
on the method of connection to a personal computer;
from the connection interface;
from supported operating systems.

Everything is clear with broadcasting standards. By now, digital standards such as DVB-T (European Broadcasting Standard), DVB-C (European Cable Broadcasting Standard), DVB-S (European Satellite Broadcasting Standard), ATSC (American Broadcasting Standard), ISDB ( Japanese and South American broadcast standard), DMB-T/H (Chinese broadcast standard). Any TV tuner is designed to receive a signal generated according to the requirements of one or more standards.

For compatibility with old analogue broadcast formats, such as those known to everyone since the good old PAL and SECAM, as well as the American-Japanese NTSC, after the reconstruction of domestic televisions. At one time, there was almost a war of standards in the USSR. We chose the French broadcast system SECAM, hoping that the people from the Boulevard des Capuchins would not let us down. Then it turned out that only the USSR and France were in this format, and such a sad story turned out. Analog TV tuners in their pure form are no longer produced, as well as pure analog modems, since they no longer have practical meaning. However, hybrid technologies that accept video of both digital and analogue standards are widely used.

Along the way, it is worth noting that digital broadcasting systems can use information encoding, which will require installing special smart cards in the TV tuner to decrypt the encrypted channel (it is clear that such channels are paid). Installing a PCI module for reading smart cards is not supported by all digital TV tuners; it’s even better to say that most TV tuners do not support pay channels because they cannot interact with smart cards.

Based on the connection method, TV tuners are divided into external and internal . Based on the semantic load, it can be understood that a TV tuner located outside the system unit will be external, otherwise it will be internal.

Closely related to the connection method is the classification according to the interface used. External TV tuners use the USB interface, while internal TV tuners use PCI or PCI-E. The place of CardBus is more difficult to determine in this classification, although the connection method itself is rather external and intended almost exclusively for laptops.

The internal TV tuner is installed in the usual way for this type of device. The cover of the system unit is opened, the corresponding connection connector is located, the outer metal cover of the bay is broken off, which is usually held on by several metal jumpers, the TV tuner board is installed in the appropriate slot and secured, as a rule, with mounting screws. Then the system unit is reassembled. An external TV tuner is connected by simply connecting to an external connector of the corresponding interface. After the installation operation, most TV tuners require installation of the included driver; sometimes you will need to install specialized software.

There are also microprocessor devices that connect directly to the video interface located between the system unit and the monitor, both DVI and VGA. They do not require any computer support and generally interact little with it, displaying the finished image directly on the monitor. Therefore, they cannot be fully called TV tuners in the generally accepted sense of the word. Their advantage is versatility from the operating system point of view, but the disadvantage is the inability to capture video and the low permissible monitor resolution.

Operating system support refers to the software part of the product; drivers are usually made for Windows, as well as service programs. For other operating systems, you may have to find everything you need yourself.

What is a built-in TV tuner?

After studying the characteristics of the equipment, the following question may arise: what is a built-in TV tuner for a TV. This is a TV tuner for a TV that is factory installed. This model has advantages, since during operation you will not need to connect the TV separately to the Internet. You can also avoid lengthy setup of functionality, which usually happens when using an external tuner. In addition, the built-in TV allows you to select broadcast standards.

Useful: Which TVs do not require a set-top box

Possibilities

Some people do not know what a DVB-T2 tuner is, since they use TVs that already have such devices built inside. Today you can purchase TV models that have 5 types of decoder:

DVB-S/S2 – decrypt the digital signal of satellite broadcasting of the first and second generation, respectively.
DVB-C - present on TVs for receiving cable TV.
DVB-T/T2 - such devices are designed to decode terrestrial digital television signals.

The last type of decoders provides output of images received in digital format from a terrestrial repeater (RTRS tower).

Attention! Each broadcasting standard has a different data transfer rate and modulation (decoding of digital data), so other types of decoders (including DVB-T) are not designed to decode a T2 signal.

If the TV does not have a built-in TV tuner, a receiver (digital set-top box) is used for decoding. It operates as a separate device that requires independent power supply.