Today, satellite television is becoming increasingly popular. One of the most famous providers of these services is Tricolor TV. However, when buying a set of satellite equipment, you should focus on Tricolor TV receivers. The latest models will be preferable as they have more functionality compared to their predecessors. This means that in order to make the right choice and buy the optimal model, you need to know the differences between the receivers of this manufacturer. Selection criteria and a review of popular samples are in the material below.
Receiver selection criteria
When choosing a set-top box for Tricolor TV, you need to pay attention not only to the basic characteristics of the device, but also to other parameters. So, you need to decide whether the receiver is purchased with or without a dish, how many TVs will be connected to it, what maximum resolution it supports, and also what other capabilities the equipment has . All this will allow you to understand which receiver is best suited to the user’s needs, and choose the right device from a wide range of models.
Main characteristics
When choosing a receiver, you should pay attention to its technical parameters.
Important! The clock frequency must be at least 400 Hz, and the amount of RAM must be at least 256 MB. These parameters affect the performance of the receiver, as well as the ability to broadcast content in high HD quality.
When choosing, you should give preference to a combined tuner, as it will allow you to watch various types of television, eliminating the need to purchase additional devices. So, in Tricolor receivers there can be three combinations of tuners:
- satellite and terrestrial;
- satellite and cable;
- cable and broadcast.
With or without a plate
Typically, Tricolor receivers are sold complete with a dish and other satellite equipment, but the user can only buy a set-top box. This need often arises when you need to replace a broken receiver, exchange an old one for a new one, or purchase a client set-top box.
Advice! If you are buying a receiver for use as a client, you must tell the seller the brand of the existing set-top box so as not to encounter model incompatibility.
Number of connected TV receivers
The user can connect from one to several devices to Tricolor TV. If you plan to connect one TV receiver, you can choose a receiver with one or two tuners, as well as a CI+ conditional access module. When using a receiver with one tuner on a television panel, you can watch TV channels in Full HD quality. For the CI+ module, the TV receiver must have a corresponding CI connector and support the necessary standards. As for the dual-tuner receiver, you can connect a TV receiver and another device to it, for example, a tablet or game console. Also, a dual-tuner receiver will allow you to display images on two TVs and watch or record different TV channels on them.
Maximum image quality
The maximum possible image for Tricolor receivers is Full HD and Ultra HD. It will be available on HD set-top boxes with one or two tuners, as well as on conditional access modules.
Management and communications
When choosing a set-top box, be guided by its design, the location of the buttons, the card receiver, and the presence of connectors.
Advice! It is recommended to choose a device with a large display, because it displays the channel number and installed parameters. The buttons should be convenient and located on the front panel, this will allow you to control the receiver in case the remote control is lost or broken.
The following connectors may be located on the back wall of the set-top box:
- LNB IN – for connecting to the converter;
- HDMI – for connecting to a television panel and broadcasting content in the highest quality;
- Ethernet – for surfing the Internet or connecting to a home local network;
- VIDEO-RCA - for connecting to a TV receiver via tulips, but the output picture will be of low quality;
- AUDIO L, R – audio signal output to TV;
- LNB OUT – connection to a client receiver, however, when two receivers operate simultaneously, the number of frequencies is reduced;
- SCARD TV – transmission of audio and video signals to the television panel, as well as control of the receiver;
- SCARD VCR – auxiliary connector for transmitting image and sound to the television receiver, which is used if the main output is used to control the set-top box;
- RS232 – for the ability to update firmware via a computer;
- S/PDIF – for connecting to Hi-Fi equipment or home theater;
- POWER – to supply voltage to the receiver;
- 0v/12v – for power cable;
- CVBS – for transmitting a composite analog video signal;
- RF IN – for viewing terrestrial TV channels;
- RF OUT – for connecting to a TV receiver via a modulator at terrestrial TV frequencies.
Functionality
Modern receivers broadcast in accordance with the DVB-S (MPEG2) and DVB-S2 (MPEG4) standards. They come in the following types.
- FTA receivers are designed for broadcasting open television channels. Some models, using emulators, allow you to specify access keys. Many devices have an Ethernet port that allows you to connect to the Internet.
- Set-top boxes with a built-in decoder for possible access. To connect the equipment to the operator, you need to install the subscriber card in a special slot. Samples of this technology are used for broadcasting open and encrypted channels, as well as for accessing the Internet.
- Receivers with a CI slot for using a CAM module. They provide access to both free and closed channels, and also provide access to the Internet.
- Set-top boxes with CAM modules and several subscriber card receivers. Moreover, if this receiver has problems with the compatibility of various cards, then it is necessary to update its firmware.
- PVR receivers with built-in memory or USB connectors are designed for recording programs on USB devices.
- Combined receivers that can work as a satellite, terrestrial or cable receiver, and also have a built-in multimedia player for viewing various content.
Availability of additional functions
In addition to the basic functions, some Tricolor receivers have a number of additional features that simplify the setup of satellite equipment, allow you to view videos and images, and also solve other problems. Among the most important and in demand, the following functionality is highlighted: the use of a spectrum analyzer to facilitate setting up equipment for a satellite, the provision of technical information about the data flow, the presence of a multimedia player for viewing various content from USB devices, as well as support and playback of video files in JPEG format .
Also, some models are equipped with several tuners, which will allow you to simultaneously view and record various TV programs on different channels. In addition, it is very convenient when the receiver can be used as a web or FTP server, as well as for playing multimedia content from the famous video hosting YouTube.
Advice! It is recommended to buy a set-top box that has a network card with which you can connect to the Internet and local networks, or a built-in WiFi module.
New functionality of consoles 2021
In 2017-2018, GS GROUP (the official partner of Tricolor TV) replaced outdated receivers with the newest models. These include:
- GS B531M;
- GS B532M;
- GS B533M.
The first model is intended to replace outdated receivers on sale, the other two are offered for free sale.
Important! The new products that have appeared have the following advantages: the presence of a built-in hard drive with a capacity of 8 or 16 GB, gaming applications, a TV guide with teletext, subtitles and a timer, support for HD, Full HD and Ultra HD resolutions, reading QPSK and 8PSK formats for DVB-S, as well as QPSK for DVB-S2.
In addition to the above, the new samples have a conditional access system and a “Gallery” function for viewing images on a large screen.
General Satellite 8306
The very first in the line. Supports Full HD resolution. In my experience working with these receivers, I encountered complaints from clients about the “slowness” of this unit. There is no display, which entails difficulties in determining the current state of the receiver. This causes particular difficulties due to the impossibility of knowing which interface is currently being used to output images: “bells” (RCA) or digital (HDMI). Since the type of outgoing video signal is selected from the remote control, the “In. Signal". If the user presses this button by mistake, then, regardless of the output he is using, the image on the screen will go dark and he will need to press it again after rebooting the receiver. Fortunately, Tricolor TV included this model in the list of receivers accepted under the “Equipment Exchange” campaign.
Exchange of old equipment
The discontinuation of Tricolor television receivers is due to the transition to the more high-tech MPEG-4 broadcast standard and the emergence of more modern models. Thus, the first receiver developed by Tricolor was the DRE-4000. Today this model is not produced, but is exchanged for updated samples at an additional cost.
A similar fate befell the model series 2006-2007 (DRE.5000, DRS.5001, DRS.5003), 2010-2013 (GS.8300 - GS.8308), 2014 (GS.U210B - GS.B211). The Tricolor company offers owners of these models, as part of a promotional program, to exchange them for updated samples. Receivers that continue to be produced, but are functionally obsolete, can also be exchanged for modern devices . A detailed list of models subject to exchange and a list of equipment for which it can be made can be seen on the official page of the service provider.
Advice! It is recommended for all owners of old equipment to exchange outdated receiver models for new ones. This will allow them to get a larger number of channels, the highest picture quality, the ability to record or pause the broadcast, start watching a program from the first minutes, and also have access to an archive of programs for the last 7 days.
It is also recommended to exchange an obsolete model for a new one because the cost of exchange is cheaper than purchasing a new set of equipment, and an additional advantage will be broadcasting satellite channels on mobile gadgets. Detailed conditions for this procedure are published on the official website. You can submit an exchange request via the Internet in your personal account or contact the nearest office.
Help in choosing a Tricolor TV Full HD receiver
Which receivers deserve extra attention? Having discussed the choice of receiver based on functionality and external data and parameters, we see that it is quite extensive and gives everyone the opportunity to choose a digital receiver according to their own needs. At the same time, we must not forget that the universality of cheap models is currently conditional, and by showing, for example, high-quality reception of satellite signals, it is capable of demonstrating mediocre results in other areas. On the other hand, the impressive price tag of the receiver does not at all provide a guarantee of its excellent work “out of the box” if evaluated by a sophisticated user.
Popular model among users - GS C592
For example, you need to decide whether to buy a receiver with or without a dish, how many TVs will be connected, what maximum resolution it provides and what additional functions the device has.
Advice! All users of outdated equipment are offered to exchange old versions of receivers for new ones. This will give them the opportunity to purchase a larger number of channels, higher image quality, the ability to record the broadcast or stop it if necessary, start watching from the first minutes, even if the viewer arrived later, and access to an archive of recordings for the last week.
It is also recommended to replace an outdated model with an updated one for the reason that the exchange price is less than buying new equipment, and the transmission of satellite channels on mobile devices will be an additional advantage. Detailed conditions of this procedure are published on the official website. A request for an exchange can be submitted in your personal account on the website or at the nearest company office.
Still, the most common and universal model at the moment is considered to be the GS C592 model, which is what we recommend most.
Happy shopping!
Video - All modern Tricolor receivers
TOP 5 best satellite set-top boxes
A comparative analysis of Tricolor receivers allows us to identify several of the best models that are the most popular and have received the maximum number of positive reviews. Among them there are both budget models with a basic set of functions, and premium ones with improved characteristics and greater capabilities.
GS E502
This Tricolor digital satellite receiver is not new, because it was released at the end of 2015. However, the extensive capabilities the device provides when used correctly make it one of the best receiver models from this service provider. So, the advantages of GS E502:
- the presence of two tuners;
- the ability to use it as a server: if you connect the set-top box to your home Wi-Fi network, the user will be able to watch satellite channels on their mobile device;
- built-in storage with a capacity of 500 GB, allowing you to record TV shows during broadcast or using a timer;
- the presence of HDMI, Ethernet ports, as well as 2 USB for connecting hard drives or flash drives.
The cost of the device ranges from 12,000 rubles. up to 14000 rub.
GS E502 on Yandex Market
GS E521
This model is very similar in functionality to the previous receiver, but it does not have such a large hard drive. The advantages of the GS E521 are:
- two DVB-S/S2 tuners;
- broadcasting satellite TV programs on mobile devices;
- wireless Wi-Fi module;
- 2 USB, Ethernet, HDMI.
Price – from 5000 rub.
up to 6000 rub. GS E521 on Yandex Market
GS A230
The key advantage of this receiver is the ability to broadcast content in Ultra HD format . This is the second improved model of this type from the Tricolor company; the first was unsuccessful and received many negative reviews. So, the advantages of the model:
- interaction with the receiver-client;
- 4K resolution support;
- 1 TB of internal memory;
- 2 USB (2.0 and 0), Ethernet, HDMI.
Price – from 12000 rub. up to 14000 rub.
GS A230 on Yandex Market
GS B522
Another high-quality budget receiver in the rating with a lot of positive reviews. Advantages of GS B522:
- maximum available resolution – Full HD;
- receiver-client support;
- work with additional services “Infokas”, “Infobanner”, “Tricolor TV Cinemas”;
- HDMI, Ethernet, USB connectors.
Price – from 5000 rub. up to 6000 rub.
GS B522 on Yandex Market
What receiver is needed for Tricolor?
Tricolor is a television operator that provides services in the format of paid subscriptions. The easiest way is to purchase equipment designed specifically for this operator to receive the signal. They already have all the necessary settings and will show without problems all the channels from the package to which you have subscribed.
If desired, this category of receivers also allows you to view unencrypted channels. There are quite a few branded Tricolor receivers. The client needs to decide on the number of TVs, as well as the desired signal quality. Typically a recording of the broadcast will also be required. But you need to think carefully about the built-in hard drive. Often it is not necessary. The capacity of modern flash drives is quite enough for most TV viewers.
The client can determine the most suitable receiver and other equipment in any of the following ways:
- at a dealer or in the official showroom of the company;
- by phone from support center specialists;
- in an online chat with operator consultants.
A digital satellite receiver is required to watch television through the Tricolor operator. The range of such devices on the market is quite large. You need to choose the right one based on your image quality needs, as well as the need for additional functions.
