Satellite tuners: tips for choosing and reviews

A satellite tuner, or receiver, is a device used to recognize and decode television signals that are received with the help of "cymbals". The main requirement for this type of device is to ensure stable and high-quality broadcast of TV programs. In addition, for modern users is important to support the receiver a number of advanced multimedia functions, for example, the ability to access online services. What are the main criteria for choosing tuners, which are determined by Russian experts? What models of satellite receivers can be attributed to the most popular in the Russian Federation?

Choosing a satellite tuner: basic parameters

What characteristics are most significant when choosing a device such as a tuner for a satellite dish? First of all, it is a signal transmission interface. Most modern satellite receivers are digital. But there are also analog devices, as well as those that function when using the combined interface type D2-MAC.

Many users and experts believe that among the standards that must be supported by a modern digital tuner is T2. That is, the devices must be compatible with the second generation of a highly efficient multimedia stream compression algorithm.

Very important from the point of view of image quality in satellite tuners is a component such as a satellite fixation chip, as well as a module for automatically selecting an antenna position. If the tuner for satellite TV is equipped with an appropriate hardware component, the TV owner will be able to view more programs.

Another significant characteristic of the device in question is the value of the intermediate frequency band read by the receiver from the converter ICs, which converts frequencies that are high to low. The higher the value of the parameter considered, the more programs you can view by using the TV tuner for satellite dishes. Sufficiently decent is the figure between 900 and 2150. Satellite tuners that support the corresponding bands are compatible with a large number of converter models.

Tuner selection criteria: appearance and connector support

There are quite a few criteria, according to which you can choose such a device as a satellite tuner. Among these is the appearance of the device, as well as the number and variety of supported connectors. A significant factor in choosing a device such as a TV tuner for satellite dishes is the appearance, as well as the convenience of controlling the device. It is highly desirable that the receiver has its own display on which various data about the current tasks solved by the device will be displayed. For many users, a significant factor when choosing a tuner is the presence of buttons for channel management, volume control, and menu access, directly on the front panel of the device. They can come in handy if at some point the console is unavailable.

As a rule, on modern models of receivers from the front side there is a connector for installation of cards for access to paid channels, various decoding interfaces, USB ports used for connecting USB flash drives and external hard drives to which TV broadcasts can be recorded. On the rear panel of the receiver it is highly desirable to have such interfaces as:

• RS232, used to connect the device to a PC (most often used when updating the firmware of the receiver).
• S / PDIF, which is used to connect the tuner to various audio devices, as well as to home theaters.
• HDMI - interface for transferring images in high definition format.

Thus, the TV with a satellite tuner, which has the above characteristics, in terms of appearance and support for connectors can be considered quite consistent with the current trends in the device market, which we are talking about.

Satellite tuner selection: functional

The next group of criteria for choosing a device of this type is related to its functionality. Which of them deserve special attention?

First of all, it is a supported standard for the transmission of a television picture. There is a "classic" format, which many experts consider obsolete, but quite relevant, - MPEG2, and there is a more technologically advanced - MPEG4. The main difference between them is the resolution of the transmitted image. So, the MPEG-4 satellite tuner supports the HD-picture without problems, but the one that is compatible only with the MPEG2 format, can hardly provide the required bitrate.

The next most important characteristic of the device in question is the presence of an Ethernet port, through which the device can be connected to the Internet, PC or LAN. Thanks to this function, receivers can be used as a standalone element in the network infrastructure, for example, to provide shared access to broadcasts.

Many modern users believe that their satellite tuner must support the CI standard, which allows you to connect the decoding modules. The corresponding hardware components are characterized by their versatility: they can be used to receive signals from both open and closed broadcasts.

Another notable feature of the satellite receiver is the presence of a built-in hard drive. The appropriate medium can be used primarily for recording television programs.

But in many models of receivers it is recommended to use an external hard disk, not built-in. The satellite tuner in this case is equipped with a high-speed port for connecting the corresponding hardware components, usually USB.

Other popular functions of modern receivers include:

• Support for options for carding;
• Compatibility with the Multiboot function, which allows to load the device both with the help of the factory software, and with the interfaces recorded on external media;
• Spectrum analyzer, which allows to optimize the procedure for detecting satellites, as well as the setting of receiving signals from them;
• Function of monitoring bit rate and other information about the transmitted picture;
• The presence of additional tuners, allowing simultaneously to view one channel and record another (or several);
• The presence of an internal network card that can ensure the functioning of a highly efficient local area network;
• Support for Wi-Fi communication;
• Possibility to play video files, photos and other multimedia files on the TV screen;
• Support for online broadcasts from major video hosting.

Very useful also such functions of the device as noise cancellation, generation of sound effects. Their presence makes it possible to significantly increase the transmission of audio data via satellite. Many users believe that satellite tuners must have such mandatory options as a timer, parental control, the output of information about the channels on the TV screen.

Thus, it is possible to distinguish, roughly speaking, the basic functions of receivers, as well as those that can supplement them and at the same time be in demand due to modern market trends. However, the level of their support directly affects the cost of devices. This pattern is typical for most electronic devices, not an exception and satellite tuners. Prices for devices of the appropriate type depend to a certain extent on the range of technologies they support.

How expensive can a satellite receiver be? Modern models of devices of the appropriate type cost about 3-7 thousand rubles. There are more expensive models - for 10 thousand rubles. There are devices of a premium class for 30 thousand rubles and more. As noted by many experts, the difference in price between the receivers from different brands, in general, is quite logical considering the functions supported by each model of the tuner, the quality of the device assembly, and the level of technologies implemented in it.

"Iron"

Another group of selection criteria for the receiver is the characteristics of the hardware, the hardware components that are responsible for the performance of the device. Among these are the processor clock speed. In modern models, through which high-definition satellite television is broadcast, the presence of chips operating at a frequency of 400 MHz and above is required. A significant factor in the performance of the tuner is the amount of RAM. It is desirable that it is more than 256 MB.

Software

Modern manufacturers of satellite receivers install the most diverse types of firmware on the released devices. Among the most popular are those that are based on the Linux kernel. The main advantage is the possibility of finalizing the corresponding software due to its openness. Also, many tutorials on how to set up a satellite tuner are often made with the expectation that the device used by the reader is installed just like the Linux OS. This OS allows software developers for devices of the type in question to have different plug-ins. In addition, the ability to adjust the OS software code installed on the receiver facilitates the repair of satellite tuners.

Best tuners: a review of brands

Consider now what brands you can target when choosing a receiver. The most popular in Russia can be attributed devices, which are produced by such companies as:

• Openbox.
• World Vision.
• GI.
• General Satellite.

Let's study their specifics in more detail.

Openbox tuners: main features

A good satellite tuners delivers the Openbox brand to the market. Among the most common modifications of its receiver is the X 800/810/820. This device is characterized by low cost and good functionality. The satellite tuner in question is working with the DVB-S interfaces. With the help devices in question, you can comfortably watch satellite TV from the most popular Russian providers, such as NTV Plus, Rainbow, and also Tricolor. The device can be connected to the computer, as well as to the router.

Another notable line of satellite tuners from Openbox are devices of the S5 / S7 / S8 line. What are their most notable features?

First of all, it is worth noting that the satellite tuners of this series can function in the DVB-S2 standard and reproduce the picture in HDTV format. You can also pay attention to the fact that the devices in this series are equipped with hard disks.

The SX4 Base HD satellite tuners are quite effective and reliable from the brand in question. Among the most noteworthy of its features - the presence of a built-in power supply, resulting in the size of the device is much larger than many other models. The device supports an Internet connection via the Ethernet port. In addition, you can use the Wi-Fi-adapter, which connects to the USB-port. There is no built-in Wi-Fi module in the receiver. The device is controlled by the Linux OS, so the developers of specialized software for receivers can create the necessary plug-ins for the device. The tuner supports the HDMI connector in version 1.4a, has the function of recording broadcasts.

Openbox tuners: what do users say?

It will be very useful to study the opinions of the owners of satellite receivers on the quality of the devices. As fans of electronics of the corresponding type note, some of the newest models of Openbox tuners do not support popular emulators. However, the demand for this function is relatively small, according to many experts. Among the strengths of Openbox receivers, noted by users, is the relatively affordable price (with the exception of some models, for example, SX Base HD), comfortable control, modern design, support for a large number of ports represented in sufficient variety, convenient console, universal playback software Files.

World Vision: Key Benefits and Feedback

Another popular brand in Russia is the manufacturer of satellite receivers - World Vision. Among the most notable models of tuners produced by this company is the device S718 CI +. What are its features?

First of all, satellite tuners in the appropriate modification support CI + modules, that is, those that are used to organize conditional access. The device in question does not support such standards as DVB-T2, but in practice this may not be required, since many modern providers, for example, "Tricolor", use just conditional access cards. Another notable option of the device in question is the ability to update the software via the USB 2.0 port. By means of the corresponding connector, the user can also connect external storage devices to the receiver, to which the broadcasts can be recorded. The corresponding function is one of those that users rate in their reviews as one of the most useful. Along with, in particular, with such characteristics as a convenient remote control, as well as high quality of picture translation.

Receivers from GI: main advantages and feedback

The next popular brand in Russia, which produces satellite tuners, is GI. Among the most common models on the Russian market, produced by this company, is the S8120 receiver.

Its main advantage is the support of the widest range of functions. In particular, the ability to use a large number of online applications. For example, those that allow you to access the services of Google Maps, YouTube. The connection to the Internet device can be performed using an Ethernet cable or a modem connected via a USB port. Users evaluate the device from GI as comfortable in management, functional, characterized by high build quality and stable operation.

Receivers from the General Satellite: main features and reviews

The General Satellite brand also produces high-performance and functional satellite tuners. His devices are especially popular with Tricolor subscribers and are actively recommended by this provider.

Among the most popular models in the Russian Federation of the corresponding devices are the GS U510. Its main advantage is compatibility with both satellite and traditional television broadcasts. That is, this receiver allows you to control both types of channels. The main advantages of the tuner from the General Satellite users call a nice design, high build quality, convenient management, functionality. You can connect an external hard drive to the device.