The best set-top boxes for digital TV. Tips for choosing

How to choose a digital TV set-top box

A set-top box for digital television is a fairly simple device, but it also has several nuances that need to be taken into account when purchasing.

Supported Standards

The digital terrestrial television standard is DVB-T2. It is he who must be in the TV set-top box, otherwise the whole point of buying it is lost. The T1 tuner will also come in handy. Together they will provide excellent signal reception in any region of Russia.

On a note! If the device also offers an S2 and S tuner, then you can connect satellite TV through it. And DVB-C is a cable broadcasting standard.

Interfaces

The signal comes to the set-top box via a television cable, which is connected to the RF IN connector. After conversion, it is sent to the TV. If the device is very old, then you can use the same antenna output - RF OUT; more modern models use tulips (RCA), but the best option for transmitting high-quality images is HDMI. In addition, the presence of several of the connectors listed above will allow you to connect two TVs to one receiver.

An advanced set-top box can also offer a USB output. It is usually used to watch content from flash drives, or you can record your favorite broadcasts to an external drive. But there should be an appropriate option for this.

Functional

The main function of a digital tuner is to convert the signal in order to watch channels in a new broadcast format on an old TV. But it is better to buy a model with advanced capabilities.

1. TimeShift allows you to pause your viewing and continue later from the same moment.
2. The PVR option allows you to record the broadcast to an external drive.
3. Built-in media player. Many devices have it, which allows you to watch not only 20 channels, but also movies from a flash drive, but it is important that the player supports different formats, otherwise you will have to search for a long time for a file with the desired extension.

Control

You usually have to control the set-top box using the remote control. They differ only in shape and location, so when buying, it makes sense to hold it in your hands to figure out whether it is convenient or not.

However, there is one more nuance with the control - if the remote control is lost, or its batteries run out, and the tuner was bought for the dacha, and there are no spare power sources, then you can find yourself in an unpleasant situation. To prevent this from happening, you need to make sure that the control buttons (at least the basic functions) are on the body of the receiver itself.

Budget range

Invin W95

By connecting this set-top box to your TV, the user will receive a real tablet computer. With this device you can fully use the Internet using a TV screen instead of a display. In addition, it is possible to work with graphic files and text documents. The owner of the console will be able to play online games, watch videos, and chat on social networks. The set-top box operates on the Android platform. As pre-installed applications, there is an Internet browser and a number of classic programs for this operating system. The design is very convenient to use, and it takes up very little space. There is only 1 GB of RAM - at first glance it may not seem like too much, but it is quite enough for video files to be played without slowdowns, and applications to work stably.

For data storage there is 8 GB of built-in memory. There are a sufficient number of connectors, including a slot for connecting various memory cards in SD, SDHC, MMC and other formats. The set-top box has a built-in Wi-Fi module, but there is also an Ethernet connector that allows you to use a standard wired Internet connection. There are a large number of built-in applications, including PlayMarket, through which you can download both paid and free programs. The console is completely Russified, which makes it easier to use.

Advantages:

• Quite reasonable cost;
• Long service life;
• There are connectors that allow you to connect the device to any model of TV;
• One of the latest versions of the operating system;
• Convenient remote control.

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Disadvantages:

• There are only 2 ports for USB devices;
• There is no Bluetooth module provided.

Invin W95

Rockchip A5X Plus Mini

It has a pretty decent hardware configuration. In particular, the built-in memory of this device is 64 GB, and there is a fairly reliable Wi-Fi module. In addition, the product is equipped with a small but very informative LED display and one of the latest versions of the operating system. It runs on a powerful 64-bit Rockchip RK3328 processor, which has decent processing speed. Thanks largely to this element, the device allows you to play video files in very high resolution - up to 4L Ultra HD. In addition, this model supports almost all known formats. It has 4 connectors for connecting USB devices, of which there is even one socket with USB 3.0, and there are analog outputs for video and audio.

The remote control is quite simple, but it is quite suitable for making all the fine adjustments, so it is very convenient to use. It runs on ordinary AA batteries. The power supply is remote and has small overall dimensions. The case is made of high-quality plastic and has a small size - 115x115x25 mm. It can be classified as a designer product largely due to the top panel, made in the form of broken triangles with various rough surfaces. In addition to the LED display, there is a device status indicator on the front side. The bottom side has four rubber anti-slip feet and slots for reliable operation of the ventilation system.

Advantages:

• Fast and productive model;
• Decent amount of RAM and built-in memory;
• A significant number of different connectors;
• Stable connection via Wi-Fi module.

Flaws:

• Not complete Russification;
• The remote control buttons have a large number of functions, which are not very easy to understand.

Rockchip A5X Plus Mini

NEXBOX A95X 1Gb+8Gb

One of the most functional consoles in its price range, although finding it on sale is not as easy as we would like. Users note the convenience of the remote control: it has an ergonomic shape and is made of high-quality plastic with a rough coating that will not allow the device to slip even from wet hands. It has a large set of standard buttons and five programmable ones, which allows you to synchronize it with the remote control of the TV itself. The buttons are rubber, their coating does not wear off during the entire service life. The overall dimensions are small, so the set-top box will not be noticeable even when located in close proximity to the TV. The design is made of high-quality plastic, the assembly is reliable, there are no backlashes, creaks or other manufacturing defects. There are slots for ventilation on the bottom side.

On the front side there are two LEDs, red and blue, each of which indicates the operating mode of the device. The infrared receiver is also located here. On the right side there are connectors for USB and a slot for connecting a memory card; for establishing a connection with the TV and the Internet, there is a standard Ethernet port, an HDMI connector and an AV socket on the back. This model is powered by an Amlogic S905 processor, which is quite powerful enough to work with streaming services like Netflix, but it is not very suitable for online games. The operating system is based on Android. It works quite stably, does not slow down or freeze. The interface is friendly, fully Russified, functions smoothly, all settings are intelligent.

Advantages:

• Budget cost;
• Easily copes with the functions assigned to it;
• There is enough RAM for simultaneous work with several applications;
• Quite acceptable production and assembly quality;
• Stable browser operation regardless of the number of running tabs.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

NEXBOX A95X 1Gb+8Gb

Connecting and setting up the set-top box

As you already understood from all of the above, the set-top box is connected to the TV through the slots available on the TV. To do this, you will additionally need special cables such as “tulip”, “tulip-comb” or HDMI.

We switch the TV to AV mode and go to the receiver settings. Click on automatic search, and in a few minutes we can enjoy twenty free TV channels in digital quality. For any questions regarding setting up digital television, you can contact the RTRS direct line - 8-800-220-20-02.

STARWIND CT-100

A budget tuner of domestic production that supports DVB-T/DVB-T2, DVB-C standards. Receives terrestrial, digital and cable television signals in the maximum Full HD resolution. It has connectors: antenna input - 2 USB (1 - front and 1 - rear), HDMI, composite power supply input for 5v. Control - remote control and buttons on the case. Additional options: radio, teletext, program guide, recording on a flash drive, including with a time shift or timer, parental control. Price - 790 rubles.

Pros:

• price;
• compactness (115×23×65 mm);
• easy setup;
• recording and playing video from a flash drive;
• connection via RCA or HDMI.

Minuses:

• sometimes freezes (solved by disconnecting from the network);
• No HDMI cable included;
• no display;
• does not support AC3;
• short power supply cable;
• small remote control.

The most affordable device with the necessary functionality, showing surprisingly stable signal reception. Yandex users. Based on this criterion, the market rated it 4.9 points out of 5. But residents of rural areas need to test the tuner before purchasing or immediately buy a more expensive model, for example, D-COLOR DC1301HD or Selenga HD950D: they more confidently receive a signal at a great distance from the repeater .

Cadena CDT-1712

Our tests have shown that the Cadena CDT-1712 digital set-top box not only transmits a high-quality signal, but is also easy to use due to its equipped LED operation indicator, due to the compact location of all the necessary outputs on the body, a clear and simple menu... Expert opinion

The DVB-T2 Cadena television receiver compares favorably with its competitors due to its combination of good price and high quality. The tuner built into it provides a stable signal level, which guarantees no failures and a clear picture on the TV screen. It quickly and easily connects to the TV via a special connector. An antenna and cable for a digital HDMI connection are available as an additional option.

The Cadena CDT-1712 tuner works in several standards; this set-top box for digital TV DVB T2 is often chosen by music lovers, as it supports radio. As with most models, there is child protection. The device is considered easy to use thanks to the sensitive remote control, powered by the included batteries. The high image quality explains the maximum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (FullHD).

Advantages

• Supports 6 video formats – MPEG4, AVI and a number of others;
• You can record movies and programs onto a flash drive;
• There is a delayed viewing mode;
• Works with HD 720p, 1080i, 1080p;
• There is a recording timer;
• Small dimensions – 105×22×65 mm.

Flaws

• No video capture;
• There is only one USB 2.0 connector.

The best expensive consoles

NVIDIA SHIELD TV

The first versions of this device went on sale back in 2015, and since then they have become much faster and more stable in terms of operation. With their help, you can not only watch broadcasts of your favorite programs, but also view virtual content, as well as play your favorite games. Today, this is one of the most powerful set-top boxes, which is capable of quickly and smoothly playing video in 4K format and supports HDR resolution. For it you can find a large number of not only games, but also specialized applications. There is not just a voice assistant, but a real search using voice, developed by Google, which allows you to find everything you need on the Internet in a matter of seconds. The user completely gets rid of manual input, and it does not matter where he looks for data - on the network itself, on streaming services, and so on.

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Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, this set-top box can be used to control all devices in the house equipped with similar data transmission methods, in particular, a thermostat, a vacuum cleaner, and lighting. The model is powered by the latest quad-core Nvidia Tegra X1 processor, which, combined with 3 GB of RAM, ensures high speed operation of the device. The hard drive capacity, depending on the configuration, can reach 500 GB. There are all the necessary connectors, and the set-top box also has a very beautiful appearance.

Advantages:

• A huge number of possibilities;
• Amazing amount of internal memory;
• There is everything necessary for comfortable work;
• You can control various devices remotely.

Flaws:

• The kit does not include an HDMI cable;
• High price.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV

Apple TV 4K

Quite a well-known product from a popular American company today. This is not the first version of the console developed by the engineers of this company. In terms of appearance, the device is practically no different from the models of the previous generation - the same rather heavy monoblock with rounded edges, the bottom is rubberized, it has slots that provide active and natural cooling. The main material is plastic, reinforced from the inside with stiffening ribs. The Ethernet connector here supports speeds of up to one gigabit per second. All connectors are on the rear side. There is no socket for a regular antenna here, so it cannot be used in combination with old TVs. On the front panel there is only an operation indicator; it is based on a not too bright LED. The remote control also has not undergone any significant changes - still the same ergonomic shape and a small number of functional buttons.

The set-top box supports the 4K format, so it can be connected even to TVs with a large diagonal - the picture quality will be at a very high level. If you wish, you can download a huge number of games, fortunately this allows a significant amount of built-in memory (depending on the version of the device, it can be 32 or 64 GB). Even the most dynamic applications will be played in high definition, with minimal image lag, which will bring a lot of pleasure to experienced and sophisticated gamers.

Advantages:

• The remote control is equipped with a convenient and functional touchpad;
• The set-top box can independently adjust the volume level;
• If necessary, can turn the TV on or off;
• Comfortable to play;
• Excellent performance;
• The interface is intellectually understandable and does not slow down at all.

Flaws:

• High price;
• There is no mute button on the remote.

Apple TV 4K

MINIX NEO U9-H

Produced by the Chinese company of the same name, which also develops miniature personal computers. The design is traditional - the console is made in the form of a square-shaped plastic box, has little weight, and does not require a large amount of free space. If desired, it can be installed on any shelf. Most of the jacks and ports are on the right and rear panels. On the right you can find three USB ports, a slot for a microSD memory card and a power button. On the back there are connectors for a microphone (this allows you to use the set-top box as karaoke), headphones, an optical audio output, a socket for a power cable and an HDMI output. If desired, you can connect an additional Wi-Fi antenna, which helps to significantly increase the quality of the received Internet signal.

The remote control is not too large; in addition to the standard control buttons and device settings, it has keys for controlling multimedia. There is also a built-in microphone for convenient voice search. In addition, the remote control can be used as a wireless mouse. The device operates on the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow platform. There are a lot of settings and various additional functionality here, which allows you to turn the TV, if not into a full-fledged personal computer, then at least into a tablet. The firmware works stably, no lags or bugs were noticed by users, it can be updated if desired, but this is not at all necessary. All applications, including demanding games, function correctly, additional programs can be downloaded.

Advantages:

• Quite powerful hardware;
• Good performance indicators;
• There is everything necessary for full operation of the device;
• Reliable firmware.

Flaws:

• Very high cost.

MINIX NEO U9-H

Average price range

Xiaomi Mi Box S

The model has small dimensions - only 95x95x17 mm and weighs about 150 grams. On the front panel you can see an LED indicator that glows white when the device is turned on. There are no connectors on the sides. All of them are located at the back of the product, where there is an analog audio output, a socket for connecting a power cable, HDMI and USB 2.0 ports. The body is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, on which dust is practically invisible. It is manufactured as a monoblock, so there will be no backlash or other assembly defects a priori. The bottom cover has only rubber feet, it is attached to the main unit with latches, it can be removed using any plastic flat tool, in a pinch even a bank card will do.

The device operates on the original Android TV 8.1 platform, which was developed specifically for such products. The set of applications is traditional, but in the PlayMarket store you can only find programs that are adapted specifically for this operating system. The model functions stably and quite simply, moreover, it is completely Russified. The remote control has an ergonomic shape and a minimum number of buttons, which will not at all affect its functionality. It connects to the main unit via Bluetooth, supports voice control, and it functions stably and reliably - you don’t even have to hold it to your mouth like a microphone. The internal memory here is 4 GB, this volume is quite enough to install all the necessary applications, but programs and broadcasts will have to be recorded on external media.

Advantages:

• Very interesting and original appearance;
• Ergonomic remote control equipped with a Bluetooth module;
• Voice search is provided;
• Stable operation of the operating system.

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Flaws:

• The Wi-Fi module does not always work correctly with some routers.

Xiaomi Mi Box S

Beelink GT1 Ultimate 3/32Gb

This is one of the newest models in our entire review of the best smart TV set-top boxes - it went on sale at the very end of last year. The design is distinguished by an expanded amount of RAM (3 GB) and decent internal storage capacity (32 GB). The overall dimensions, like many other devices in our rating, are small - 96x96x16 mm. The body of the console is entirely made of plastic; there are no ventilation holes. On top there is an insert made of translucent plastic with a silver tint, which gives the device additional style. All key operational connectors are located on the back of the device, so connected wires will not be visible. On the front you can only see the power indicator of the set-top box. It is LED, but not very bright, so this set-top box can be installed even in the bedroom without fear that it will shine too much in your eyes.

The remote control has a modern design and is also equipped with a Bluetooth module. The set-top box itself operates on the Android 6.0.1 operating system, navigation through applications and settings is convenient, and the interface is Russified. The console works stably, without braking or lags. The operating system is updated automatically when connected to the Internet via a powerful and stable Wi-Fi channel. The performance of the device is good, it even allows you to play quite demanding games and surf the web.

Advantages:

• Quite wide possibilities for a set-top box;
• Small device size;
• There is a passive cooling system that does not require access to fresh air;
• Allows you to turn your TV into a full-fledged entertainment center;
• Reasonable price.

Flaws:

• It should be placed not too far from the Wi-Fi router.

Beelink GT1 Ultimate 3/32Gb

Dune Neo 4K Plus

It differs in its somewhat large overall dimensions compared to the previously reviewed models - 160x118x32 mm with a decent weight, which is about 300 grams. Like many similar devices in this price category, there is nothing else on the front panel except the LED power indicator; everything else is located on the rear side of the structure. The case is plastic, quite original, the cooling system is passive, there are rubberized feet, there are no connectors for mounting to the wall, but there is everything necessary for connecting to both modern TVs and devices of outdated models. The AmLogic S905D chip is used as a processor. It operates on four cores, which are capable of delivering up to 1.5 GHz clock speed, and the Mali-450 adapter is used as a graphics processor.

There is an optimal amount of memory here, both operational (2 GB) and physical (16 GB), so you don’t have to connect a flash drive to record the program you like. Headphones or a wireless mouse can be connected to the device using the high-speed Bluetooth 4.0 module. Android 6.0.1 is used as the operating system; the design style is not very original, but everything works very quickly, stable and smoothly. The device can be used to watch movies with 4K resolution, the frame rate reaches 60 frames per second.

Advantages:

• Quite a good and not too expensive device;
• Elementary to use;
• Codecs work reliably, you can use the set-top box to work with any video and audio formats;
• There is a function for dividing films into catalogs.

Flaws:

• It is advisable to update the firmware immediately.

Dune Neo 4K Plus

MECOOL M8S PRO W

Despite the fact that this console has a rather modest design, it has a very wide and rich functionality. The case is made of reliable plastic with a corrugated top panel, and it is completely matte - dust and other contaminants are not visible on it. The cooling system here is natural; there are ventilation holes on the right and left sides, and they can also be found on the bottom edge. It should be ensured that the device is located on a flat surface, otherwise air will not penetrate through them to the processor. On one side there are sockets for connecting USB and memory cards. All the main connectors are located on the rear side, and there is also an AV slot for working with older TVs, and there is also an Ethetnet port with support for a 100-megabit channel. The console will heat up the most during demanding games. The built-in memory here is 16 GB, the recording speed is very high, so you can easily record television broadcasts in the best quality, including 4K. The RAM standard is DDR3, its volume is 3 GB.

The design operates on the Android platform, it is very convenient to operate, and an ordinary remote control is quite sufficient - there is no need to connect a mouse or other third-party devices. The Wi-Fi module is of high quality, works stably - there is no need to install the set-top box near the router, it provides high Internet speed. There is also a voice control module, access to streaming services and a virtual application store.

Advantages:

• Quite a powerful processor that allows you to play very demanding games;
• Convenient operating system shell;
• Voice input with microphone on the remote;
• Sensitive antenna of the Wi-Fi module.

Flaws:

• Does not switch frequency automatically.

MECOOL M8S PRO W