Set-Top Boxes

Set-top boxes by type of broadcasting

Terrestrial "antenna" broadcast (DVB-T, DVB-T2)

For the reception of DVB-T2 you need to have a television or set-top box that supports this format. Set-top boxes certified for operation in your networks are marked with a gold logo "DVBT-2 certified."

Digital satellite broadcasting

To receive satellite broadcasts, you must have paid for receiving satellite broadcasts. We recommend buying a set-top box compatible with DVB-S2.

recommended functions

• CI + - To watch many satellite channels you need a CI + module. CI + module, insert the subscription card, you can rent this from a provider of satellite broadcasting channels. 
• FastScan - The system used for fast automatic tuning programs on the satellite receiver. Program list updates and keeping up to date.
• DiSEqC - In combination with a motorised dish this will save you a lot of work. DiSEqC can automatically rotate the dish as needed and does not need to be rotated manually.

Digital Cable TV

To receive digital cable broadcasts you must have your TV or set-top box with a DVB-C tuner. Cable broadcasting is subscribed through cable companies.

IPTV

IPTV is broadcast through the Internet network. IPTV is a popular format. The advantage of IPTV are their accessibility to archive programs.

The functions of set-top boxes

Operating system

More expensive devices tend to have an operating system. It'll turn your regular TV into a Smart TV. Thanks to the operating system, you can install applications and extend the functions (games, youtube, tv programs and others). These functions need an Internet connection.

dual tuner

The dual tuner allows the viewer to watch one channel while you record another.

possibility of recording

Some set-top boxes have an uploading feature. More expensive models have a built-in hard disk, cheaper models generally record on an external memory that connect through the USB interface. For this purpose, we recommend using an external disk, as most flash drives does not have enough memory.

Time shift

With the time shift function, you can flick between channels, but when you come back to the original channel you continue the same show from where you left off before. If you enable the feature before broadcasting the show, you can even skip commercials. This feature is supported only on set-top boxes equipped with a hard disk or memory, and the ability to connect via USB.

HbbTV

Combination of digital broadcast with an Internet connection. Usually triggered by pressing the red button on the remote control. HbbTV-compatible set-top boxes allow you to install applications. Applications may be, for example, an archive of programs, which means you do not need to record programs, but you drop them directly from the archive.

How to connect the set-top box to the TV?

Set-top box connected to the TV through an HDMI cable. If you do not have the TV HDMI connector, there are models that can connect via SCART. Set-top box must be connected to the mains and connect the cable to terrestrial or satellite broadcast.

Cable TV reception in a set-top box

The most common connectors for Set-top box to your TV