12 best TV set-top boxes

A simple tuner for receiving channels of terrestrial digital television, produced by a well-known company. Given the minimal price difference between the younger and middle models of BBK receivers, it makes sense to take exactly the representative of the latter. Even if you do not need multi-channel audio support right now, having this functionality may be useful in the future. The most advanced TV set-top box in the corresponding line is the recommended SMP145HDT2, which has its own controls and display. Of the other advantages of the device, a portable power supply unit and an abundance of air vents in the case deserve special mention. Theoretically, the tuner in question is able to work with an electronic program guide, write to a USB flash drive and provide deferred viewing. Here only the listed opportunities are implemented not in the best way.

The display in the off state shows the time.

Reliable console with an optimal set of functions. It doesn’t have an FM tuner, but the settings are simple and clear. There is an HDMI output, so you can view digital channels in HD-quality. USB input allows you to record programs in deferred mode, and use the console as a media player. Fortunately, the chipset supports the AC3 codec, which is used to play sound in most video files. Design without any frills, but the presence on the front panel of the USB input and channel switching buttons make the device very convenient to use. The problem area, like in many similar devices, is the remote control: you must send it to the IR receiver exactly, otherwise the tuner does not respond.

This TV tuner is easy to set up. Even a housewife who does not understand anything in electronic equipment will cope with this task. Also, the difference from competitors lies in the aluminum case. If the device heats up, then immediately turns off after turning off. To the USB port available here, you can connect both a flash drive and an external hard drive. The built-in media player is omnivorous - it recognizes almost any format. The delayed viewing mode will allow you to pause television on absenteeism.

Very convenient to use TV set-top box that receives a signal in DVB-T2 format without any problems. AC3 codec is supported, which is used to play audio in most video files. Thus, the D-COLOR DC1302 is quite suitable for use as a multimedia center. Channel buttons on the front panel add convenience. HD format supported. The design deserves special attention: the case of the model is metal, and the plastic used does not smell (there is such a problem with inexpensive TV set-top boxes). The console is more loyal to the user than most competitors.

The popularity of this set-top box brought not only the well-known name of the manufacturer, but also trouble-free work out of the box. As a rule, the vast majority of low-cost TV boxes require the presence of “straight” hands and a desire to understand the nuances of the firmware. In this sense, the owners of the Mi Box have absolutely nothing to worry about, although the recommended device falls into the specified price category. We emphasize that we are talking about the international version of Xiaomi TV box (model MDZ-16-AB). In addition to the already mentioned dignity, the console will please the official Android TV system, as well as a practical remote control using the Bluetooth interface. The presence of the first automatically implies the possibility of voice search of the desired content, and the second will allow you to hide the console in a secluded place.

The best representative of an extremely small group of set-top boxes on Android, able to show TV programs not only from the Internet. Moreover, the KIII PRO model is able to work with all common channels of their broadcast. However, if you are demanding on the quality of the picture on the “blue” screen, and consider satellite TV as your main one, give preference to the recommended device only if you have special skills, as long as you need to replace the stock firmware. Knowledgeable people speak well of third-party build with the Neutrino shell. By the way, the meaning of replacing the native firmware is also in the appearance of the unofficial Android TV. Serious shortcomings include the mediocre sensitivity of the on-air selector (DVB-C / T2), as well as high processor heat. Ideally, a standard cooling system should be supplemented with a cooler.

The appearance of the console from the already well-known Chinese smartphone maker is clearly associated with the Apple TV set-top box, but in its capabilities it is closer to traditional media players. However, the iPhone device also supports. The device works with various network resources, provides viewing of television programs and films, allows you to run games, etc. In short, in combination with a TV, is a kind of analog tablet. The control is carried out with the help of a remote control, but it is more practical to additionally purchase a kit from the keyboard and mouse (preferably a radio). It connects to the network via Wi-Fi and, thanks to the support of the 802.11ac protocol, it has no problems with speed. Unfortunately, the model is not adapted for the domestic market and, if you do not have the skills of flashing Android devices, you will have to put up with hieroglyphs in the menu.

While previous generations of Apple TV set-top boxes focused exclusively on the iTunes Store and the Apple ecosystem as a whole, the TV Gen 4 model allows you to install alternative network services clients, which provides it with a wider choice of multimedia content, including free. Nevertheless, it makes sense to acquire this console only if there are other mobile devices of the company and, accordingly, an Apple ID account. Among other differences, it is worth mentioning the modern productive platform, support for dual-band high-speed Wi-Fi and Siri technology. Even the remote control is now equipped with a microphone for receiving voice commands. By the way, control can be carried out not only with the help of infrared rays, but also via Bluetooth.