A satellite receiver is a device that receives a satellite signal and transmits it to a TV set. These devices can support different broadcasting standards and have different functionality. It all depends on the model and manufacturer. Good tuners allow you to watch several channels at once, record a TV show, receive information about a TV program or movies. After examining user comments, expert reviews, I have compiled a rating of the best satellite receivers in 2020.
World Vision Foros Combo T2 / S2
An inexpensive combined-type model opens the rating. The T2 / S2 receiver is designed to receive terrestrial UHF TV channels in DVB-T and DVB-T2 standards and DVB-C cable television (114–858 MHz), satellite channels in DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards with MPEG2, MPEG4 compression standard (SD / 720 px) and high image resolution (HD / 1080 px).
The product is equipped with a productive GUOXIN GX6605S processor with a frequency of 600 MHz, 8 MB and 64 MB permanent and RAM modules. There is hardware support for T2-MI (for receiving T2 programs from satellite transmitters) and AC3 sound (Dolby Digital), interaction with HDD and USB with different file systems (FAT32, NTFS).
On the back side there are switching connectors: ANT IN and LNB IN - antenna inputs for DMV and SAT, HD OUT and AV - for connecting to digital (HDMI) and outdated analog (mini-Jack / 3RCA) television receivers, another additional USB 2.0, DC - for power adapter (12 V / 1 A). The Foros Combo model has the necessary functions: autosearch, editor with favorites, time shift, recording broadcasts to a portable device, program guide, parental control, off timers, subtitles, teletext.
The built-in media player plays most of the formats of video, audio and photo files from your home collection on a flash drive, and an Internet connection will add other interactive functions and content to your leisure time from online resources and services such as Youtube, Megogo, WebTV, IPTV.
Benefits:
- Low price.
- All the necessary functionality.
- Remote control.
- HDMI connector.
- Support for all standards.
Disadvantages:
- Strongly slows down the menu.
- Slow down the application.
- No screen auto-complete.
- Low quality. Often fails after 3-6 months.
- It gets very hot during work.
The device is very good, it supports all the necessary standards, there are necessary connectors. The device connects quickly, easy to configure, so there will be no problems with this. I have no complaints about the available functionality, but there is a quality of performance. It is very hot during operation, especially when starting heavy applications that themselves open for a long time, freeze. This affects the operating time of the receiver negatively. It often fails after 3–6 months. Price - ... On the Yandex. Market 82% of buyers recommend this product.
DTS 54
The DTS-54 receiver is equipped with a satellite tuner that receives a signal in DVB-S / S2 standards using QPSK and 8PSK modulation. Does not support receiving channels, with HEVC compression. The receiver has a satellite tuner for working with one TV. Of the communication connectors, there is only an HDMI port, so only modern LCD TVs equipped with this port can be connected to it.
Older kinescope TVs cannot be connected to this receiver, since there are no analog RCA or SCART connectors. The DTS-54 model is equipped with a card reader with authorization via a smart card. The DTS 54 has the following features: EPG, Teletext / Subtitle, Favorite Channel List. The World Vision Foros Combo T2 / S2 model is more functional, it is more diverse than the DTS 54.
Benefits:
- Does not get warm during work.
- Small size and weight.
- Affordable price.
- Channel switching works without delay.
Disadvantages:
- Few functions.
- Only one connection is via HDMI.
- Cannot connect to older TVs.
A model with low functionality, suitable only for more modern TVs with an HDMI port. This receiver is not suitable for an old TV model. This I consider the main disadvantage of the device - it is not universal. Otherwise, it works flawlessly, does not slow down, does not heat up, unlike World Vision Foros Combo T2 / S2. Although the DTS 54 has less functionality, which affects the speed of the receiver itself. Price - .
Galaxy Innovations S8120
The Galaxy Innovations GI S8120 is a popular FullHD receiver. It is used to receive both open and encrypted TV channels of popular satellites. Galaxy Innovations S8120 is running an open linux operating system, the receiver can be loaded in one of 2 shells - Spark or Enigma2. The first one is suitable for novice users, it is simpler, more convenient, the second is more complicated, for advanced users, you can customize everything for yourself. Built-in processor STi7111 with a frequency of 450 MHz, modules of permanent and RAM memory of 256 and 512 MB.
To view encoded channels, the GI S8120 is equipped with a universal card reader with support for smart cards of popular providers. You can expand the number of available encrypted channels due to network capabilities via a wired or wireless connection. Ethernet connection - through 100 Mb, the second - external USB Wi-Fi adapters.
For multimedia options, the built-in media player is responsible. The receiver plays a large number of media formats: AVI, MKV, FLV, MPG, MP3, TS, WMA, WMV, M2TS, ASF, DAT, displays a picture via HDMI-interface with a resolution of up to 1080 px. Using the possibilities of replacing a regular satellite DVB-S2 tuner, the receiver can easily become a DVB-C or DVB-T terrestrial receiver. Replaceable RF unit must be purchased separately.
GI S8120 has a rather long list of supported Internet services: Youtube video hosting, Picasa photo hosting, Shoutcast Internet radio, RSS news feed, weather forecast. In this, it is very similar to the World Vision Foros Combo T2 / S2 model and differs from the DTS 54. In the GI S8120 satellite receiver, it is interesting to be able to work with USB HDD-drives to which you can save recorded TV shows or media files (video, photo, audio) , create separate sections, check the speed of work, format elements. Recording is carried out via a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and is possible in three variations: regular, by timer, with the TimeShift function.
Benefits:
- Linux operating system.
- 2 shells.
- Lots of supported formats and functions.
- Internet service support.
- Software update via RS232, USB, Ethernet.
Disadvantages:
- Enigma 2 is not installed.
- When turned on, the device immediately requires a software update.
- It takes a long time to load.
- An old inconvenient remote control. In new models, the remote control has been replaced.
This is a popular model among users due to the large functionality and low price. In terms of the set of connections and functions, this model is a cut above the DTS 54. They are very similar with the World Vision Foros Combo T2 / S2, but the S8120 still works faster due to the larger amount of RAM. But if you take the S8120, you first have to configure it (you may not be able to do this without the help of a specialist). In all other respects, this is a good device that will not give you any inconvenience. Price - .
NTV-Plus 710HD
Satellite receiver for watching television NTV-PLUS standard and high definition. Built-in productive processor MSD7S55BZ3, and modules of permanent and RAM memory of 128 and 256 MB. According to these indicators, it is inferior to the Galaxy Innovations S8120. It is equipped with an Ethernet port for connecting to the Internet at a speed of 100 Mb / s, and through USB 2.0 you can connect external hard drives or flash drives. This makes it possible to record programs (PVR) if they are not subject to copyright restrictions.
You can use the pause while watching live broadcast (Time-shift). From external drives, you can play files in the following formats: DivX, AVI, MKV, MP3, JPEG, etc. Supports reliable reception of channels in DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards with 8PSK, QPSK modulation and video compression MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 (AVC / H.264). The tuner can control external switching devices via DiSEqC 1.0 and 1.1 protocols. There is an Ethernet port for connecting the receiver to the Internet. NTV-PLUS 710 HD VA has typical outputs for connecting with different TV models: HDMI-interface and RCA (tulips).
Benefits:
- You can watch channels in HD quality with FullHD resolution.
- Very convenient channel navigation, fast switching between them.
- Intuitive menu.
- Many connectors for connecting to a TV on the rear panel.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- For more correct operation, you must immediately update the software.
- Due to a weak processor, the receiver slows down.
The model does not stand out from the rest, it beats only the DTS 54. Otherwise, in its functionality and parameters, it is very similar to the Galaxy Innovations S8120 and World Vision Foros Combo T2 / S2 with the difference that the price of the NTV-Plus 710HD receiver is. For less money, you can take the device no worse than this model. When connected, the 710HD will have to update the software on its own, but this does not save: applications will slow down due to a weak processor and a small amount of RAM. There are no complaints about the image quality, assembly, channel switching speed, everything works fine.
General Satellite GS B528
The B528 satellite receiver allows you to watch 4K video content on modern UltraHD TVs - the “trick” of this device that the competitors mentioned in the rating do not have. It has two built-in tuners DVB-S2 for receiving satellite signals and broadcasting TV. The receiver supports all modern ultra-high definition television standards, including the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video codec.
It is possible to connect an external USB, Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connection to the home network as a “server” for independent and “mirror” transmission of video content to client devices: smartphone, tablet, GS Gamekit game console. GS B528 users can use the wired connection of the GS C592 set-top box client for independent viewing of the broadcast from the screen of the second TV. The B528 also has the new HDMI 2.0 multimedia interface standard, which is required for ultra-high definition viewing when wired to a UHD TV.
The receiver is equipped with two usb connectors for playing media content, one of which is with a USB 3.0 interface. The updated software platform Stingray TV has a user-friendly graphical interface, supports Smart functions PVR (air recording), TimeShift (delayed viewing), Cinema halls, Best on TV, Online TV, Tricolor mail, Telearchive, even the Tetris game is built-in. The possibilities of using the functions are determined by the copyright holder of the broadcast content. The new GS B528 set-top box server has an ultra-thin case, elegant design.
Benefits:
- Ability to view video content in 4K quality.
- 2 USB connections - 2.0 and 3.0.
- Many cinema halls, built-in applications, games.
- Beautiful design.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- A little slows down the menu in the cinema halls.
- It does not always detect USB 3.0 flash drives.
This model makes it possible to view video content in 4K format, the rest of the "chips" (for example, a USB 3.0 connector) are not so important. If you don’t need a 4K format and suits Full HD, I would advise you to consider cheaper models - Galaxy Innovations S8120 or World Vision Foros Combo T2 / S2. General Satellite GS B528 gives an excellent image, the Internet works smartly, does not break off, USB flash drives of 2.0 format are recognized without problems, but 3.0 - once.This receiver slows down less than the listed samples, but still it has slowdowns in cinemas. Price - .
Openbox AS4K CI PRO
Satellite receiver Openbox AS4K CI Pro - an advanced sample of Aloys Co. Ltd. In the Pro version, the volumes of DDR4 RAM modules and built-in NAND-flash memory (up to 2 and 16 GB) have been significantly increased. These are very good indicators, they are higher than those of the reviewed competitors, they give a significant increase in performance and speed. Openbox AS4K CI Pro is designed for viewing open and encoded satellite programs in DVB-S, DVB-S2 standards, in MPEG2, MPEG4 and H.265 (HEVC) formats, in SD, HD and UltraHD, 4K resolutions, as in the General model Satellite GS B528, which meets all the requirements in this area.
The tuner comes in a standard size black metal case. On the front there is a built-in 4-digit display, a USB port for easy connection of various devices. The rear panel contains all the main communications: DC input for connecting a 12V power supply, IR IN for an external infrared sensor, A / V OUT composite output in a mini-Jack form factor for connecting to outdated TVs, HDMI v.2.0 for modern TV- receivers, 2 USB-outputs - 2.0 and 3.0 for corresponding devices (WI-FI adapter or USB-flash), S / PDIF jack for audio output via optical audio cable, LAN RJ-45 port for connecting to the Internet via cable at speeds up to 100 Mbit / s, slots for microSD, conditional access cards and for installing a CAM module. The receiver is equipped with a reliable Hisilicon Hi3798Mv200 processor and runs on the Android 7.1 operating system - this is one of the model's “chips”.
The function of deferred viewing, recording of TV broadcasts, and program schedules has been supported. After connecting to the Internet, you have almost complete and well-known Android functionality with Google Play Market, YouTube, IPTV, browsers and other applications. The preinstalled Kodi player has all the capabilities of a digital media center.
Together with it, you can watch movies, listen to music, view photos both from your collection and from Internet services. Lots of add-ons from developers and enthusiasts, almost all supported audio and video formats, customizable interface (skins) - this is an incomplete list of the media player's advantages. We can add that Kodi is used in many home theaters. Openbox AS4K CI Pro updates software both from portable drives and via the Internet. The receiver is equipped with everything you need out of the box: an external power supply (12V / 2A), a compatible WI-FI USB adapter (RT5370), a remote IR receiver, an HDMI cable, a learning remote control with batteries, instruction manual.
Benefits:
- RAM - DDR4.
- High performance.
- 4K support.
- Large delivery set.
- Operating system - Android 7.1.
- Installed Kodi player.
Disadvantage:
- High price.
This model is the clear leader in the rating in all respects. Supports all formats, even 4K, works under Android 7.1, and not like Galaxy Innovations S8120 under Linux. Thanks to DDR RAM and a good processor, it easily loads all programs, TV channels, movies from cinemas. None of the models can boast of such smoothness and speed. The delivery set is unusually large. Price - : suitable for a small number of people, but the device is worth the money.
Tuner NTV +
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