Before buying a console, decide what functions it should perform. If you just need to revive an old TV, then it will be enough to purchase a DVB-T2 tuner that can decode a digital signal that supports HD image quality.
If you want to expand the capabilities of a modern TV receiver, then you should take a closer look at the TV boxes. Despite their external similarity, the devices have their own characteristics that need to be taken into account when choosing.
Form Factor
On the market, you can find consoles in the form of a classic “box” and in the form of a flash drive or stick. Free-standing boxes require space, they are in plain sight, which not everyone likes. Often, such devices have several additional ports, which allows you to connect external equipment (keyboard, mouse, hard disk) to the set top box, and provide a stable wired Internet connection.
The sticks connect to the TV without being seen. However, they can not boast of high performance and have only connectors for connecting and powering.
Operating system
Most modern TV boxes run on the Android OS. Some manufacturers develop their own shells based on the same Android. Apple’s set top boxes run on their own tvOS. In any case, all operating systems manage the normal functioning of the device. However, there may be certain restrictions on downloading third-party apps.
Processor and memory
The more powerful the processor, the better the set top box for digital TV will work, there will be fewer errors and brakes.
The amount of RAM affects the speed of the device. It determines how many applications can be kept open at the same time and whether heavy programs will work. The minimum resource for today is 2 GB. The best option is 4 GB.
The storage size determines how many apps can be installed on the TV box. If you plan to actively expand the “range” of your console, then choose devices with a storage capacity of 32-64 GB.
Resolution and support for image and audio enhancement technologies
These parameters affect the quality of the image you get on the screen. Almost all modern digital TV set top boxes support the Ultra HD 4K format. HDR and Dolby Vision technologies make it possible to broadcast a detailed image with rich colors. Support for DTS and Dolby Digital allows you to get a realistic surround sound.
Connection interfaces
Set top boxes are connected to the TV using an HDMI cable or a USB port. Some devices have nothing but these connectors. However, additional interfaces can extend the functionality of your TV box:
- RCA (“tulip”) is needed to connect to an old TV, a cable with three plugs transmits images in HDTV and Full-HD formats.
- A memory card slot will increase the storage capacity.
- The LAN port is designed for a stable wired Internet connection.
- The USB connector allows you to connect external devices.
- Advanced models are equipped with an optical S-PDIF audio output for audio signal transmission.
- The Bluetooth wireless interface communicates with peripherals, including remote controls in some models.
- Wi-Fi is used to connect the set top box to the Internet.
