When 20 digital TV channels appear. What do you need to receive digital terrestrial television? How to receive a signal and watch T2? Russians will be helped to buy equipment before turning off analog television

Digital terrestrial television is slowly but surely replacing analog television. In Ukraine, from the fall of 2018 to the spring of 2019, they plan to completely turn off analog television. As far as I know, Russia also plans to turn off analog TV at the beginning of 2019. And despite the fact that many people watch satellite TV, cable, or IPTV, many residents will have to look for alternatives. Otherwise, the TV will simply stop working and receive a signal at one point. And instead of our favorite TV channel, we will see the hiss of the TV.

Of course, instead of analog television digital terrestrial television has been working well for a long time, which everyone can watch absolutely free (in Russia it seems like there is a separate paid package)... All popular channels that we have watched before are available for free viewing. Moreover, there are more channels, and the picture and sound quality is much better. In connection with the transition to T2, many had a question about what is needed to receive digital terrestrial television... How to receive a T2 signal and what devices are needed for this? What should be TV? Do I have to buy a T2 set-top box (tuner)? Which antenna is right for you? There are a lot of such questions. In this article I will try to answer the most popular ones.

Digital terrestrial television - what is it, what are the advantages and what is the difference?

I will try to explain everything in simple words... Terrestrial television is that television that is transmitted using a signal that is broadcast using TV towers.

Terrestrial television can be divided into:

• Analog. An old format that is now being actively switched off in many countries. Including in Ukraine and Russia.
• Digital. A new format that allows you to receive and watch channels in better quality... The digital format is less sensitive to noise. Can broadcast more channels.

Until recently, our televisions received analog television using a conventional antenna. (it may be accepted now, if it has not yet been disabled in your country)... As technology advances, analog television is simply outdated. Therefore, a smooth transition to digital television in the DVB-T2 format has long begun.

DVB is a set of digital television standards. DVB-T is an obsolete format. DVB-T2 is a new format.

Digital TV has many advantages over analog TV. The first and very big plus is signal compression. Due to this, the maximum number of on-air channels that can be broadcast has increased. At the same time, the picture and sound quality has improved, which is simply necessary for modern, large TVs. It also became possible to transmit information about a TV show, information about following programs etc.

Depending on the country, the broadcast of the channels is divided into packages. In Ukraine, for example, you can watch 32 channels in digital quality for free. These are 4 packages (multiplexes) of 8 channels. For example, because of a bad signal, I only catch 2 packets (16 channels). There are two free packages in Russia. Each one broadcasts 10 channels.

No matter how many options are available. If we want to watch terrestrial television, then we will have to switch to T2. Or install a satellite dish, connect IPTV, or cable TV... In villages and small towns, most likely there are only two options left: satellite TV, or terrestrial T2. Which is better is up to you. Perhaps later I will write an article on this topic.

What do you need to receive DVB-T2 signal?

Returning to the topic of the article - the equipment that is needed to receive digital terrestrial television.

• Or a TV with DVB-T2 support.
• Or a special T2 prefix (tuner).
• Antenna.

Everything is simple here. If we have an old TV that does not have a built-in tuner supporting the DVB-T2 format, then we need to buy a separate set-top box that will receive the T2 signal, process it and transmit the finished picture to the TV. The set-top box itself can be connected to almost any TV. Even to the "pot-bellied".

TV with DVB-T2 support

Your TV may be capable of receiving a T2 signal. In this case, you do not need to buy a separate set-top box. Or you can connect the antenna directly to the TV, start a digital channel search and enjoy watching.

In our countries, TVs with support for DVB-T2 began to appear somewhere around 2012. Therefore, if your TV was purchased before 2012, then it is unlikely to have support for T2. You need to look at the characteristics and check. Information about the availability of DVB-T2 support can be indicated on the box, or in the documentation. If you did not find anything there, then simply type your TV model in search engine, open some popular online store (or better the official website of the manufacturer) and see what digital standards the tuner supports on your TV.

It looks something like this:

We look at the characteristics of the LG TV on the official website (broadcast system):

Or go to the settings of your TV and select the channel setup (search) from the menu. He should ask you which channels to look for: digital, or digital and analog. Before that, you will most likely need to select the type of antenna: Cable (DVB-C), or Antenna (DVB-T).

Now, if the settings have something about the search for digital channels, then most likely there is support for T2.

It seems to me that the option is possible when the TV only supports DVB-T, but DVB-T2 does not. Therefore, it is better to look at the characteristics of a particular model.

T2 set-top box for watching digital terrestrial television

If the TV cannot directly receive the T2 signal, then you will have to buy a special set-top box. Many people call her a receiver. This is such a small box that connects to the TV. An antenna is connected to the set-top box. Then we perform a simple setup (search for channels) and watch digital TV.

There are a lot of such prefixes. There are even separate online stores that only sell equipment for receiving the T2 signal. There are even kits for receiving digital television on sale (prefix + antenna)... The choice is very large, as well as the difference in price. And then you probably have a question: what is the difference between these prefixes? Differences in functionality, size, design, operating system, performance, etc.

• All these consoles are able to receive the T2 signal. This is, as it were, their main task.
• Most receivers (even the cheapest) there is a USB port where you can plug in a USB storage device and watch videos, photos, or listen to music.
• Terrestrial TV recording function.
• There are many models that can be connected to the internet (via LAN or Wi-Fi, usually using a separate USB adapter)... This makes it possible to watch videos on YouTube, or other services. Watch IPTV, use a browser, etc.
• There are T2 consoles that run on Android. All the functionality of this operating system... With the help of such a device, you can turn your ordinary TV into a Smart TV.

There are many differences. You should always carefully look and study the characteristics of a particular receiver. When I bought a T2 receiver, I didn't understand all the nuances. Then when I bought it, it turned out that the TV has a built-in T2 receiver. Well, nothing, later I connected it to another TV. By the way, I have Strong SRT 8204. It seems like one of the most budgetary ones. But nothing works.

This set-top box can be connected to almost any TV. If you have an old TV, then the set-top box can be connected using a triple tulip cable. If your TV has HDMI, then of course you need to use an HDMI cable to connect. The image quality will be much better. HDMI cable usually needs to be purchased separately.

Antenna for receiving DVB-T2

You can receive digital terrestrial television with almost any antenna. No special antenna is needed for this. You can easily use the antenna that you have installed, through which you have watched analog television until now. Any decimeter antenna will work without problems. The so-called "Polish antenna" for T2 will also work.

Of course, it all depends on how far from you the tower is and what kind of terrain is in your area. If you live in a city where a tower is installed, then most likely everything will work even without an antenna. But a piece of wire, I think, will be needed. In this case, you can use an indoor antenna without an amplifier.

If the tower is far away, then you need an antenna with an amplifier. Or you will have to install an external decimeter antenna to receive digital terrestrial television. They also come without amplifiers, or with amplifiers. In case of poor reception, it may be necessary to raise the antenna onto a mast.

Note that if the antenna is boosted, the power supply may not be needed, as most T2 receivers can supply power to the antenna. Usually, this function is enabled in the receiver settings. You need to look at the characteristics, or instructions. Your receiver may not have this feature.

The antenna must be correctly connected and directed strictly towards the tower. You can easily find information on the placement of DVB-T2 signal transmitters in your country and region on the Internet.

conclusions

To start watching T2, you usually only need a receiver. Since you most likely already have an antenna. If your TV is not very old (especially if it has Smart TV), then you may not need to buy anything at all. Check if your TV supports DVB-T2. I have already told you how to do this.

If the TV does not have a T2 receiver, then you will have to buy a set-top box. The choice is large, I think you will pick something up. Well, then we connect the antenna and TV to the set-top box, and in the settings we start the channel search. If no channels are found, then check all the contacts on the antenna, point the antenna towards the tower (after looking at the location of the tower before)... You may need a more powerful antenna or amplifier.

Be sure to leave comments. Share your experience and ask questions!

At the end of 2018, the country uses from 16 to 33 million televisions capable of receiving only an analog signal. According to RBC, the rejection of analog broadcasting throughout Russia may be postponed: one of the interlocutors of the publication claims that the possibility of test shutdown analog broadcasting in one or several regions. In particular, such a pilot project can be carried out in the Tver region.

Transition to digital television in Russia 2019, what to do

To switch to digital, the owners modern TVs, that is, purchased later than 2012, you just need to press the auto-tuning on the remote control again - the new format will be found by itself. Older models require additional hardware.

Transition to digital television when in Moscow and Russia

Deputy Head of the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation Alexey Volin said that the transition from analogue to digital television was extended until mid-January 2019. He assured that citizens have time to purchase the necessary equipment before turning off the analogue.

I want to immediately console the sluggish citizens who will not acquire digital set-top boxes and new television receivers capable of broadcasting digital television before the New Year, that for them we are extending the process of disconnecting analogue broadcasting of federal channels until January 14-15.
From 2019, Russia will completely switch to digital television broadcasting, and the analog signal will be turned off. Now the process of completing the construction of terrestrial digital networks is underway.

Can I receive digital broadcasts with a satellite dish attachment?

No you can not. Satellite TV broadcasting is carried out in the DVB-S standard, and on-air - in DVB-T2.

Transition to digital television in Russia 2019. Where can you buy a set-top box?

You can buy a digital set-top box at a digital store or online store.

How many TVs can be connected to one set-top box?

Only one. If TVs do not have a built-in tuner, then each will need a separate set-top box. If you connect one digital set-top box to several TVs, then one channel will be broadcast on all TVs. If you want to watch two or more channels at the same time, then you need to purchase a set-top box for each TV.

How much does a digital terrestrial set-top box cost?

Retail prices for digital set-top boxes - depending on the manufacturer and model - average from 400 to 2000 rubles.

Do I need to buy a new TV?

No. Digital terrestrial TV programs can also be viewed from regular TVif you connect a digital terrestrial set-top box to it. It must be of the DVB-T / T2 standard and support the MPEG4 video format.

ANALOGUE TELEVISION WILL BE DISCONNECTED IN RUSSIA FROM JANUARY 1, 2019

Already a very long time ago, this change began to be planned, but constant and everything moved to a late date. A gradual transition to a new type of broadcasting was planned in the federal program for 2009-2015, but this did not happen. In 2016, it was announced that the timing of the shutdown of analogue broadcasting would be regulated.

A multiplex is a frequency at which 10 channels are broadcast at once.

The very first multiplex will start broadcasting the following channels:

First;
Russia 1;
Russia 24;
Culture;
Carousel;
Fifth channel;
NTV;
TV Center;
OTP;
Match TV.

The second multiplex will include ten public channels:

TNT,
Star,
Muz TV,
Spas,
STS,
Home,
World,
Ren-TV,
Friday,
TV-3.

After a while, the third multiplex will be launched, it includes regional and other channels. Meanwhile, all channels, in addition to the obligatory ones, will continue to work in analog format. According to analysts, not all regional channels will be able to pay for the transition to digital signal.

The great advantage of these changes is that the residents of Russia will receive free package channels high Quality.

What a "figure"

Digital television transmits video and audio signals from a translator to a television using digital coding and data compression.

It has several advantages:

Does not lose signal quality if transmitted over very long distances;

The image has no glare, "snow" and other distortion of the picture inherent in the "analog";

Has the ability to connect channels in HD quality.

In addition, digital television makes it possible to introduce additional functions and services into the television broadcasting system (the ability to pause, record or rewind the program, select the broadcast language, change the sound format, display the announcement of TV programs, and so on).

And what is important when switching to digital TV: Russians get a set of high quality TV channels absolutely free of charge, comparable to what was previously offered only in paid packages.

What to do and to whom?

Many have already switched to so-called "plasmas", but not all. It turns out that old-generation TVs with picture tubes are not suitable for this, and they will have to be thrown away?

They wanted to replace the analog signal with a digital signal back in 2015, but postponed it until 2019. The problem was not in the technical part, but in the consumers who needed to switch to digital new tv with support for DVB-T2 format or corresponding digital set-top box to the TV. However, if desired, such a prefix can be adapted even to a black-and-white tube tube. It costs from 600 rubles and helps to tune all the TV channels, ”Maxim Kornev, associate professor of the Department of Television, Radio and Internet Technologies of the Institute of Mass Media of the Russian State University for the Humanities, answered to the subscribers of AiF.

Yes, not all TVs will show at least something after the New Year. Only those that receive a digital signal (DVB-T2 mark) will work. In this case, it is important that you have a UHF-range antenna (indoor, outdoor or collective). In general, if you haven’t figured it out yet, it’s high time, because less than half a year is left. That means we need to try to understand all the complex abbreviations.

The general director of the Moscow Public Television Sergey Kuznetsov expressed doubts that analogue broadcasting would stop immediately after 2019. According to him, most likely, the transition to digital television will take several days or even weeks, because for this, dozens of telecommunications companies must reconfigure their equipment and turn off the old ones that provide analogue broadcasting.

"We are talking about the reduction of analogue broadcasting starting from January 1, 2019. The state simply stops subsidizing television channels for signal distribution in cities with a population of less than 100 thousand people. This applies to mandatory public channels. All other channels, such as REN-TV, TNT , STS, regional channels, they are free to work in analog as long as they want ", - said the general director of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS) Andrey Romanchenko.

Some newer TVs already have built-in receivers. So the owners of such devices will not have to buy any additional equipment.

Otherwise, when switching to digital, you do not have to buy a new TV - you will only need to purchase additional equipment. Yes, to watch digital TV, as before, the presence of a conventional antenna is indispensable. We'll have to install a receiver - a set-top box (decoder of an encrypted digital signal), which will convert the received data into an image and display it on the screen.

Scam times

All sellers are persuading to buy the device as expensive as possible, - says Anton Kraevsky, senior manager of a network selling TV equipment. - But this is a hoax: the more expensive the set-top box, the more additional functions it has. For example, the ability to record programs and watch them later, parental control, the option to view video from the Internet on TV, Dolby sound, and so on. There have appeared a lot of fraudulent announcements about the allegedly planned work "on the collective transfer of residents" to digital terrestrial television. With the disgusting informing residents about the transition, it is not surprising that many of the same gullible pensioners will fall into such wiring.

However, the set-top box can be purchased at consumer electronics stores. Its cost varies from 600 rubles to 12 thousand rubles. Sellers assure: a prefix for 600-1000 will not work, you need to take it not cheaper than 5000. In real life, you need to understand their options and cost, respectively, and choose the best one.

The construction of the network of the first and second multiplex (a package of digital channels) has been completed in almost all constituent entities of Russia. More than 9.5 thousand transmitters out of 10 thousand have already been installed and are operating, the entire network will be put into operation after the completion of the construction of all facilities at the end of 2018. At the beginning of the program, 44 percent of the country's residents received no more than four TV channels, and about 25 percent of the population received only 1-2 TV channels.

The transition is carried out within the framework of the implementation of the federal target program "Development of television and radio broadcasting in Russian Federation for 2009-2018 ", its executor is the Russian television and radio broadcasting network.

The first multiplex includes 10 all-Russian compulsory public television channels (Channel One, "Russia 1", "Match-TV", NTV, "Petersburg - Channel Five", "Culture", "Russia 24", "Karusel", OTR, "TV Center - Moscow "). In the second - 10 compulsory public TV channels (REN-TV, "Spas", STS, "Domashny", TV-3, "Friday!", "Zvezda", "Mir", TNT, "Muz-TV").

1.6 percent of the population living outside the terrestrial broadcasting zone will be provided with the opportunity to receive programs free of charge using the direct satellite broadcasting system.

After the advent of digital television, a large number of users were excited about the transition to a modern format. What are the reasons? Of course, in the desire to try a new product, as well as in frequent discussions that the quality of the incoming signal is much higher. This improves the picture quality accordingly. The ease of access also attracts new users.

It is possible to connect a digital TV even to CRT models. This will require the use of additional devices. And of course modern TV models are able to catch this technique.

In the Moscow region and the capital, the well-known Ostankino television and radio network offers open access a huge number of terrestrial channels. This allows signal reception without additional clearance and payments for TV programs in Russia. Reception is available both to individual antennas located in the room and to outdoor ones.

There are also paid channels, for which a certain amount is charged every month. How many channels are in digital television today in 2019? What is needed to receive their signal? More on this later.

Digital signal reception methods

There are four options for connecting free and paid TV channels:

• Cable. In this case, the signal is received via a cable. The main disadvantage is considered subscription fee... This method is not universally available.
• Satellite. Here, signal transmission is carried out via satellite, reception due to the installed personal dish. A specific subscription fee is also charged here. Requires purchase of equipment designed for satellite TV.
• Terrestrial (DVB TV). Terrestrial repeaters distribute a signal that can be received by an indoor or outdoor antenna. This connection option does not require additional financial waste. Convenient way for watching TV programs in the format of modern broadcasting.

The digital set-top box (Dvb T2) catches channels differently from the previously described option. The signal level is low. It is difficult to catch him in case of bad weather, as well as distant location from the TV tower.

The lowest in price is the reception of digital TV using an antenna, which is installed and configured independently by the user. Various channels can be added.

What are multiplexes

A multiplex is a connection in one digital package of different TV channels in digital TV broadcasting, which are combined before transmission over the channel and divided at the final receiving element (subscriber's receiver) with 1 or 2 TV channels allocated.

Digital television in Russia in DVB T2 format offers 20 TV channels, which are divided into 2 packages, this is called multiplexes. These are free digital channels to watch - there is no set subscription fee. The user only needs a TV; a set-top box with a decoder that receives the DVB T2 frequency range (if there is no such decoder in the TV) and an antenna.

Package # 1 is a group of information, news and development channels (Russia 1 and 2, 1 and 5 channels and others).

This package works wherever digital television is present. If there is a working digital TV tower nearby, most likely you will receive all 10 channels. The user will be able to catch either all 10 at once, or not one. The reason for this is that channels 1 of the multiplex are transmitted at the same frequency. Broadcasting is carried out at a frequency of 546 MHz using DVB-T2.

The composition of the channels changes quite often in this package. There are competitions among the programs, as a result of which the list may vary. Frequency 498 MHz with DVB prefix.

Package # 3 is under development, but it will be paid. Cheaper and simple option it is considered to use a cable and receive more than 100 channels from 200 rubles per month.

This package will run in test mode. In it, users will also be able to find programs of maximum definition HD.

What you need to view

To show digital television channels, special equipment is required:

• Antenna;
• Set-top box for digital TV or TV with DVB T2 tuner. The device must be MPEG 4 compliant and capable of operating in Multiple PLP mode.

As for the antenna, you can opt for a standard analog antenna. If you have a TV of a new model, then it may have an integrated digital format tuner. In this case, there is no need to buy a set-top box.

If you do not know if it is present in your model, check the technical data sheet. Alternatively, enter the model name in the search engine.

There are two types of antenna devices:

1. Active - when amplifiers are used, they are connected to a source of electrical energy. When using a receiver, 5-V is fed through it. This can be done through the settings in the menu - "Antenna Power". Using an active device is not always the right decision. Since when close to the tower, the signal may completely disappear.
2. Passive - there are no additional amplifiers here. They are used most often in areas with a stable signal. This option is easier for connecting multiple TVs.

Consider the features of the choice. Whoever comes across such an acquisition for the first time most likely thinks that all consoles are identical. The main condition for making the right choice is to avoid mistakes in key technical characteristics.

There are other points that can affect the further functioning of the equipment and the breadth of the functional component:

• There are no buttons on the external panel of the device - this obliges the user to work only with the remote control. This is not always practical.
• If the tuner does not have a USB port, the device cannot be used as a media player. In the presence of such equipment, you can put on the recording of TV programs, view photos and video clips.

Please note that a prefix with a separate power supply is considered a chic option. Most often, this element is built inside. The most common cause of tuner failure is considered to be a power supply failure. In the event of a failure, this was done can be attributed to service center or completely replace the prefix. But a separate unit is the ability to replace a component without any problems.

In January, Russia will give up analog television

From January 2019, Russia will finally switch to digital TV... As previously reported in the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications, the Russians will receive 20 compulsory public television and three radio channels. They will free.

About how the transition to digital will be carried out and whether sluggish citizens will remain under New Year without the usual TV programs, portal website spoke with the President of the National Association of Broadcasters Eduard Sagalaev.

Attention to the screen!

The letter a on the TV screen warns - you are using an old TV or have not yet switched the new TV to digital signal reception.

“A well-thought-out set of measures to inform the population is being carried out - one of the highlights is associated with the fact that now the letters A appeared on the screens of analog receivers.“ Channel One -A ”,“ RTR-A ”. This means that analogue reception is in progress - for people this is a very good reference point. In addition, all broadcast channels say that it is necessary to switch to digital television, ”

By Eduard Sagalaev.

On New Year's Eve nothing will be turned off. But we must hurry

“Of course, our population is used to doing everything at the last moment. It was decided that analogue broadcasting will not be switched off from January 1, 2018, but a few days later. People will be given the opportunity to watch all the New Year's programs, although it was previously planned that the full transition to digital broadcasting would take place at 00.00. It was decided to give a chance to purchase digital equipment, depending on the TV model ",

Noted by our expert.

What do you need to do to go digital?

• As the main format of digital terrestrial TV in Russia, the DVB-T2 standard is adopted. Look in the instructions - can your TV receive a digital signal? Modern models have a built-in digital tuner that supports DVB-T2 standard, MPEG-4 video encoding format and Multiple PLP mode.
• If you still have an old TV, you can buy a set-top box in any store that sells digital equipment. Prices are quite affordable - from about 400 rubles. The shop assistant will tell you how to connect it.
• If you are not connected to a collective UHF antenna, then you will have to purchase an individual one. It can be both indoor and outdoor. It all depends on how far you are from the TV tower.

“For more than 10 years, stores have not sold TVs without the ability to watch digital television. All new generation models support DVB-T2 format. Those who do not want to part with an old analog TV can buy a set-top box - the price of this set-top box is rapidly decreasing, there is a huge selection in stores. There is evidence that after switching to digital TV, approximately 90% of Russians will be able to watch the first multiplex and 96.5% will be able to watch the second multiplex. For those who will not have the opportunity to watch terrestrial television, measures are provided - viewers will have the opportunity to watch cable and satellite television... Satellite operators will broadcast programs of two multiplexes free of charge, "

What will happen to regional television?

This is the problem, the expert says. Regional television is not included in these two multiplex packages, and National Association of Broadcasters for several years it has been striving to organize another multiplex specifically for the regionals.

“At the same time, the state does not need to invest any funds, because regional TV channels are able to buy themselves a transmitter and provide a frequency for broadcasting another, regional, multiplex. Often, regional television even goes ahead of the federal one - now is the time for changes, the search for new technologies, new ways ”,

Eduard Salagaev said, stressing that the regions will also have the opportunity to watch local television, since large cities have long been shrouded in cable networks.

Help site

Multiplex is a mandatory free and publicly available TV and radio channel.

The first digital television multiplex included: Channel One, Russia-1, Russia-2, NTV, Channel 5, Russia-Kultura, Russia 24, Karusel, OTR, TVC.

The second multiplex is channels that are not required for distribution without payment, but if they are distributed in the Russian Federation, then a subscription fee will not be charged from users: Ren-TV, Spas, STS, Domashny, TV-3, NTV + Sport, Zvezda, Mir , TNT, MuzTV.