A decoder that allows you to watch paid digital television channels. How to choose and connect a digital decoder for TV. How much does it fit on a hard drive?
In this article we will look at the digital cable television standard from the point of view of the end consumer. We will try to identify all the possible pros and cons of this technology.
For digital cable television networks, the dvb-c standard is used. To connect to a digital cable television broadcast network, you will need a decoder and an access card. The cable for transmitting the dvb-c signal is the same as for regular cable television - coaxial with a resistance of 75 ohms. Each connected TV will require a separate decoder.
All work on installation and configuration of the decoder will be carried out by a specialist from a company engaged in providing access to the digital cable TV network. However, you can configure the decoder yourself. In modern digital TVs, the decoder is already built-in and to connect to the network you only need an access card and a special adapter called a cam module. In the version with a cam module, the use of digital TV will be simplified due to the fact that you will not need a second remote control from the decoder; you can control all viewing using the TV remote control. However, you may lose additional services provided by the cable TV network operator using the decoder.
The set of channels can be set individually, and channels containing video materials inappropriate for children can be locked with a password. Along with the television signal, additional information is also transmitted in the digital cable TV network, such as the television program for each channel, exact time. Radio stations can also be transmitted. Using a decoder coupled with a hard drive that connects via USB, you can record programs on a schedule or watch TV shows with the option of delayed viewing. For example, when your mom calls you during a football match, you can simply pause the broadcast and continue watching from where you left off.
The cost of the initial equipment is about 2000-3000 rubles per decoder (1500-2000 per cam module). Installation and connection services to the cable TV network are usually provided free of charge, but cable and cable charges may apply. additional equipment, usually no more than 500 rubles. The subscription fee is about 300-400 rubles.
Advantages of digital cable television: Inexpensive connection to the cable TV network. High level of service. High definition television. Minimum set of additional equipment.
Disadvantages of digital cable television: Geographical reference to the connection point. Linked to the operator and its network, possible network failures will affect the quality of the TV signal. Small coverage areas (not every city has digital CATV, not to mention villages). To connect to the Internet you need a second wire.
Modern television has many different standards, which enable the user to choose the option that suits him. One such standard is DVB-C. DVB-C on TV - what is it?
- DVB – European digital television standard;
- ATSC – American standard;
- ISDB – Japanese standard;
- DVB-C is a cable television standard.
DVB-C standard
To gain access to a package of channels, just insert your provider card into the tuner. The DVB-C standard is based on MPEG-2 coding of moving images and audio. A DVB-C cable receiver can only operate with a wired connection. Those. To install the equipment, you will need to call a technician from the TB operator to lay the cable into your apartment. This is one of the main disadvantages of this standard, because It will not be possible to use the receiver in those homes where there is no connection to this type of television.
DVB-C2
This is the second generation of this standard. Here, a relatively cheap opportunity to upgrade such a network is used. OFDM is used instead of a single carrier. Thanks to this, the operation of the equipment becomes more flexible and resistant to interference.
DVB-S
Digital satellite broadcasting. The signal is broadcast via satellite and requires a satellite antenna (dish) and a decoder to receive it. This broadcasting option is considered the fastest, most reliable and economical way to broadcast a high-quality television signal.
How to watch DVB-C
Almost all modern TV models support the DVB-C standard. They have a CI/PCMCIA connector for connecting a CAM module (a device that supports the required encoding depending on what equipment the operator has installed). The module and access card are inserted into the connector. The module must be purchased from the operator you want to connect to.
If your TV does not support the DVB-C standard, you will need a tuner. Today there is a large selection of such devices, including those that support both analog signals and the DVB-C standard.
You can also view DVB-C standard channels on your computer. For this you need a TV tuner and a card reader.
The receiver can provide a full digital television connection in an ordinary city apartment. At the same time, the cost paid subscription small, but the number of channels and quality of content do not cause any complaints.
A decoder with DVB-C technology will be of interest, first of all, to those people who already have a connection to cable television at home, but it only works in analog format. A DVB-C standard receiver will be able to convert it into digital form, providing the highest quality signal to your TV.
Often, providers themselves offer to buy a decoder from them at a big discount. At the same time, as a bonus, connection by specialists from the company is offered.
It must be borne in mind that a DVB-C standard set-top box cannot be compatible with other signal broadcast formats. This decoder model was developed exclusively for connecting a TV to cable television. The device recognizes only the signal that comes from the cable into a special connector on the rear panel. The device is connected directly to the cable, after which it transmits the modified signal to the TV via a second connection for playback.
If you want to install a DVB-C receiver, you will need to ask the operator to switch you to digital tariffs.
To connect to a set-top box, some TV models have a special connector and their own decoding module. No special decryption tool is required here. You just need to purchase a special card from the operator and insert it into the slot.
On average, one DVB-C tuner shows about 100-150 channels. These devices cannot increase the amount of resources on the 7-10 frequencies that are available, so when setting up, you can only find the number of channels that the provider will provide.
If the cable is inserted into the connector and the decoder is connected to the TV, then setting up will not be difficult at all.
Settings
- In the device menu you need to find the channel settings. This item may be called differently in different device models.
- Find automatic search and run it. The device itself will find all the channels that are basically available.
Advantages of the DVB-C standard
- Quality of the broadcast picture ( high level clarity and sharpness on the screen). The analogue image is inevitably accompanied by big amount noise - interference, ripples, etc. Cable television is broadcast without interference. The image quality does not depend on the length of the highway.
- Economy of frequency channel. One physical channel contains 4-8 programs. Those. To broadcast 100 programs, 10 channels will be enough. This is especially noticeable in legacy networks with low bandwidth.
- Increased content, the ability to select the desired programs.
- Digital broadcasting.
- Easy to use and connect.
Disadvantages of the DVB-C standard
Requires a cable connection; these receivers do not work through an antenna.
The need to sign up for a paid subscription with a provider.
Allowable data rates in the DVB-C system
DVB standards (including DVB-C) are based on MPEG-2 moving image and audio coding standards. Used for broadcasting different levels. Level “High-1440” (1440x1152) corresponds to television high resolution(high definition), in which the screen format has parameters of 4:3 (standard screen). The “High (1920x1152)” level corresponds to television (HDTV) with a 16:9 screen format (widescreen image).
At the main level, which corresponds to standard definition television, the transmission rate of binary symbols in the communication channel is 15 Mbit/s.
What is the difference between DVB-T and DVB-C
The DVB-T standard ensures high-quality signal reception and its ability not to perceive reflected signals. In addition, to increase the device’s resistance to various types of interference and harmonize data transmission formats, channel coding is used. Broadcasting in the DVB-T standard is carried out in exactly the same way as in the case of analogue television, only other technologies and transmission formats are used. Terrestrial DVB-T broadcasting is not the same as satellite DVB-S or cable DVB-C. Due to the difference in frequency channels and modulation methods, decoders for different standards are not compatible with each other. Digital television is broadcast in the decimeter range, so the quality of signal reception is affected by the terrain, the openness of the space to the transmitter and the density of buildings.
Accelerating scientific and technological progress often confronts us not only with a choice, but rather with the need to comply with its dynamics. Regularly shown television advertisements with ultra-clear, ultra-colorful images patiently convince us to use digital television. However, the decisive incentive for the gradual transition in 2015-2020 in Russia and Ukraine to “digital” - Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) - will be the gradual cessation of licensing of analogue TV channels against the backdrop of stimulating the development of digital ones. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod, separate pilot projects of the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Press, Television and Radio Broadcasting and Mass Communications are already being developed. Based on them, standards and regulatory documents regulating the reception of digital television will be developed.
Experts say that the factor slowing down this transition is the absolute predominance of old television receivers among the population that do not receive the DVB signal. However, the situation is reversible: such TVs can still be “made to see numbers.” A decoder for digital television was invented especially for this - a device that converts input DVB into high-quality analogue.
Its price is limited to 40-50 US dollars. The benefits are obvious! At minimum costs My old TV and I say: “Hello, digital TV!” By the way, a decoder for digital television has another, more correct name - a receiver. The external receiver fits almost any analog TV receiver. It is compact, has a convenient, optimized interface. It is characterized by some original functions, for example, a delayed time mode, which involves stopping the broadcast of a TV show and then starting it from this point. The receiver is adapted to interactive program guides. It has USB capabilities that allow you to interact with a PC.
Having decided to “introduce” your analog TV to the new quality of television programs, you will have to enter into an appropriate agreement and purchase a decoder for digital television complete with a smart card for access to digital television channels. A control panel is purchased with them. The map determines the range of paid channels available to you. The built-in EPG service involves automatic provision of a television program.
For all four modifications of the DVB signal, a receiver with a smart card is relevant, and for cable (DVB-C) it is sufficient. When using a DVB-T signal emitted by a terrestrial antenna, you additionally need a UHF antenna with a tuner. For the satellite DVB-S signal, a satellite antenna with a tuner is used. In the future, DVB-T technology is planned to dominate.
If your TV is new, digital, or more precisely, supports the DVB-T2 standard, then it does not need a decoder for digital television - instead of the latter, you purchase a CAM unit along with an access card. This option will provide you with a bonus - controlling channels using the only remote control “native” to the TV.
Ultimately, the introduction of digital TV will benefit not only the image quality, but also the quality of TV broadcasts. If free channels “feed” on multi-minute advertising, then digital subscriber channels “earn their living” mainly from subscription fees. The introduction of digital television is a decisive step towards innovative digital technologies that blur the line between home appliances and computers. The concept of the Russian Ministry of Communications considers 2015 as the beginning of structural changes in the television broadcasting industry, and 2020 as the final transition to digital television.
In the cable TV industry, capital rules, and therefore the path of development and the implementation option for the figure depends on the view of the problem of the management of each individual company.
The typical way is to launch broadcasts in the DVB-C format (a version of the DVB standard for cable networks, characterized by a lower compression ratio and less noise immunity compared to the “terrestrial” standard, which is quite acceptable in cable).
The standard implies the use of a coding system for channels, which makes it possible to build different services: allocate packages of channels, open and close them for users, without leaving the office. To decrypt encrypted channels, the subscriber uses so-called access cards.
To receive cable TV you will need a decoder that supports the DVB-C standard
Each encoding system has its own, but the standard provides a universal connector for connecting a CAM module to a TV or set-top box for a specific encoding, into which an access card is already installed.
Like DVB-T2, the “cable” version of the standard supports high-definition (HD) content. But it is up to each operator to decide whether or not to include HD channels on their network. It should be noted that almost all cable networks in Russia, where digital television has been launched, offer HD channels. Some even experimented with 3D channels.
Equipment for receiving DVB-T2 and DVB-C
Obviously, for viewing digital signal equipment that supports the corresponding standard is required.
TVs and set-top boxes with DVB-C support went on sale back in 2007, so if you have changed your TV in the last few years, you most likely have support for the “cable” version of the standard (in this case there will also be a slot for connecting CAM module, if provided by the operator).
Many cellular network operators also offer cable broadcasting of digital television channels via a CAM module Ideally, to connect to cable digital television, the owner of such a TV only needs to purchase a CAM module from the operator and install an access card there. But, since each operator determines its own policy for the operation of the service, CAM modules are sometimes not offered, and then subscribers need to purchase an intermediary device - a set-top box with support for the conditional access system (CAS) used by the operator.
Most often, such devices are “tailored” for only one VAT, which means that it can be used on another network only if, by chance, the same VAT happens to be there.
Although in our country digital channels are still broadcast in standard definition, some manufacturers offer media set-top boxes that allow you to play Full HD video content If a cable operator offers HD channels (Full HD - picture resolution 1920*1080), then to view them the equipment (TV, if a Cam module is used, or TV + set-top box) must also support Full HD. In general, support for DVB-C (DVB-T/T2) does not at all mean support for Full HD (both for TVs and set-top boxes). The situation is similar with 3D channels.
The cable TV decoder also allows you to play MP4 videos The fact that a TV supports the “cable” version of the standard, unfortunately, does not mean that it also decodes the “terrestrial” version of the number (the one used in Russia). Deliveries of equipment with DVB-T2 support to our country began only in 2012. So we can say with confidence that if your TV was purchased earlier, it will not “understand” the terrestrial standard. Cable set-top boxes also rarely support DVB-T2.
If your equipment does not allow you to receive terrestrial digital signals by default, you do not need to change it. You can limit yourself to purchasing a set-top box for DVB-T2, the cost of which starts from a thousand rubles. By the way, Full HD support in DVB-T2 set-top boxes is not yet in demand (since, as noted above, HD channels will not appear on air in the near future).
Satellite figure
Another “source” of digital television can be called satellite. Satellite platforms officially operating in Russia use the DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards (as with the DVB-T and DVB-T2 terrestrial standards, DVB-S2 is the next, more advanced generation of DVB-S).
To receive satellite digital television, you need a properly installed antenna (the diameter of which depends on the geographical location of the subscriber and the selected satellite), a receiver with a valid access card and a TV.
A satellite “dish + decoder” set will allow you to provide your apartment or cottage with digital TV in HD quality Support for the DVB-S / S2 standard can be integrated into the TV, then not a receiver, but a CAM module (and, naturally, an access card for the module) is purchased from the operator. True, not all platforms operating on the Russian market offer CAM modules, and the modules on the market also do not always work correctly on TVs - so before connecting satellite television, it is better to consult with specialists.
Note that to watch Full HD channels from a satellite, you need a TV and receiver with HD support (a similar situation is with 3D channels).
Photo: manufacturing companies
Iron- decoder for cable TV.
→╔════════════════════════════════════════ ═════════ ║▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒░░ "IRON"?! ░░▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒║ ╚══════════════════ ══════════ ══════════════════════════════════╝Cable TV decoder - it's easy! Hi all! Here i.e. The figure shows a cable TV decoder. Many people will probably think this is a joke and I'm crazy. But this is not so - this is really the simplest decoder. The decoder is assembled using a simple high-frequency filter circuit. Okay, let's not go deep into theory. If you have any questions, please call or write. And now I’ll tell you how to assemble this miracle that allows you to watch cable TV for FREE. The coil is wound on a rod with a diameter of 5 mm with a 0.5 mm wire, after which the rod is removed. I almost forgot: the number of turns is approximately 17 (I recommend experimenting with the number of turns). And one more detail is a tuning capacitor 5...25 pF. And now I’ll explain how to use this contraption. So it’s like this: pick up your cable and wait for them to start encoding. As soon as you have started this encoding, you take and SMOOTHLY tighten the capacitor until you get a stable picture. Then sit on the sofa and watch a movie! OK it's all over Now! If anyone has other schemes, then send them to the stations that accept mail for this newspaper or call me: 160-55-06 Alexander.(c)Pharaoh. (C)Oscar. Hello Spectrum people! I (Oscar) am typing this text from Faraon. The diagram below shows a circuit that can replace an unknown buggy device, which is located, if the connector is on the right, then to the left of the transformer. This circuit works stably.+5V ____ ^ E │ │ ^^^^ / │ │ 100K 0.1 │ │ │ │ ┴ ─┴─ │ 10K│ │ \_/ KS147A │ │ │ │ │ ┬ │ │ │ │ ┴ ┴ ┴For any questions, please call in Moscow: (095) 372-0531 Victor.
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