Set Top Box vs Internet Streaming TV Box vs Satellite Receiver Box vs Digital Recording Box

You’re not the only one confused with so many types of Streaming tv box. In this article, we’ve tried to dispel the confusion, so here goes.

About all, Set Top Boxes, Internet streaming boxes, satellite receiver boxes. As well as, and digital recording boxes are all devices. That are used to receive and display content on TVs.

Typically, these are used for digital signals and broadcasts. After all, And does not offer the benefits available on a standard TV. The choice of device to view content, budget. As well as, And depending on the power of the TV.

Bestsellers:

Set-top Box

Essentially, a set-top box enables reception, decoding. After all, and display of digital broadcasts on standard television.

With two way communication. After all, most STBs incorporate internet access. As well as, and interactive features such as an addition of premium channels.

As well as, Satellite using a set-top box. And can only be seen on television. Additional features that may be included. It is a video on demand, home networking, video conferencing, IP telephony and satellite broadband services.

Internet TV Box

That means Internet TV box or streaming TV box is the device. This allows a viewer to stream online content live on TV. Which turns an ideal TV into a smart TV.

That is to say, Streaming TV boxes use an Ethernet cable or access the Internet via a WiFi network. To stream standard definition content. Over all, Minimum 3Mbps for high definition content. As well as, And a speed of at least 5Mbps is recommended.

However, a typical Internet TV box is not able to access digital TV.

Some boxes have the ability to mirror a mobile device to the screen. With this ability, it is possible to navigate through menus and use a tablet. After all, or a phone as a remote to determine what shows on the screen.

Satellite Receiver

Satellite receivers are the end components of satellite Streaming TV Box systems. They de-scramble encrypted signals and convert. The signals to an Analog format recognizable by a standard television.

As well as, Unlike some set-top boxes that can display one program. While recording another, satellite receivers extract individual channels.

They are also used by service providers to keep track of programs. That are pay per view, the information will be communicated to the providers to facilitate billing.

Therefore since only the signal for one channel is received at a time, it is not possible to view one channel while recording a second or to record two programmers concurrently.

Satellite TV, however, offers high-quality picture and sound. Generally using a satellite receiver will require a subscription to a satellite cable provider.

After all, recordable satellite receivers are also referred to as personal video recorder box record shows. Which is for later viewing, pause, fast forward, slow motion or rewind live Streaming TV Box. Additionally, the receiver can be set to record a show automatically.

Additional features to look for in a satellite receiver includes USB ports. And compatibility, sorting of channels, parental controls and subtitles.

Digital TV Recorder

Digital TV recorders could be a set-top box, an internet Streaming TV Box with recording capabilities. However, unlike a VCR there is no need for a tape. After all, Digital TV recorders are of different types depending on the signal source.

Most digital TV recorders deliver digital TV via freeview aerial. Others access content via Freesat Satellite.

The main types of digital recorders are hard drive digital recorders. Which are also known as personal video recorders and record onto a hard disc drive. After all, and DVD digital recorders which record to DVD discs.

Recorders with 2 tuners can be use to record one programmer while another is playing, the largest capacity hard drive digital recorders in the market store up to 125 hours HD content and 400 hours standard definition content.

With a digital TV recorder, it is possible to both pause live TV and set programmers to record via the TV guide provide on-screen.

Best Set-top Boxes

BT Youview+ Set Top Streaming TV Box

This device combines the value and simplicity of Freeview with the convenience of a great on-demand library of films and TV and catch-up TV in high definition. Catch up players accessible include BBC iPlayer, UK TV, 4OD and ITV Player.

With a unique programmer guide, it is possible to scroll back as far as 7 days as well as scroll forward to see what shows are line up. The storage capacity is up to 300 hours of TV content. With the box, it is possible to pause, rewind, live Streaming TV Box.

With You view Smartphone app, an iPhone can be use to set the YouView box to record. It is possible to watch a channel while recording another or record two channels concurrently. Lack of a fan results in silent operation from the device. Read more on BT TV review

SKY DRX595 Set-top Box

The box is suitable for watching both high definition and standard definition channels. It is a single tuner requiring only one satellite dish cable. 5.1 Dolby Surround sound via HDMI enhances the viewing experience with great sound through the Optical Output (SPDIF).

With no cooling fan, the box operates very silently. The small high gloss finish black device can be store both vertically and horizontally. Additional features include improv on-screen programmer, the option of Sky’s HD pack and access to the widest range of HD channels in the UK. Find out more on SKY Streaming TV Box.

EMtronics EMFBHD1 – Freeview Set Top Box

The device receives full standard Freeview TV channels. 1080p high-quality picture resolution displays Streaming TV Box programs with fantastic resolution.

Additional features include parental lock, multi-language subtitle output. For convenience, it is possible to record content on one channel either using SD or USB card functions while watching another channel.

The box comes with a free SCART Cable and supports powerful and effective 7 day EPG function. Overall performance is enhance with the latest dual Chipset processor technology. Playable formats are MKV, MP4 and H264 Quick Time video formats.

Roku 2400EU LT AV Receiver Set-Top Box

High definition Streaming TV Box goes up to 720p HD accompanies with good sound quality. The easy to install box is one of the most energy-efficient boxes on the market.

Wireless capabilities are built into the device along with an HDMI port and an HDMI AV jack for older TV models. The minimum internet speed recommend is 1.2 Mbps. The device is relatively small and fits comfortably in the hand.

Best Internet TV Box or TV Streaming Box:

Apple TV Box

Apple Streaming TV Box comes with several appealing features. It allows you to install apps from the app store. It includes a USB-C port, Bluetooth, HDMI, and 10/100Mbit/s Ethernet.

Apple TV  has support for 1080 video playback. This is a good resolution for streaming HD content and quality.The device also comes with 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which is sufficient to stream content over the internet or home network.

Apple TV comes with a Siri remote, simply use your voice to find what you want to watch or use the touch Surface to navigate. Read more here.

Google Chromecast

Google’s New Chromecast has improve design with an excellent wifi reception and faster than its predecessor.  Setting up your Chromecast takes about a minute. It still needs USB power which most Streaming TV Box certainly have.

Fire TV Stick

With the Fire TV Stick, you can stream content in up to 1080p HD and enjoy rich surround sound with Dolby Audio. Streaming is fast with smooth performance thanks to 1GB of memory and a dual-core processor.

Content can be access from Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, Netflix among others. Thanks to Advance Streaming and Prediction (ASAP) technology, the device is able to with time learn the favourite Amazon TV episodes and movies and buffers them in advance for playback eliminating annoying buffering while watching.

With voice remote with a built-in mic, it is easy to search for movies, Streaming TV Box shows or genres without having to type.

While voice search is support for the entire Amazon app, game and video catalogue, it does not work inside individual apps directly.

Power by IMDb, you skip opening credits, skip to favorite scenes and identify actors and songs in a scene. It can be use for casual gaming.

Thanks to its small size and ease of use, the Fire TV Stick can be use in different rooms within the house or on the go.

Best Satellite Receivers

Gtmedia V7 S5X 4K FTA Satellite TV Receiver

The receiver offers Streaming TV Box in HD free from subscription with over 150 TV and radio channels from Free sat and 6 TV channels in HD.

On Demand, TV includes BBC iPlayer and ITV Player. In addition to the over 150 channels, hundreds of non-Freesat channels can be added automatically and combine with the Freesat channels on the favourite lists.

OPENBOX V8S Digital Freesat PVR TV Satellite Receiver

The device is an upgrade of the Openbox V5s and supports both multi-lingual support on screen menu (OCD) and DVB subtitle as well as Teletext with HDMI 1.3. Scanning channels can be manually or automatically.

The OPENBOX V8S has 7-day Electronic Program Guide (EPG) support. The parental function lets you control the content that can be access. It has both an ethernet slot and Wifi with 3G support.

Best Digital TV Recorder

Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play 4K Smart Recorder 500GB

The recorder can record 2 programmers simultaneously. With up to 250 hours of recording time. Along with the ability to pause live streaming TV for up to 30 minutes.

After all, Using the ethernet connection. You can access your broadband. With the convenience of a 7-day electronic programmers guide. You get updates on upcoming programmers.

Humax HDR-FOX T2 500GB Freeview + HD Digital TV Recorder

The recorder can store up to 300 hours of standard definition content. After all, and up to 125 hours of high definition content thanks to the 500GB hard disc drive.

After all, Twin tuners allow you to watch one programmers. When recording the other, alternatively. You can watch a recording from the hard drive while simultaneously recording two channels.

You also get free HD channels from ITV, BBC and Channel 4 without subscriptions. As well as access to up to 50 standard definition Freeview Streaming TV Box channels and over 24 radio channels. 

With Home Media Server, it is possible to share content. That is record with other devices within the home.

After all, HDMI output goes up to 1080p for intense and vibrant image output. The box will also upscale standard definition content for clarity and vibrancy of images.

As well as, Series recording keeps track of a select series. And on the press of a button can automatically record all episodes of a series.

The HDR-FOX T2 receives Freeview channels. After all, And therefore requires a terrestrial aerial, it, however, will not Freesat channels from satellite dishes.