Do you need to upgrade your old TV to upgrade to the new broadcast standard? Do not worry, with this guide to the best digital terrestrial decoders 2 (DVB T2) we will help you orient yourself in this new world to make the purchase that best suits your needs.
The new transmission standard for TV should lead to an improvement in the quality of the content produced by television broadcasters and at the same time allow the diffusion of 5G for mobile connections. However many Italians could find themselves again with an obsolete TV set, which is why we offer you this guide to buying the best digital terrestrial decoders 2 (DVB T2). We will present different products in various price ranges, highlighting the main characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and our advice for buyers.
Before we start: do I need to change TV?
First of all you need to understand if your old TV or decoder is compatible with the new standard. It may seem more difficult than it seems because it is true that we will switch to the digital terrestrial transmission standard 2 (DVB T2): to check compatibility, simply check the user manual and look for the wording “DVB T2” (all devices purchased since 2017 are certainly compatible). However, there are two other aspects to take into account and which very often escape the attention of most: the new standard also provides for the possibility of adopting the new HEVC codec for video compression and one color depth up to 10 bits. Broadcasters will decide how and whether to use these tools, but it is good to know that if you decide to use them, digital terrestrial certification 2 (DVB T2) would not be sufficient to guarantee viewing of the contents. It is not certain that broadcasters will adopt such a radical change – indeed, it is unlikely – but it is right to inform consumers.
In this guide to the best digital terrestrial decoders 2 (DVB T2) we will try to be as precise as possible in indicating compatibility with DVB T2, codec and 10 bit, in order to orient your purchases to the best. If you want to learn more about compatibility, we recommend this piece of ours.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | Leelbox DVB-T2 Full HD TV Multimedia
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC
- Color depth: 8 bit
This new standard compatible decoder offers numerous additional functions such as scheduled recording of contents on a USB device and the ability to play your own content directly from a stick. Present both the scart socket for older TVs and the HDMI output for the new generation with support for resolutions up to 1080p.
A simple but complete device. The only lack is compatibility with 10 bits. Suitable for those who do not have particular quality requirements, but just wants to keep watching the usual unassuming TV broadcasts.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | GT Media GTT-2 Android 6.0 TV Box Decoder
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC H.265
- Color depth: 8 bit
If we have to refurbish our old TV why not take the opportunity to make it smarter? This GT Media GTT-2, in addition to adding compatibility with the new broadcasting standard, gives the possibility to transform the TV into a real smart TV with Android operating system. This means decides on streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube to enjoy all the best content in a simple and direct way.
Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0 e HDMI (unfortunately the scart socket is missing for very old devices) and the supported resolution reaches 4K Ultra HD. Can also record or play content from USB. Recommended for those who want to expand the possibilities of their TV, even if you have to be a little resourceful to set up and use the device which is a little more advanced than the classic TV. In any case, if you are interested in a TV Box try to take a look at our guide.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | DiProgress DPT203HD
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC H.265
- Color depth: 10 bit
One of the best for value for money and versatility: with this decoder you will not have any problems as it fully supports the new codecs and 10-bit colors. Furthermore both scart and HDMI outputs are present for full compatibility even with older TVs. It also offers some additional features such as recording your favorite shows so you don’t miss a thing and playing content via USB.
Simple and no-nonsense, we would like to recommend this device a little to anyone who wants to upgrade their TV. Guaranteed compatibility with any choice of broadcasters.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | HD-333 decoder
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2
- Color depth: 8 bit
The cheapest on the market and it shows. This little decoder works, but the spartan and slow software make it a bit difficult to manage. Unfortunately HEVC codec support is missing and of course at 10 bits, so you could be left uncovered in case the broadcasters decide to change. The decoder supports some additional features, but due to hardware and software limitations it becomes difficult to exploit them.
Recommended only in case you need to update a “secondary” TV that you don’t use often and for which it is not worth spending a lot.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | Trevi HE 3361 T2 Mini
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC H.265
- Color depth: 10 bit
Despite being very similar to the previous model, this decoder is a whole other world and ranks among the best: compact and complete. Guaranteed compatibility with HEVC and 10 bit format for full coverage of the new standard with content up to 1080p. Also in this case we find the recording and playback functions on USB. Small flaw there lack of scart output which makes it incompatible with older TVs.
Highly recommended to everyone: small and unassailable, this little decoder will not leave you with a black screen under any circumstances. Among other things, the company also provides excellent telematic assistance in case of difficulty.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | COBRA mod. DINGO
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC H.265
- Color depth: 8 bit
Another valid decoder (with the only lack of the 10 bits) which is particularly suitable for its media player functionality. In fact, in addition to the classic television broadcasts, it will be possible to reproduce a lot of content of all kinds. Available both the scart socket and the HDMI output. The software part is very well cared for, complete and intuitive.
A very good product with some small shortcomings. Particularly recommended for those interested in using it also as a media center.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | Crypto ReDi 270P
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC H.265
- Color depth: 8 bit
Another excellent product, however, lacking 10 bits, which can solve the problem of compatibility with the new standard. The latter also offers programmable recording and multimedia playback via USB 2.0. Compatible both via HDMI and scart with a resolution up to 1080p it will be able to adapt even the most ancient TVs. A good buy overall.
Best digital terrestrial decoder 2 (DVB T2) | PEAK EDISION T265
- DVB T2
- Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC H.265
- Color depth: 10 bit
Compact and very flexible, it is equipped with both SCART and HDMI outputs. It can also record programs on USB media and play multimedia content. The remote can also memorize some features of the TV, so you can use only one remote for everything! Really great! Then the price is among the most convenient.
Latest tips
As you may have noticed, few devices support 10-bit colors. Probably very few channels will be broadcast using 10 bits (also because many TV screens don’t support them anyway). We want to emphasize that this is only a hypothesis and that we cannot predict what the broadcasters will decide to do. If you want to be 100% sure you should buy a 10-bit compatible device, but if the outlay is too expensive you can fall back on an 8-bit product without too many problems. From the hardware section that’s all! Keep following us for many other guides and reviews.