Top & Best Digital converter: Which is the best in 2022?

 

Today we are going to talk about the digital converter, a very important device for transmitting the digital signal from open TV.

Television broadcasters send radio waves every day, picked up by an antenna, which transforms them into what we see. Entertainment, documentaries, news, sports. Everything in our room.

But the continuous evolution of technology has brought us to high resolutions, with images that are clearer and more pleasant to look at. And the broadcasters also started to send the signal in digital format, however, not all television can “interpret” this reading. That’s where the digital converter comes in. By staying with us in reading, you will know everything about them!

 

First, the most important

• Digital technology aims to improve experiences. It has enabled TV broadcasters to deliver high definition content, with sharper and more realistic images. Also, allow a little interaction between you and the channels.
• You don’t have a choice. The analog signal will be interrupted, it is federal determination. And only digital will be available. Your TV set needs to be able to read and interpret it.
• Most televisions manufactured after 2013 have digital technology. Stamps like DTVi indicate this. And, if they are not, there are converters that we will talk about.

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The best digital converters: Our choices

Small accessories to stay connected to TV, these are the digital converters. And so you don’t spend hours looking for one or the other, we’ll show you some of the best.

• A model for converting the signal and recording programs
• Receiver and converter option
• Digital converter compatible with all TVs
• Kit with converter and antenna

Buying Guide

With the news of the end of the analog signal, a multitude of digital converter models began to pop up on the internet. The proposal is simple: an accessory that, connected to the TV, will make it transmit digital signal. But there are differences between them that we need to pay attention to.

In this Guide you will find all the information you need to make your choice in the best possible way.

 

What is a digital converter?

We live in a time where technology is continually outdated.

 

The digital converter improves the image quality of your TV.

Many competitors looking to deliver something better at all times, to take larger shares in the market, especially in entertainment.

You have certainly heard terms like “high resolution”, “HD, and” Full HD “. All related to the image and sound quality currently available. And when you really realize the beauty of this technology, you get used to it.

The digital converter is a device that improves this image, since it captures the transmission of the digital signal to your screen.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the digital converter?

Its main advantage is the high definition quality, both of image and audio. In addition, it is possible to interact with programs, but for that it depends on each broadcaster.

One of the improvements is the access to the programming grid. And all of this for free.

However, a digital converter is needed to receive this signal, if your TV does not have an integrated converter. In addition, some devices may require adapter cables to connect the device.

And for the reasons above, its improvement is so great, compared to the previous type – the analog – that it is being retired all over the world.

Simply put: it is as if the digital signal were an evolution of the analog signal.

Staying free for open TV, you will be able to watch your favorite programs with much more sound and image quality. Through this video by CanalTech you will be able to understand more about the differences in digital and analog signal.

To find out if your television is already ready for digital signal, look in the manual, on the box, or on the internet if it has the acronym DTV. If it does, it means that it already has the factory-set digital converter.

What changes with the arrival of the digital signal?

It makes perfect sense for you to know the said digital signal, before the converter itself. After all, it was his arrival that created the need for a “translator” for some television sets.

The television signal is emitted in waves, invisible in the air, that reach the television antennas. These capture it and send the signal to the TV, which interprets the image and audio information.

Check details about the digital signal in the video below:

The analog version (before the digital one) was the main form of transmission for decades. However, his model brought some setbacks such as interference in audio and image.

Who has never needed, or seen someone having to move the antennas to improve the image and sound? Or even the most professional, pressing several buttons to correctly tune the channel. This was part of people’s lives.

With the digital signal, you no longer need to perform acrobatics with the antenna, nor manually search for tuning on the television. Bringing information in a very specific way, free of interpretation, what is sent is understood correctly.

The differences between them are striking, especially how the information is interpreted. Analog signals are not accurate, and that means drizzles, ghosts, image problems. The accuracy of the digital signal comes to end these problems.

In practice, television will receive more information, concentrated. What allows a delivery capable of providing more quality in the image and in the audio. And, when there is a lack of information, it doesn’t work, or it blocks the signal. That simple.

Receiving a digital signal does not mean that you will be able to watch programs from Japan, or anything like that. There will always be a range restriction.

How does the digital converter work?

You’ve probably watched enough advertisements to know that: either you have a television with a built-in digital converter, or you will have to buy one.

Of course, there is no obligation to purchase a digital converter, but know: the TV signal as we received it will be discontinued (stopped). So, if you want to continue watching your programs, you will need to invest in the equipment.

 

The converters are single investment equipment with the function of transforming the digital signal into analog.

The digital converter is simple and relatively inexpensive equipment (often less than the price of a TV). Its function is to receive the digital signal, interpret and retransmit it in analog language.

Like? The digital signal reaches it, like a huge load of information (audio, video and data). The converter interprets each of the sections – which came in the same “package” – and divides them into three: audio, video and data.

Then, it encodes the digital signal into analog within the compatible categories, and sends them to your TV set. It is especially useful if you have no plans to change the television.

Converters are single investment equipment. Once acquired, they begin to perform their function until they break or become obsolete. No upgrades, no monthly fees.

Its function, as you have read here, is to transform the digital signal into analog. This is especially useful for televisions without a converter, which are programmed for the analog signal language.

The connection between it and a television is even made using a highly technological cable, HDMI. It unifies audio and video in the same high-quality transmission.

You will receive the signal at the maximum quality that your TV allows. Old televisions (such as tubes) are not enabled for this technology, nor for the HDMI cable. Therefore, you will also need an adapter in addition to the converter, for you to watch the digital signal.

Digital converter: Internal or external antennas?

As much as you need an antenna to tune in to radio stations and television itself on an analog signal, you will need one for the digital signal.

They are waves emitted by towers, just like the other types, and to be reached they need some equipment. The antenna performs this function.

They can be internal and external, and you can choose based on some criteria. Check out the comparative table below:

As seen, indoor antennas are much more practical. However, much smaller, it has a potential to capture signal proportional to the size. So, unless you are close to the antennas, the most correct is the acquisition of an external one.

It is recommended to hire an antenna installer. You can research where the antennas are and the best direction to install. However, a specialist will have accessories to measure signal strength, which will greatly facilitate the installation.

What is the difference between the digital converter and the digital receiver?

When you research the subject, or even go to a store, you may come across these two names. And not knowing what each one really does, can lead you to buy a “cat” for a “hare”. So, let’s understand their differences:

Digital converter

A digital converter is exactly what we are talking about here. An external device, much like those with a satellite dish. Its function is to transform the digital signal into analog, so that your most “experienced” TV can interpret it.

In addition, some digital converters come with multimedia functions, going beyond simple signal translators, such as:

• Features for recording via USB : It is even possible to schedule recordings, as the VCR previously allowed.
• Features like media playback : Inserting a USB stick or external HD with photos or audios or videos, will make the device recognize and rotate on the TV.
• Internet : The most advanced even have an internet connection. Features like Netflix and Youtube can be accessed by the converter itself.

Digital receiver

This is for those who watch TV through satellite dishes and the like. Antennas are not everywhere. Therefore, they may be insufficient, because they will have nowhere to look for the signal.

In these cases, the use of satellite dishes is essential. Then, the receiver is intended for this type of antenna. The use of a receiver like this will provide a signal with better image and audio quality, too.

You can find analogue, digital and HD receivers in stores. Forget analogue, as the signal will cease to exist. And, between digital and HD, prefer HD (acronym for high definition, in English).

How much does a digital converter cost?

You will be able to purchase good equipment starting at R $ 70. Including features such as recording programs. If you plan to invest more in the equipment, options close to R $ 100 will offer more resources. USB audio and video players are great options, as you’ll be able to play music and movies on television.

The options don’t stop there. As we mentioned in the article, there are even converters with internet connection and possibility of access to Netflix, for example. As long as you have an account.

Where to buy a digital converter?

Virtually every electronics business has a number of device options for sale. You will, however, need to be careful in your choices. Looking at the box and specifications is very important.

Of course, the Internet purchase option will introduce you to many more models with different characteristics. Consider this option a lot, as there are a lot of brands and models on the market.

Stores such as Amazon and Submarino have a wide variety of these digital converters, making it possible to choose the one that best suits your needs, receiving the product at home, without major inconvenience.

 

Purchase Criteria: Factors to compare the types of digital converter

Now that you have a clearer picture of what a digital converter is, it’s time to think about buying one. And for that, you need to pay attention to some features, ensuring the best possible purchase.

• Outbound connections
• Recorder
• Media Player
• Seal of approval

Now we will give you what you really need to be aware of, when researching and purchasing one of these products.

Outbound connections

An antenna will receive the signal, send it to the converter, which will transmit it to the TV. To ensure the best possible picture and sound quality, the transmission must be done using an HDMI cable.

But, not every TV has an HDMI (high resolution) input. Therefore, another type of connection is necessary, such as the RCA (that of the three cables with different colored tips).

Will this affect the quality a little? Yes. As you already read, if the TV is not “prepared” for high definition, you will not be able to access it. The image will look much better, but not in HD quality.

Therefore, check the connections of your television and look for devices with outputs of the same design. This will ensure compatibility between the equipment, and will avoid having to look for other converters.

Recorder

Virtually all converters will offer you this tool, where you will need a USB stick or external HD. By connecting it to the device, you can “record” your favorite programs.

It is an interesting option if you like to watch things “as soon as possible”, thus preventing others from telling you. Football games, series episodes or soap operas, any option is valid.

Who knows that recipe to make later, in the kitchen? Any program can be recorded. The capacity limit is the connected USB stick or external hard drive.

Some converters also offer the “TimeShift” option. This function “pauses” a live program, and when you play again, it will continue where it left off. You will need the USB stick or the external HD here too.

Media Player

The media player is a very interesting feature of some digital converters. It allows, when connecting a USB device, the device to identify photos, audios and videos, and assemble a list to play.

That is, this function allows you to reproduce photos, movies, and music on television, from the digital converter. The fun ends up expanding with the functionality, because even the songs can be played, including video clips.

Seal of approval

We leave the most important last, and it is not exactly an option but a warning. Buy only products that bear the DTV label on their boxes or devices.

 

The DTV seal It indicates that the producer is associated with the Digital Terrestrial TV System Forum. It is the most practical way of knowing if the equipment meets the technical standards of Open Digital TV.