Technology does not stand still, and the Russian government recently announced the country's transition to digital TV broadcasting. In this regard, the question of how to connect a digital set-top box to an old TV is gaining relevance, since many citizens have not yet had time to update their equipment. Fortunately, hardware manufacturers have provided this option.
Choosing a set-top box for digital broadcasting
First of all, find out the technological features of your TV in order to choose a suitable set-top box for connecting to it. For example, there is absolutely nothing to worry about the owners of equipment released after 2013, which in most cases operates in DVB-12 mode (information should be indicated in the instructions for the device or its passport). In this case, you can connect a digital TV to a TV without a set-top box: it will be completely replaced by an antenna connected to the corresponding connector.
If the TV was purchased a long time ago, there is no data in the passport for it about the presence of the DVB-12 mode, you should inspect the connectors on the device. It should have sockets for outputting video and audio - the so-called "tulips" of different colors. An alternative (or additional) option is the presence of a VGA connector. The presence of an HDMI output makes the situation even more simplistic, but it may not be available on older TVs. In such situations, most TV boxes equipped with at least one of the listed types of connectors are suitable for purchase.
Finally, the situation is a little more complicated with very old TVs that do not have any of the listed modes. This includes equipment released in the early 2000s and earlier, for example, with a tube tube (convex screen). As a rule, it has a SCART connector. The selected set-top box must support DVB-12 and contain the appropriate connectors. An optional SCART cable connects to them. An alternative option is to purchase a special RF modulator, which will serve as an adapter for connecting a set-top box.
Connecting a digital set-top box
Carefully study the instructions for the purchased equipment in order to avoid incompatibility with two-way connection. The most questionable is the use of DVB-12 outputs. Pay attention to the names of the jacks on the set-top box: among them there must be an AV output. Use an RCA cable with an appropriate plug, supplied or purchased separately. Connect the tulip plugs on the opposite side to the TV, observing the color matching.
In the same way, a digital set-top box is connected to old TVs using a SCART cable, except that the tulip plugs in this case are connected to the set-top box itself, and the opposite end of the cable to the SCART connector on the TV. The VGA cable is used in the same way. The situation is even simpler with newer TVs: an HDMI cable is enough to connect. In addition, it is worth noting that to amplify the signal, you can use an external antenna, which is purchased separately and connected to the corresponding jack on the digital set-top box.
Setting up digital television
According to the government, with a standard connection of the set-top box, users will be able to view up to 20 channels in digital broadcasting mode, which depends on the signal quality on the equipment used. You can significantly increase the number of channels, as well as improve broadcasting, on a paid basis, for example, by contacting Internet providers.
After connecting the digital set-top box to your old TV, use the TV device menu and select the AV output mode. Do not forget to plug in the digital tuner itself beforehand. The latter may take some time to load. If the connection was made correctly, a menu should appear on the TV screen with the ability to view channels, as well as other functions, for example, watching videos and photos from removable media, using Internet services, etc. Please note that the views will be controlled from the remote control supplied with the tuner.
In more modern TV models, to display digital broadcasting on the screen, select the appropriate connection connector in the settings. For example, it can be HDMI or VGA. If you have difficulty connecting, follow the instructions supplied with both your TV and set-top box.
