It is always better to watch audiovisual content in high definition to enjoy better audio and video quality. Since the switch to HD DTT, all free DTT channels are broadcast in terrestrial DTT and HD. Are you looking for your new HD satellite decoder to have the ideal resolution for your favorite movies, series and shows? Here is the guide to everything!
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Our selection
"In addition to the many free channels of ASTRA 19.2°E, the Thomson THS804 guarantees clear and bright HD images. It will meet all your satellite…"
"There are hundreds of inexpensive HD satellite decoders. But the best is the Tempo 4000. Sold for less than 30 euros, this model is versatile…"
"Access your favorite programs on the TNTSAT TV network with this HD satellite decoder. Just connect it and it will do the rest once your…"
"The Ankaro ANK DSR 2100 HD satellite decoder is an easy-to-use device. It allows you to receive all free TV and radio channels via satellite,…"
In addition to the many free channels of ASTRA 19.2°E, the Thomson THS804 guarantees clear and bright HD images. It will meet all your satellite TV requirements.
79,99 £ on AmazonThe Thomson THS804 can display channels up to 1080p format thanks to the DVB-S2 Full HD codec. You can also receive via Free-To-Air and PayTV. Moreover, this HD satellite decoder comes with a TNTSAT Canal Plus access card. You can search for channels automatically or manually. If you want to mark your favorite channels, if you want to lock or ignore a channel, you can do it!
The main features of this HH satellite decoder include program recording, Viaccess card reader, EPG, and teletext. In terms of connectivity, this model has an HDMI port, a digital audio port (S/PDIF) and a TV scart socket.
There are hundreds of inexpensive HD satellite decoders. But the best is the Tempo 4000. Sold for less than 30 euros, this model is versatile enough to be a very good investment.
23,56 £ on AmazonThe Tempo 4000 is an entry-level HD satellite set-top box that uses the DVB-T/T2 system to receive free-to-air channels from around the world in High Definition. It features a built-in Dolby audio system. The channel search can be done manually or automatically. Videos are decoded in MPEG 2/4, H.264/H.265 HD/SD format with a maximum resolution of 1080p.
This set-top box allows you to pause and record movies, series and shows although it has no internal storage, so you will need to use your own USB stick or external hard drive. In addition, the Tempo 4000 has other features such as program recording, PVR Ready, and an EPG that allows you to view programs over a 15 day period.
Access your favorite programs on the TNTSAT TV network with this HD satellite decoder. Just connect it and it will do the rest once your dish is pointed to Astra 1 at 19.2°.
103 £ on AmazonThe Servimat VEGA II is automatically configured to connect to the TNTSAT satellite network which includes more than 25 free French channels, including TF1, France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5, M6 and Canal+ to name a few, and their HD variations. More than 400 international TV and radio channels are also available. With the Servimat VEGA II HD satellite decoder you can enjoy bright, clear HD pictures and excellent audio quality.
This HD satellite decoder allows you to record TV programs on an external storage device (USB or hard drive). It also offers many features such as software update via satellite, EPG, favorites lists, teletext and subtitles.
The Ankaro ANK DSR 2100 HD satellite decoder is an easy-to-use device. It allows you to receive all free TV and radio channels via satellite, all in Full HD 1080p.
30,55 £ on AmazonBy connecting an external hard drive or a USB key, this HD satellite decoder becomes a multimedia station and thus allows the viewer more flexibility. Of course, it should not be forgotten that it is primarily a decoder whose main role is to receive channels following a DVB-S/S2 tuner decoding.
Thanks to the external 12V power supply, this receiver is also ideal for your camping vacations. The Ankaro ANK DSR 2100 also has an HDMI port, a SCART connection, a digital audio output and a USB 2.0 port. It has many features, including multilingual audio playback, teletext, parental control and Wi-Fi support (provided you have a dedicated antenna).
Any specific needs?
The best HD satellite set-top box in 2021
The best entry-level HD satellite set-top box
The best high-end HD satellite set-top box
A great HD satellite set-top box
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| THE BEST | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Thomson THS804
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Tempo 4000
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Servimat VEGA II
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Ankaro ANK DSR 210
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In addition to the many free channels of ASTRA 19.2°E, the Thomson THS804 guarantees clear and bright HD images. It will meet all your satellite TV requirements.
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There are hundreds of inexpensive HD satellite decoders. But the best is the Tempo 4000. Sold for less than 30 euros, this model is versatile enough to be a very good investment.
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Access your favorite programs on the TNTSAT TV network with this HD satellite decoder. Just connect it and it will do the rest once your dish is pointed to Astra 1 at 19.2°.
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The Ankaro ANK DSR 2100 HD satellite decoder is an easy-to-use device. It allows you to receive all free TV and radio channels via satellite, all in Full HD 1080p.
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Reception
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DVB-S2
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DVB-T/T2
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DVB-S2
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DVB-S/S2
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Maximum resolution
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1080p
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1080p
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1080p
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1080p
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Video/audio output
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HDMI-Peritel-Video CVBS/HDMI-Peritel-coaxial-Audio stereo
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HDMI-Peritel/HDMI-Peritel-coaxial
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HDMI-Peritel/HDMI-Peritel-coaxial
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HDMI-Peritel/HDMI-Peritel-coaxial
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Ethernet port
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Box contents
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Decoder, remote control, 2 AAA batteries, TNTSAT Canal Plus card, 12V power adapter
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Decoder, remote control, HDMI cable, user manual, 12V power adapter
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Decoder, remote control, 2 AAA batteries, TNTSAT1 access card, user manual
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Decoder, remote control, HDMI cable, FRANSAT access card, user manual
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All HD satellite decoders have an HDMI port. On the other hand, if you have an older generation TV, including a plasma TV, you will probably have no choice but to opt for a set-top box with a SCART port. In addition, opt for a model with a USB port; it will be even better. This configuration will allow you to record your favorite movies, TV shows and series when you can't watch them live. The EPG (Electronic Program Guide) feature on set-top boxes is also very interesting. It displays all the information about the content you're watching.
An HD satellite set-top box used with an HDMI cable offers exceptional video quality in itself. You'll get at least 720p resolution. On the other hand, you can always optimize the picture quality. There are technologies specifically designed to improve image clarity and color vibrancy. HEVC(High Efficiency Video Coding) technology can do this. Therefore, prefer HD satellite decoders with HEVC video coding technology. For the sound it's the same thing. The presence of a technology like Dolby Digital Plus improves the sound quality significantly.
The majority of HD satellite decoders are equipped with an internal hard drive. They usually have a volume that ranges from 160 GB to 500 GB. This internal memory is intended to store recordings of audiovisual content. Of course, this storage is limited. So, to give you an order of magnitude, a 160 GB hard drive will be able to store 80 hours of recording with 720p videos. So your choice will depend on your needs.
Whatever the model of HD satellite set-top box, some users want to listen to radio channels using their TV, and this feature will allow the user to do so. This feature is offered in many set-top boxes.
Some users may need a set-top box that can support multiple screen viewing. An HD satellite set-top box is designed to receive satellite signals and then transmit the picture and sound to more than one TV via multiple output ports. We strongly recommend checking this feature if you want to display content from a single set-top box on more than one screen in your home.
The decoder is the final component of satellite television. this device has 4 essential functions:
It descrambles the encrypted signal
In order to unlock the signal, the set-top box needs a specific chip. The satellite TV provider can communicate with the chip, via the satellite signal, to make the necessary adjustments for the decoding process.
It converts the digital signal to HDTV format
In Europe, the HD satellite decoder converts the digital signal to the analog PAL signal. In effect, it takes the digital MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 signal and converts it to HDTV format.
It extracts individual channels from the larger satellite signal
When you change channels on the set-top box, it sends only that channel's signal to your TV. Since the set-top box only displays one channel at a time, you cannot record one program and watch another. Nor can you watch 2 different programs on 2 different TV sets connected to the same receiver. To do these things, which are standard on conventional cable, you must purchase an additional receiver.
The HD satellite decoder has other features as well. It picks up a programming signal from the provider and presents that information in a programming guide. Many models have parental lock options, and some have built-in digital video recorders (DVRs), which allow you to pause or record to a built-in or external hard drive.
As its name suggests, the HD satellite decoder allows you to access French and international channels in high definition via a satellite dish. Compared to the DTT decoder, the HD satellite decoder has more features, including the ability to pause what you are watching.
To operate, the HD satellite decoder is connected to a satellite dish. It is possible to access national and foreign channels. In addition, to enjoy these channels, you will need to subscribe to one of the 2 main satellite operators: TNT Sat and Fransat.
The internet DTT decoder is nothing else than a declination of the ADSL or fiber optic. But instead of accessing the Web, you access directly the channels available on the IPTV network. To use this type of set-top box, you will need to take out a subscription.
Generally, when you subscribe to an access provider such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues or Free, you automatically get a decoder and an internet box. The advantage with this type of decoder is that you can watch your movies, series and TV shows directly on your computer, and even on your smartphone or tablet.
With each of these decoders, you will be able to access hundreds of satellite channels, national or foreign. On most models, you have the functionality of pausing and recording, but more on the HD satellite decoders than on the DTT internet decoders.
If you really have to make a choice, we recommend the HD satellite decoder. You will have the guarantee of a high definition image with sharper and clearer. And the risk of network outage is minimal compared to a TNT internet decoder.
Quality images and sounds
With an HD satellite decoder, you can enjoy optimal picture quality. The picture quality is very close to Blu-ray and you can watch your favorite series, movies and shows in 720p or higher. The sound quality is not to be outdone. Moreover, if you have a high quality TV, the viewing experience will be even better.
Many channels available
With an HD satellite set-top box, you'll have access to hundreds of channels using just one digital channel. Thanks to the satellite network, you will be able to receive French and foreign channels, all free of charge and in high definition.
A recording function
The other advantage of an HD satellite decoder is that it offers a recording feature. You can, of course, record a program you are watching or not so you can watch it again later. In addition, when you watch a movie on one channel, you can record the episode of a series on another channel at the same time. This allows you to watch the episode on a different channel at the same time, depending on your preference. It is also an alternative to DVD or Blu-Ray players and offers 3 recording options which are Live, Time Shift and Scheduled.
Easy to install
When satellite TV was first introduced, an effective signal required that you had a large satellite dish, in addition to the decoder, and that it could move to pick up signals from different satellites. Today, the antennas are much smaller so that installers can place them on the roof of the house where they receive the best signals. In addition, they are now fixed, which makes them much less expensive.
Satellite TV operators' offers are affordable
Today, there are several attractive offers to choose from, and none of them are out of reach, even for those with a small budget. The rapid growth of the Internet is largely responsible for the modest fees charged by satellite TV operators.
In our opinion, the best brands of HD satellite decoders in 2022 are :
Thomson is a French multinational company that provides services and products to the communication, media and entertainment sectors. Emme offers in its catalog excellent HD satellite set-top boxes that meet international standards.
Sagemcom is a French industrial group, world leader in high value-added communicating terminals and solutions for the broadband, audio video and energy markets. This brand manufactures reliable and affordable HD satellite set-top boxes.
Optex manufactures detection systems and global solutions provider in telecom. The brand has 2 headquarters in Europe, each dedicated to a specific field of activity. Optex decoders all have the international quality management standard, ISO 9001.
Philips is one of the largest electronics companies in the world. Currently, its production is centered around healthcare technologies. However, its catalog still includes home appliances and consumer telecommunication devices such as HD satellite set-top boxes.
Although its business and market share have declined over the past 10 years, JVC remains an important player in the audiovisual sector. Its products are known for using the latest technology to provide high-quality sound and images. At JVC, you can find excellent HD satellite decoders.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Install your HD satellite set-top box yourself
Of course, you can hire a professional to install your HD satellite box, including the satellite dish. But doing it yourself can save you money. Just follow the steps outlined by the manufacturer or satellite TV provider.
The antenna for an HD satellite set-top box needs a clear line of sight
Depending on where your dish was installed, you may experience signal loss due to obstruction by a tree, new construction, or simply movement of the dish itself. The solution will be different depending on the object that is obstructing. In most cases, moving the dish will solve the problem.
Configure your set-top box correctly
The configuration of an HD satellite decoder at the first startup is relatively simple. Of course, you will first have to position the satellite dish properly. First, you will have to choose the language and then access the "automatic search" menu. Depending on your satellite TV provider, there may be a specific manual configuration. Just follow the instructions to the letter.
Check the connections
An HD satellite decoder always has an HDMI port and a port for the coaxial plug that comes from the satellite dish. These are the 2 essential connections for the proper functioning of an HD satellite decoder, apart from of course the input socket for the decoder's power supply. Check that these connections are functional.
Check the supported picture formats
Try to get an HD satellite decoder that supports JPEG and BMP, PNG, GIF image formats. Its OSD color section should work on a 16-bit OSD system. If it has an anti-flicker feature, then that's even better.
If the picture coming from the HD satellite decoder freezes, pixilates, or the sound cuts out, it is probably due to one of the following: the dish has moved, the cable is damaged, something is in front of the dish, it is raining very hard, or the dish is covered with snow. If you find that the problem is with the dish or cable, you should seek the advice of a qualified installer.
The signal strength reading is done through the interface of the HD satellite decoder. The signal varies depending on the type of LNB installed on the dish and the length of the coaxial feed cable used. Generally, the longer the cable, the weaker the signal strength reading. A good signal should not fall below 60%.
You will use a coaxial cable to connect the dish to your set-top box. This cable will be routed from the satellite dish to the set-top box inside your home. Depending on the route of your cable, there may be additional installation steps if you run the cable through a wall or other structural component of your house or apartment.
Don't panic if you get an error message on the screen. Try the following steps:
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