What is a digital decoder?
Watching digital TV
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Digital decoder.
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Connectors of a digital decoder.
A digital decoder converts the digital signal from your TV provider into images. As a result, you can view the channels that are a part of your subscription. With some providers, you get a decoder when you take out a TV subscription. If not, you'll have to buy one yourself. Although you connect most decoders to the TV via an HDMI cable, some models also have a SCART connector.
Integrated guide and interactive TV
Digital decoders give you access to an integrated guide. In combination with the included remote, this allows you to quickly choose between programs. With the same ease, you can pause the image or fast forward it. If the decoder has a built-in hard disk, you can record programs without any problems. Some decoders have an interactive TV function. This allows you to order movies or series and watch broadcast programs later, if your provider also offers interactive TV.
Choose the right tuner for your provider
Not every decoder is suitable for the digital signal of your provider. Some decoders only receive signals via cable, while other decoders are only suitable for satellite signals, for example. In this overview, you can see which tuner belongs to which type of signal.
- UPC, Ziggo, Delta, Kabel Noord, Zeelandnet: DVB-C (digital TV via cable).
- Canal Digitaal, TV Vlaanderen, TéléSat: DVB-S (digital TV via satellite).
- Digitenne: DVB-T/T2 (digital TV over the air).
TV subscription required
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Smart card from a provider.
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CI+ module.
To watch digital TV via a decoder, you first have to take out a TV subscription with a provider. Keep in mind that each provider offers different rates and programs. After taking out a subscription, you'll receive a smart card from the provider. This contains your information and channels. When you insert this card into the decoder, you're all set to watch TV. Do you watch via satellite or the air? In that case, you'll also need a (satellite) antenna.
Watching digital TV without a decoder
With most modern TVs, you can watch digital TV without a separate decoder. This is because they have a built-in DVB tuner and CI+ input. If you want to watch TV this way, you need a separate CI+ module. This is a plug-in card in which you place your provider's smart card. You can then slide the smart card into the CI+ input of the TV.
