But, before starting the review, a small note. I have not decided on the correct product name GS-B520.
So what is this product, set-top box or receiver?
It seems undeserved to call this product satellite receiver, so let there be a satellite set-top box for the needs of Tricolor.
Go!
Of course, not everything is so bad, and with it you can watch satellite TV in pretty good quality. There are other good features in the console.
The GS-B520 not only supports DiseqC, but also allows you to select and configure satellites. If we recall, then a similar function was previously only in the GS-9305 receiver.
Of course, the receiver supports HD picture quality, on board, in addition to analog "tulips", there is an HDMI interface.
At the core satellite set-top box GS B520 is the new MStar K5 CPU and GS Group's own co-processor.
The technological solution ensures high data processing speed and content security. GS B520 is equipped with the necessary connectors for comfortable work: RCA-3, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, S/PDIF digital audio output
For the first time on the original Tricolor TV receiver, the function of recording and timeshift (delayed viewing) is implemented. In order to record a TV show, you need to connect any USB flash drive to the GS B520.
In addition, the receiver supports dyssics, has a "manual search" function, and has a not-so-bad graphical menu. The menu is quite conveniently organized, the graphic design of the menu is up to date.
I note that the USB port is suitable not only for updating software, but you can also record TV programs on external drives, and you can now view photos and listen to music from a flash drive. But not a movie, for example from your torrent collection, sadness!
Without switching between channels, you can see what is going on on a particular TV channel and at what stage the transmission is. You can create your own channel lists and even edit the on-screen menu.
But there is an unfriendly fact, channel switching cannot be called instantaneous, the delay could be less.
The video/audio signal is sent to HDMI and RCA at the same time. This is of course a big plus. No need to worry about choosing a source, as it was in the GS-8306/8307. It is possible to use an external RF modulator and connect a satellite set-top box to two TVs at once to watch TV channels.
You need to understand that both TVs will have the same program and not the same way. But, it is supposed to watch television content in the so-called "mirror" streaming.
That is, the video content that the user selects on TV will be duplicated on mobile devices. Thus, "Tricolor TV" implements the concept of "take TV with you."
This service can be used by owners of smartphones and tablets based on iOS or Android. For their functioning, you need to install the Play.Tricolor application. The TV receiver must be connected to the Wi-Fi router within home network.
There is support for Daisik in conjunction with manual search channels, brings the ability to use the GS-B520 on multiple cymbal/head systems.
Thus, in addition to watching Tricolor TV channels on this set-top box, you can also “admire” open channels from other satellites.
In the GS-B520 receiver, unlike previous models, there is no smart card, it is now built into the board.
The model is made in the classical style, characteristic of all models of the holding. Black glossy case has a rectangular shape.
On the front panel there is an on/off button for the device and a digital timer. There is a USB connector here. All other connectors are located on the back of the set-top box. These are RCA-3, HDMI and Ethernet.
The prefix has a medium size. The ventilation holes are located on the top of the case. The remote control is convenient.
And so, what do we have from this satellite set-top box:
- Ability to connect an external IR receiver for hidden installation.
- Reception of DVB-S and DVB-S2 broadcasts in the full range of 950-2150 MHz
- One USB port for updating software, recording TV programs, viewing photos (JPEG, PNG, GIF) and listening to music (MP3)
-Timeshift (delayed viewing)
- Reception of high definition and standard definition channels in MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 formats (video output in 1080p/576i resolutions)
— Detailed electronic program guide (EPG) for 7 days
- Teletext, subtitles, timers
— Infokas, TV mail, TV chat, Tricolor Cinemas and of course Content is protected from your piracy.
Prefix stuffing:
Processor: MStar K5
Memory: 256MB DDR3 RAM, 128MB Flash
DiseqC support: 1.0
Graphical user interface: full color, high resolution, 32 bit
Frequency range: 950 MHz - 2150 MHz
Input impedance: 75 ohm
Modulation type: DVB-S: QPSK and DVB-S2: QPSK, 8PSK
Input bit rate: 2 - 45 MSym/s for DVB-S, at least 30 MSym/s for DVB-S2
Timer: yes
Menu languages: Russian, English
Decodable formats: MPEG-4 AVC, H.264 [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Video resolution: up to 1920x1080p
Audio Decoding: MPEG/MusiCam Layer 1.2
Audio Mode: Mono/Stereo
Output connectors: HDMI, composite RCA, optical (S/PDIF)
Network interface: Ethernet 10/100 LAN
Interface connectors: 1xUSB
Built-in conditional access system: DRE Crypt 3.0
DVB common interface: Not
Input voltage: 220 (+22/-33) V, 50 Hz
Power consumption: no more than 12 W
Dimensions (mm): 176x123x35
Weight (net): 0.5 kg
Indication: multi-mode indicator light built into the standby/working mode switch button
So far, many significant shortcomings have not been found in the prefix for the needs of Tricolor. The receiver even comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. But there is also a significant jamb when setting up the GS B520 receiver.
To understand this, we visually show two different receivers and connect them together to one dish, take one receiver SKYWAY CLASSIC 3 and GS B 520, look at the signal level:
As I said, this is not a receiver, this is a prefix. Here they (the manufacturer) call it a "prefix", and so this is it.
I have many years of hobbies satellite TV there were many different receivers, analog and digital like Nokia, Strong, Humax, different configurations, .
They were all different, good and bad, but they were all receivers. And this is some kind of shame that a decent lover of satellite television is ashamed to keep in his house!
So, Friends, if it is completely unbearable to subscribe to bondage to one operator, then take the module, and henceforth only and no prefixes!
As for the pluses in the receiver regarding the GS B 520 prefix:
1. The presence of a smart card in
2. The body was metal.
3. Clock and information on the display.
4. Improved protection of the primary and secondary circuits of the receiver.
5. Full analog video and audio output.
6. Receiver control on the front panel of the receiver.
But it also happens with set-top boxes, complaints that registered, that is, paid channels do not show.
And after a while it shows up again. At the beginning, it will show a table with an error, and after twenty seconds, lo and behold, it opens the channels.
What is it, a feature of the iron in the console or operator glitches? Whether they are or not doesn't matter. To explain why there is neither time nor desire, while the prefix works, we rejoice because it is not for a long time, a year of warranty, as it is ridiculous.
And then for a replacement, in 2017, they will come up with something, of course with a surcharge.
Good luck Friends!
When you first turn on the GS B522 and GS B520 receiver, a welcome window appears on the screen. If necessary, you can set the time and date here. But usually this is not required because the receiver receives the date and time from the satellite.
Press the OK button on the receiver's remote control and go to the "Search Tricolor TV" page.
In this menu, use the "right" "left" buttons to select the operator. For the European part, the operator "Tricolor TV" for Siberia "Tricolor-Siberia". If the cymbal is set up correctly when the operator is selected, the “Strength” and “Quality” scales will be filled.
Use the Down button to select Continue and press OK.
After that, a region selection box appears. Select the region with the up and down buttons and press the OK button. For the European part of the country, the region is "Main". When choosing the region "Ural", in addition to the channels of the main region, federal channels with broadcasting +2 hours will be added.
After that, an automatic search for channels occurs. Upon completion of the search, you just need to click the "OK" button and select the "Save" item.
To re-scan for channels on a tuned receiver:
Press "Menu" and in select the item "Search for Tricolor channels", nClick "Start Search" with the "OK" button
Organization and sorting of channels on GS B522 and GS B520 receivers.
At the moment, Tricolor TV has more than 200 different TV channels, and of course, you have those that you love more than others. It is much more convenient if all your favorite channels are in one, separate list and you don’t have to search for them among other channels.
To create such a list you need:
Press the "Menu" button on the receiver's remote control and go to the "Applications" section, and in it inSelect the Channel Editor application.
Having entered the channel editor, you will see two columns: the lists of channels are displayed on the right, the channels included in this list are on the left.
To create a new list, press the red button on the receiver's remote control.
The screen will show screen keyboard. Use the up, down, right, left, and OK buttons to name the new list, then save the name by pressing the blue button.
Now, to add your channels to the new list, select it with the "up" "down" buttons and press "right"
Press the green button on the remote control to display the channel list.
After selecting the channel you want to add to the list, click OK. A green checkmark will appear to the right of the channel indicating that the channel has been added to the list.
After you have selected all channels, just press "exit". The right side of the window now shows the channels you have selected in the correct order.
Now, when you display the list of channels, you have a new group, by selecting it you will see your added channels.
Unlike earlier models of the receiver, when channels are added to the favorite list, in these models, the numbering of channels changes and corresponds to the order in which they were added to the list. For example, if you add channel 185 first, then it becomes 1 in the list. And when switching channels, the list numbering is now used, and not the channel number that was assigned to it during the initial setup.
Your Tricolor TV GS B520 receiver is set up and ready to go. Enjoy watching.
and was amazed - a lot of negative reviews, as if they were written as a blueprint and most likely custom-made from competitors' firms. And what is surprising - many authors sometimes do not even have the slightest idea what they are writing about, mixing and confusing the concepts of Satellite TV and Cable. Not only that, they write a continuous negative about Tricolor in general, without indicating a specific brand and model of the receiver (and there is a large line and manufacturers are very different - Russia, China, etc.), dish diameter (60, 90 or 120 cm), but about transponders generally silent. Most authors refer to the lack of a signal in bad weather - but they do not write who and how they installed and set up the dish, not a single author provided specific data on the strength and quality of the signal in clear weather and in bad weather! So is it worth trusting such reviews? But a lot depends on the competent setting of the plate. So is it worth it to indiscriminately find fault with Tricolor? Maybe it's better to call qualified specialists from the Tricolor service or dealer center and fine-tune the satellite dish to the satellite?
I use satellite equipment Tricolor TV since 2006 and have never regretted it. My first receiver GS7300 And he served flawlessly for 10 years. The picture fell only in a heavy downpour, or in a heavy snowfall. For all these years, I have replaced only the cable (rubbed on the edge of the roof and water got into it) Chinese to Italian. There were no more breakdowns. If any questions arose, everything was resolved through the Technical Support service in the personal account on the Tricolor website - quickly and competently - they helped, usually within a day. In 2016, in May, I changed the obsolete GS 7300 receiver for the Promotion to a more modern one GS B520, while paying the dealer of the company 3999 rubles.
The new receiver with a new, convenient remote control, with a remote IR - control port, with a USB - port on the front panel - turned out to be even better and more convenient than the previous one.
I was pleased with the convenient location of the USB port, the connection to the TV receiver via HDMI, the absence of extra buttons and the display on the front panel - (the simpler, the more reliable).
The new receiver heats up less, since the power supply unit is moved outside the body of the device. It has become much lighter in weight and more compact than the previous receiver (I compare with the old GS 7300). The receiver is also equipped with a remote IR - control port - which is also very convenient - now the receiver itself can be put into a bedside table, or placed behind the TV case.
The menu is completely different - more convenient, since all channels are divided into categories - Children's, All-Russian, Cinema, Musical, Radio, etc. I was also pleased with the presence of 20 high-definition channels and the fact that many channels can be watched 2 hours earlier. An HD image with a resolution of 1920x1080i has also become available. Channels can be edited at your discretion and form new groups from them - Favorite, Popular, etc.
The new receiver also has the function of recording programs on a USB flash drive, delayed viewing, distribution of TV broadcasts to smartphones and tablets. I have not yet studied all the innovations - I am gradually mastering. In general, I am satisfied with the new receiver so far - the image quality and sound are excellent. The signal strength is constantly 85 - 87%, but the signal quality is 36% - which does not allow you to watch channels Tricolor TV in any weather with high image quality.
And one more thing - with a more detailed study of the device, the receiver GS B520- turned out to be not a receiver, but a stripped-down TV set-top box - there are not many in it useful features, they are reduced for the sake of reducing the cost of this set-top box! Yes, and this model of the device was released specifically for the Promotion for the exchange of old receiving equipment for a new one - so such an under-receiver came out. I recommend everyone to think carefully before switching to this model prefixes from Tricolor TV.
The Tricolor equipment exchange program is a satellite operator's offer, within the framework of which Tricolor subscribers are given the opportunity to exchange outdated General Satellite equipment for a new one that supports HD format at a minimum surcharge. The terms of the exchange are much more favorable than the terms of purchasing new equipment without a promotion.
- More TV channels for the same price!
Exchange equipment and watch more channels in excellent quality! More than 200 channels, dozens of which are in HD format, as well as many radio stations.
- Get the most out of your HD TV!
Do you have an HDTV but the receiver only supports SD? Exchange equipment and fully appreciate high-definition television!
Favorite films, new film distribution, TV shows of different genres - all this in Full HD! - All services and funds will be transferred to the new equipment in full!
The main service and all additional services will be transferred to the new equipment in full. The transfer of the main service is carried out proportionally in rubles or in days, depending on the name of the main service of the replaced ID. Transfer additional services carried out proportionally in days.
Another model of the company's receiver, created for participants in equipment exchange programs. The device supports the high-definition format, which means it is recommended for those who want to change their usual television, adding colors and realism to it. Tricolor's GS B520 receiver promises to be one of the most reliable set-top boxes with a wide range of features and capabilities.
Equipment characteristics
The GS B520 receiver combines an ergonomic classic design, as well as improved software, taking into account the errors of previous models. At the same time, the characteristics are optimally selected for comfortable operation by a modern consumer. The receiver can be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi router in the home network, as well as open up opportunities for viewing content on smartphones and tablets, thanks to mirror streaming features. However, this will require the installation of the Play.Tricolor application on mobile devices.
The provider declares the high speed of the equipment and absolute security from unauthorized access to information.
This is due to the use of a powerful MStar K5 processor and a modified software environment from the GS Group holding. The GS B 520 is equipped with a USB connector for connecting external drives and additional devices. A connector for connecting an external infrared sensor allows you to mount the receiver behind obstacles without losing control of the remote control.
Installation scheme
The Tricolor GS-B520 receiver has no fundamental differences from previous models in functional connectors, so the connection is according to the standard scheme.
The first factor in installation is the installation of the antenna, but given the fact that the equipment is exchangeable, the dish should already be installed. So, it’s worth talking about how to connect the receiver itself directly. A short guide to action is as follows:
Set-top box software update
In the near future, Tricolor TV plans to release an update to the previously installed software of the B520 receiver. It will take into account problems with manageability, also new environment will allow you to receive a satellite signal more confidently. Instructions on how to update the software yourself are quite simple. You can do this in three ways:
- with the help of a satellite;
- using a computer;
- using a flash drive.
Satellite
To carry out an update from a satellite, according to the manufacturer, is the most logical option.
It is important not to turn off the equipment or interrupt the boot process, otherwise malfunctions may occur.
This option has a significant drawback: the process can take time from 5 minutes to several hours, it all depends on the quality of the signal and the weather conditions that affect it.
Via computer
In order to flash the receiver through a computer:
- It must be connected to a PC with a USB cable in the disconnected state.
- Install the GS Burner program by downloading it from the provider's website, and also do not forget about the corresponding files from software. They can be found by model name.
- After launching the program, you will need to specify the path to the files by opening the "Open File" tab.
- Click "Upload" and connect the set-top box to the network. A 100% download bar will indicate the completion of the installation.
With flash drive
If for some reason this procedure was not successful, the version of the program will remain the same. The situation will be corrected by a flash-card with the same installation file. The description of the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- The drive is placed in the appropriate slot for formatting.
- After the firmware is copied to the memory card, the USB flash drive can be removed and the receiver turned off.
- We place the drive with the file in the slot and turn on the receiver. The update steps will be displayed on the TV screen.
- After a successful installation, a reboot and basic settings will be required.
Summing up
Users have already appreciated the GS B520. According to most, this is one of the most reliable devices from Tricolor. It meets the requirements for modern digital equipment. No significant shortcomings were found during operation, including with a power supply, which is typical for the company's set-top boxes. By participating in the exchange program, you can get a set of equipment at a price of 5700 rubles.
