Good advice about buying digital decoders (set-top boxes)

Not sure whether you need to buy a digital decoder?
If you’re not sure whether you need to buy a digital decoder to watch TV when Denmark switches over to the new TV signal, then read more about digital TV here, or about the new TV signal here.

Choose the right decoder
It’s important that you acquire a digital decoder which matches the type of signal you receive. See which type you should choose if you receive your TV signal via aerial, cable/shared aerial, satellite dish, etc. here:

> The new TV signal
> Boxer TV (only in Danish)

There are 3 types of digital decoders. Choose the one which suits your needs.

• Basic digital decoder
  Use a basic decoder if you only want to watch the free channels.
  
  This type can receive digital TV signals and converts them to analogue. A basic decoder typically does not have additional functions. However, in principle it can have an extra built-in decoder/tuner and a hard drive for recording and replaying programmes. A basic box may also be able to decode HD (high definition) signals. Danish viewers who would also like to receive the new free channels (DRHD, DR-K and DR Ramasjang) will need a decoder with MPEG-4.

• Digital decoder with card reader
  Use a decoder with a card reader to watch free channels and pay TV.
  
  This type can receive digital TV signals and converts them to analogue. It can also decode encrypted signals transmitted by pay TV, and can have an extra built-in decoder/tuner and a hard drive for recording and replaying programmes. It may also be able to decode HD (high definition) signals.

• Advanced digital decoder
  Use an advanced decoder to watch free channels and pay TV.
  
  This type can receive digital TV signals and converts them to analogue. It can also decode encrypted signals transmitted by pay TV, and can have an extra built-in decoder/tuner and a hard drive for recording and replaying programmes.
  
  This decoder has greater functionality than a decoder with card reader. It can be continually updated by TV programme providers and therefore has a mode called active standby. For this reason advanced decoders often use a lot of electricity.

Standby and other modes for a digital decoder
Electricity consumption can vary from decoder to decoder. Look for the Energy Saving Label if you want to be sure of low power consumption in both on and standby modes.

> Check power consumption before buying