librtlsdr ☆
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Description:
Use Realtek DVB-T dongles as a cheap SDR
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Developer tools
Tags: sdr radio rtl-sdr hardware libusb
Install: brew install librtlsdr
About:
Librtlsdr is a software library that enables the use of Realtek RTL2832U-based DVB-T tuner dongles as inexpensive, general-purpose software-defined radios. It provides an interface to the hardware's raw I/Q data stream, bypassing the device's original purpose. This allows hobbyists and researchers to access a wide range of radio frequencies for a fraction of the cost of dedicated SDR hardware.
Key Features:
  • Enables low-cost SDR functionality using common DVB-T dongles
  • Provides access to raw I/Q samples for signal processing
  • Cross-platform support via libusb
  • Unlocks a 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz reception range (hardware dependent)
Use Cases:
  • Exploring radio spectrum and learning about wireless communications
  • Receiving and decoding data from ADS-B aircraft transponders
  • Listening to FM radio broadcasts and other analog transmissions
  • Developing custom radio receivers for digital protocols
Alternatives:
  • SoapySDR – A more general-purpose, hardware-agnostic SDR framework that supports a wide variety of devices beyond just RTL-SDR.
  • airspy – Higher-performance SDR hardware and drivers offering wider bandwidth and better dynamic range, but at a significantly higher cost.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 10, 2025 5:20pm 0 VERSION_BUMP f5692098
Nov 3, 2023 9:45pm 0 VERSION_BUMP a38e5535
Nov 3, 2023 5:05pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 4b97e0c2
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