Comparison

HCC2D Decoder vs SSTV Lite

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

HCC2D Decoder

Features
Read full description

This app allows you to scan and decode HCC2D and QR code symbols using your mobile camera. It is based on advanced research in high-capacity barcode technologies and provides reliable decoding. Key features: * Decode HCC2D color codes. * Full support for standard QR codes. * Real-time scanning using the camera. * Robust detection and error correction. * No ads and no registration required. HCC2D is a color two-dimensional code format that increases data capacity compared to traditional QR codes while preserving their structure. By using multiple colors, each module can encode more information, enabling higher data density in a compact symbol. The app captures images, detects barcode regions, corrects perspective distortions, and analyzes color or intensity patterns to reconstruct the encoded data. To transfer files from a desktop computer to your smartphone via a stream of HCC2D codes, use HCC2D Decoder together with the HCC2D Streamer desktop companion app. Notes: HCC2D codes can be created using the official online generator at hcc2d.com, the HCC2D Encoder application, the open-source CLI encoder, or the Debian/Ubuntu packages provided through the official HCC2D APT repository. * Low-quality color printing may reduce decoding performance * Best results are achieved with screen-displayed or high-quality printed codes and a high-resolution autofocus camera. * One-dimensional barcodes are intentionally not supported. References: * Querini, M. (2026). HCC2D Code Specification — Version 0.9.0. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22206528. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-ND 4.0). * Querini, M. and Italiano, G. F. (2014). Reliability and Data Density in High Capacity Color Barcodes. Computer Science and Information Systems, 11(4), 1595-1615. * Querini, M., Grillo, A., Lentini, A., and Italiano, G. F. (2011). 2D Color Barcodes for Mobile Phones. IJCSA, 8(1), 136-155. * Querini, M. (2010). Analysis and Design of High-Capacity Two-Dimensional Codes. Development of the Reader for Desktop and Mobile Environments (Bilingual Digital Edition 2026, Version 1.0). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22206722 Notice: This application is an independent personal project and is not affiliated with any organization or institution.

About

SSTV Lite

Decode and encode Slow Scan Television (SSTV) and other radio signals into images. This app allows you to receive live signals or audio files and transmit your own pictures as audio. It offers features for amateur radio operators and satellite enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • SSTV and Weather Fax decoding
  • Image encoding for transmission
  • Live signal reception via microphone
  • Audio file decoding
  • Automatic frequency and slant correction
  • Partial-image saving
  • Station profile and QSO logbook
Features
Read full description

SSTV Lite includes three free SSTV or Weather Fax receives. One use is counted when a supported signal mode is identified, even if reception does not complete. A one-time purchase unlocks unlimited receiving plus SSDV, ETSI Digital Radio Mondiale (radio broadcast standard), callsign overlays, FSK/CW IDs, templates and automated transmit. Saving a station callsign remains free. Decode Slow Scan Television (SSTV), ham-radio and ISS signals into images, or turn your own pictures into transmit-ready audio. Receive live signals through the microphone or decode supported audio files. SSTV monitors the spectrum, adjusts frequency and slant, and lets you keep useful partial decodes when a transmission ends early. Prepare and transmit images in a broad range of Martin, Scottie, Robot, PD, Pasokon, monochrome, FAX and AVT modes. Save decoded images and generated WAV files in clear RX/TX archives. Built for iPhone, iPad and Mac: • Guided Simple and Advanced modes • Station profile and QSO logbook • Private iCloud sync across devices and editions • Professional Signal Desk with live spectrum • On-device decoding and encoding • Automatic frequency and slant correction • Partial-image saving for useful incomplete decodes • Mode guide with timing and resolution details • Receive and transmit history • Doppler-aware satellite tracking, pass reminders and provider-aware tuning • SSDV and advanced digital image reception, callsign overlays, FSK/CW IDs, templates and automation • Portrait and landscape layouts • Localized interface in 12 languages For amateur-radio operators, satellite listeners and anyone curious about pictures carried by sound.

Screenshots

HCC2D Decoder4 screens
SSTV Lite4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HCC2D Decoder at none against SSTV Lite's 1. SSTV Lite's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. SSTV Lite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HCC2D Decoder asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HCC2D Decoder ships an update every 2 weeks, SSTV Lite every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 5 level
HCC2D Decoder versus SSTV Lite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHCC2D DecoderSSTV Lite
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.016.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarco Querini方宇 周

In-app purchases

None

HCC2D Decoder

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

SSTV Lite

One-time1
  • Permanent Decode Unlock$2.99

Questions

Is HCC2D Decoder free?
HCC2D Decoder is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SSTV Lite free?
SSTV Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HCC2D Decoder or SSTV Lite have ads?
Neither HCC2D Decoder nor SSTV Lite shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HCC2D Decoder or SSTV Lite?
HCC2D Decoder ships an update every 2 weeks, and SSTV Lite every 8 days. Most recently, HCC2D Decoder was updated on October 4, 2026 and SSTV Lite on October 9, 2026.

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