Set top box for freeview

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Set top box for freeview

mattz

23 posts

Geek

#13281 1-May-2007 22:12

I see mention on here that a lot of people are getting stb's for around 100 bucks. I have looked around but even on trademe I haven't found any that cheap. Just wanting to grab one for the widescreen TV3. Also for the ones that are around on trademe or else where any ones to avoid? or any recommended ones, not looking to spend anymore than $150 as this is just to have a play around.

Also i've got a sky dish in my backyard that I likely won't need if any one is in wellington and is looking for one, just moved to a place that had sky installed.

Regs

4064 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Snowflake

#69166 1-May-2007 23:35

100 bucks sounds kind of cheap. these guys have something for $170... http://www.satlinknz.co.nz/ and then $220 here: http://www.freetv.co.nz/ i dont have an STB so I can't offer you any advice on them

Sales Engineer
Snowflake
www.snowflake.com

about.me/nzregs
Twitter: @nzregs

Hatch

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Hatch (affiliate link).

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#69175 2-May-2007 07:51

You'll probably get something pretty average for $100 - a cheap Chinese clone.

For a good cheap unit expect to pay around $140ish. The only significant differences between the Freeview certified STB's and the no name units is support for the MHEG5 electronic program guide and red button.

RobDickinson

1521 posts

Uber Geek

#69201 2-May-2007 10:33

I bought one of this bloke :

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=573879

(Sorry Jarrod!).

$100 or so, cheap as, OK box , picture isnt as good as it could be, bopx is large, no CI slot, no Digital audio out.

But I'll likely replace it in 2008 when HD starts anyhow.

mattz

23 posts

Geek

#69206 2-May-2007 11:38

Hey thanks for the replies. I'd like one with component output, not worried about Digital Audio. Like Rob I'd also be looking to upgrade in 2008 when terrestrial digital goes live. I currently get a fairly decent picture though analogue cable FTA so the box is more just for the widescreen channels. From what i've seen the non-certified boxes don't have MHEG5 which seems to be some sort of interactive functionality??, I understand the EPG can still be obtained from a non-certified box. I'm looking at getting a Coship one either from trademe or elsewhere as it seems to fit the bill at around $150 ish.

RobDickinson

1521 posts

Uber Geek

#69208 2-May-2007 11:45

Mine has component to :

"- Quick scanning (blind search)
- NTSC/PAL transformation
- Wide range switch power (80-260V)
- Single quality/intensity indication, quick scanning and changing
- Single intensity displayed directly on the LED
- Nine-picture browse
- Multiple languages
- 4000 channels acceptability
- SCPC/MCPC compatibility
- C/KU band compatibility
- RF input (Arial)
- Stereo L/R audio out
- RF output
- Y/PB/PR" high definition scanning" output
- S-video output & RCA video output
- RS-232 for PC connection "for software upgrade"."

Tho I use s-vid as both component inputs I have are in use (and I cant be bothered using my av amp to switch).