Asking for Purchasing Advice for Freeview HD

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jrizya

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#57175 4-Feb-2010 19:50

I've done quite a bit of research but have not been satisfied that I'm getting a really good picture.

Firstly, does anyone know of a place that does a really good comparison of the differing Freeview HD products with reviews and pricing?

Secondly, assuming that the first doesn't exist (and the closest I've seen is a PC Mag article) can I please get advice from you knowledgeable veterans?

I am considering just about all options, built-in HDD PVR, USB PVR or receiver without PVR capability (not preferred option).

So far, what seems to be the best combo of price, features and convenience is the JC Matthew DVR-320T from freeviewshop.co.nz.

I would be happy to hear the thoughts of others.

One more thing...do any of the receivers pick up other satellite signals from a Sky Dish without moving it?

Cheers,

Jon

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#296193 4-Feb-2010 21:05

What sort of TV do you have at present?

butlerboy

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#296195 4-Feb-2010 21:13

i'm not sure about any comparisons but i have the jc matthews dvr-320 and can confirm it's a very good stable pvr. especially at the price freeviewshop have got it for at the moment.
one thing that confuses me about your post, at the end you ask about sattelite signals. are you aware that freeviewhd (dvb-t) is terrestrial and received via a uhf aerial & freeview sattelite (dvb-s) is only sd. the jc matthews dvr-320 is freeviewhd so is received via a uhf aerial.

jrizya

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#296212 4-Feb-2010 21:35

Butlerboy: Yeah, sorry about that, I have also considered getting either a dual tuner or satellite receiver as well. If you could get other (interesting) channels that my influence my decision).

sbiddle: Samsung LA40S71B

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#296230 4-Feb-2010 22:15

1) satellite does NOT do freeview HD. only non-HD.

2) picture quality is either pixellated (unwatchable) or 100% at any time. (i think)

3) freeview HD not available everywhere
- are you in a major city
- can you receive prime or maori TV with good picture
- if yes then you can get freeview HD

4) (satellite dish aint gonna help)

jrizya

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#296231 4-Feb-2010 22:17

Hi, yes, I understand about Satellite v. Terrestrial, but I can get both (Prime and Maori) where I live (Porirua) so am considering the possibilities of each but leaning toward terrestrial for HD.

sbiddle

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#296285 5-Feb-2010 06:57

If you can get terrestrial Freeview|HD I wouldn't bother with the satellite option.

tomgeeknz

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#296288 5-Feb-2010 07:02

I fully reccommend the Magic TV PVR. It has much higher quality menus which maks them look better on larger screen.

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jrizya

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#296292 5-Feb-2010 07:12

thefatmould: would you say the MagicTV is $250 better than the Hyundai AH3110 or JCMatthews DVR 320t? It's hard for me to justify (to the wife?) even the $550 or so for one of them much less $800 for the MagicTV (which admittedly looks sweet as).

Anyone else with thoughts on what I should spend my precious little cash on?

tomgeeknz

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#296294 5-Feb-2010 07:18

Haven't used either of the others but if you search this site for forum posts on each model and hear peoples reports on each.

jrizya

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#296295 5-Feb-2010 07:22

Thanks. I've been doing that here and at nzdtv forums as well. Just always feel like I don't get quite all the information :-P Suppose I'm just going to have to take a leap at some point...

mail2mm

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#296302 5-Feb-2010 08:14

jrizya:

I would also recommend the Magic TV PVR for Freeview HD. I went thru a process similar to yours with some hands on comparisons between the TiVo, Zinwell and Magic TV. The Magic TV seemed to have the best features and the menu layout made sense to me. The remote with its capability to be programmed to control my Sony TV on/off and input works very well. I had a question about the remote programming and my email to Pixel Magic, the local distributor, was answered, with good advice, within 12 hours just after the Christmas holiday.

I have both Freeview satellite and Freeview HD feeding a Sony 40" Full HD screen. The HD service produces an outstanding picture while the Freeview satellite picture quality is good but no better than my free to air analog VHF/UHF broadcasts. I live in central Auckland and have strong, good signals for Freeview HD, Freeview satellite and standard definition FTA broadcast TV.

I purchase my Magic TV for a bit under $700 at Bond & Bond. They are negotiable! You could probably do better. Good luck.

jrizya

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#296304 5-Feb-2010 08:27

mail2mm: hmmm, if I can get B&B down below $700 I might even be able to convince my wife. It really sounds like the most complete option out there.

butlerboy

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#296313 5-Feb-2010 08:58

i guess it depends on what you want your pvr to do as to what you buy. if you just want a good basic pvr to record tv and you're on a budget get the jc matthews and save yourself a few dollars. check out my posts over on throng as to my views on the jc matthew dvr-320t:
http://www.throng.co.nz/blog/a...
also this is quite a good review of all 4 currently freeview approved pvrs:
http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/p...

Handle9

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#296320 5-Feb-2010 09:36

I would also thoroughly recommend the MagicTV. I had the Homecast HT9200DTR and found it not that great. Replaced it with the MagicTV and haven't looked back.

I bought mine from Harvey Norman for $700. Always ask for the best price they can do and then say "but Bond and Bond have it for $50 cheaper..." They'll usually price match even if you made the price up. I know it's not particularly ethical but the "best price" they will quote you normally isn't the best price they can do.

tomgeeknz

923 posts

Ultimate Geek

#296441 5-Feb-2010 15:45

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/myfreeviewhdreview

also check here

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