New Freeview HD hardware: eXtra Terrestrial Freeview HD tuner

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#155446 9-Aug-2008 17:17

joker97: err ... did you say that the current "model" WILL support PVR via ext HDD? if so we all need to buy!
he seems to suggest to me that a future model from october (well, that's what he says so i cant say i wont be delayed till Feb when playTV is out) will do that. he did not answer my question about firmware upgrade to support PVR

I've spoken to him a number of times about this over the last few months. Initially he stated (even on his website) that this model (when available) could record to HDD. Some time later that feature got removed from any description on his site, and he told me that the manufacturer hadn't managed to implement it yet, but "probably could" in a future firmware update. The current models and shipment due in a few days (we'll see) definitely cannot record to HDD. It's claimed that the next shipment will be able to, and current ones with be able to with a firmware update. To be honest, I'm not 100% convinced this will happen, so i think you should consider it a maybe. Also, someone asked him in one of his auctions whether this box can change channels at a set time, which to me suggests "timer capability" which is a feature that was also listed some months back during the prelease period. His answer was "no", so this doesn't look good.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

ventolin

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Master Geek

#155460 9-Aug-2008 18:13

http://www.dtvs.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=64

I have one of those and it works perfectly with 40 timer events, includes free full 1 year subscription to tv guide magazine.

No it doesn't have full 8 day epg, but the current mheg-5 epg doesn't allow you to choose what to record off it anyway, so what extra use is it?

Batman

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#155474 9-Aug-2008 19:03

aargh sonyyyyyyyyyy!!!
you should just release your playtv now

kiwitrc

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#155532 10-Aug-2008 06:54

Here seems to be where the Extra Terestrials are made. You can probably ask them about USB PVR functions directly to avoid the Male Bovine Excrement. I may be wrong but I think this is the Extra Terestrial box. It looks identical.

kiwitrc

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#155533 10-Aug-2008 07:00

ventolin: http://www.dtvs.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=64

I have one of those and it works perfectly with 40 timer events, includes free full 1 year subscription to tv guide magazine.

No it doesn't have full 8 day epg, but the current mheg-5 epg doesn't allow you to choose what to record off it anyway, so what extra use is it?

Thats a nice looking unit Ventolin, if they knock $200 off the price they will sell flat out I reckon.

Spong

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#155577 10-Aug-2008 11:29

kiwitrc: Here seems to be where the Extra Terestrials are made. You can probably ask them about USB PVR functions directly to avoid the Male Bovine Excrement. I may be wrong but I think this is the Extra Terestrial box. It looks identical.

Yeah, I saw that site a while back, and it seems that Peter of Satlink is getting the ET's from there. However the NZ spec models are customised for NZ and according to him, many of the huge delays have been in getting the software modified and working for NZ. The communication issues have been very challenging as you'd expect. I don't like your chances of finding out much from them in the way of the NZ spec, unless you're fluent in their language. If you've spoken to Peter, you'll know he gives very short answers, and I feel HDTV is a bit new to him.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

ventolin

110 posts

Master Geek

#155587 10-Aug-2008 12:41

it's jsut a rebranded coship isn't it?

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BazNZ

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#155590 10-Aug-2008 12:58

So then what is the better receiver out of these two guys? I really want to get someting by next weekend.
Vantage HD 6000T $499
eXtra Terrestrial $290

Spong

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#155597 10-Aug-2008 13:31

ventolin: it's jsut a rebranded coship isn't it?

No apparently it isn't a rebranded Coship.

BTW, if you're thinking of getting a HD receiver, don't hesitate. I've been watching the Olympics on my HTPC with Nova 500-T feeding Benq W5000 1080P projector and 106" screen and the results are stunning, despite being 720P. Stayed up until 4.30am on Saturday morning captivated with the opening ceremony, and watching woman's beach volleyball with 5.1 sound was a truly excellent experience.

TVNZ seem to have a really excellent quality and clean feed. It sure puts SKY's SD effort seriously to shame. Really looking forward to more and more HD broadcasts.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

JaBZ

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#155625 10-Aug-2008 16:23

Umm how can there be a supply problem and delays when he has at least 22 auctions for the box on Trademe with buynow?

My opinions and ideas expressed in posts are solely my own and do not reflect the views of my employer in any way..

ventolin

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#155630 10-Aug-2008 16:38

get the vantage it is truely an awesome box, and I doubt there will be supply problems with it

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#155639 10-Aug-2008 17:18

i was told my delay was due to "software upgrade". no mention which end, but gladly refunded. i am now anxiously (for many reasons) waiting for the PVR version!!!

Spong

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#155640 10-Aug-2008 17:19

JaBZ: Umm how can there be a supply problem and delays when he has at least 22 auctions for the box on Trademe with buynow?

Exactly, now you know why I'm pretty unhappy (understatement) about these delays, after being promised a sample months ago. I've even followed this up many times, with assurances that I'd get one as soon as they arrived. As a reseller, I wasn't even asking for anything better than the usual trade price.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

Spong

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#155641 10-Aug-2008 17:24

ventolin: get the vantage it is truely an awesome box, and I doubt there will be supply problems with it

It sounds great from that link you gave. Can you tell me whether it can output HD over component and HDMI at the same time, and whether the quality over component is excellent? Also, what sockets does it have on the rear? Does an external USB HDD stay powered up at all times, or only when the box is taken out of standby? Thanks.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

ventolin

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Master Geek

#155656 10-Aug-2008 18:46

yes it does do HD over component, the quality being the same as HDMI in my eyes.

Outputs:

HDMI
Component
Optical SPDIF
Coaxial SPDIF
Composite
S-Video
RS-232
USB

In terms of the HDD being on all the time I am not sure but I can test this for you and let you know.

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