Reliable DVB-S box

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farns

97 posts

Master Geek

#105686 7-Jul-2012 23:19

Hi, the bach got broken into last night and two satellite boxes flogged (along with a 32" LCD), can anyone recommend something cheap and reliable?

Which are the less dodgy brands on trademe etc

No need for PVR function, just something cheap that plays freeview reliably

One of the items flogged was a just purchased Ultraplus 980HD I had big plans for but we cant afford anything flash like that, just a solid freeview box for senile old people

Anything to get or avoid? Im not big into tech

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#652648 8-Jul-2012 21:31

Sorry to hear about the burglary, I hope the scum get caught.

Regarding a simple satellite box, I purchased one of the Transonic ones for an elderly relative a few months ago (it was either $69 or $70). Pretty basic, but functional and smooth, and has so far proved to be reliable. Remote feels a bit light and "cheap" to use tho'.

farns

97 posts

Master Geek

#652651 8-Jul-2012 21:40

Thanks I guess anything cheap will do within reason so thread is redundant, but if anyone wants to sell a DVB-S box with HDMI output (preferably upscaled to 1080i) then hit me up

Jaxson

8042 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#652670 8-Jul-2012 22:21

Honestly I've had limited success with the upscaling, so personally I'd get one from the warehouse, hopefully on special, and let the TV handle the upscaling. Freeview Sat at times doesn't have the best quality anyway, so there's often not a lot you can do to polish it. So I'm getting at, it may not be hugely beneficial to go for an hdmi unit if it costs you a lot more.

Oh and sorry about the break in as well, hopefully that hasn't knocked you around too bad mentally.

Long term I'd take a look at one of the myfreeview sat basd PVR's should you get insurance money etc to replace the 980HD. For similar prices (one was $350 recently at JBHifi) you can now get a twin tuner device with it's own hard drive and the freeview EPG which allows you to series link a programme you want to record every week with just a few button presses up front etc. Just an idea.

farns

97 posts

Master Geek

#652676 8-Jul-2012 22:42

Thanks for the good advice guys, break-in is no big deal, they just took stereo and TV stuff and booze and didnt trash the place, the low-life stench will wear off after a while and the local cop has been great and has a good idea of the culprits.

Good you mentioned the satbox upscaling as I was wondering if it was worth paying extra for, the TV wont be anything flash, just a good low end like Sony CX/EX etc

We dont need PVR at all, but happy to pay some extra for better picture quality if possible.