Which DVB-S box?

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RobDickinson

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#110513 10-Oct-2012 15:09

My $99 cheapie from 7-8 years ago is on the blink.

Currently wired by component, would prefer something either component or HDMI.

Doesnt have to do anything flash tho the Digistar 860UH looks like it has HDMI and PVR with an USB drive , for $90 or so.

Assuming it works then why would I get something else, and what would that be?

PimpMyMagic

267 posts

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#699153 10-Oct-2012 15:43

Are you able to get Terrestrial UHF reception? If so, it might be an opportune time to move to HD.

I watch a lot of Tv and my priorities are being able to skip ads, have a good Series Record EPG function and the ability to ignore repeats. So, how reactive are the transport controls etc.

Of course your desires are likely completely different so the opinions of others likely quite irrelevant.

I'd be wary of a USB interface that only works with Fat32 formatted drives, with their 2GB file size limit. Useless for HD programmes and a problem for long events such as football matches or motor racing.

RobDickinson

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#699166 10-Oct-2012 15:57

Unfortunately I live in Sumner and am very unlikely to get terrestrial HD/digital signal. I dont even have an aerial at the moment!

I dont need it to do a lot, basic epg, tv one/2/3/prime (mostly sits on 3 anyhow).

Ability to record would save me from downloading stuff sometimes as a lot I want to watch is on too late. Mainly < 1hr tv shows.

bfginger

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#699410 10-Oct-2012 23:07

I'll recommend a proper double tuner PVR satellite receiver with an internal hard drive like the DishTV S7090PVR or UltraPlus 9200HD. Both can upscale which might improve the picture slightly. You can't record from TV1 while watching TV3 with a single tuner receiver.

Use HDMI if you can and disable overscan if you use an LCD.

RobDickinson

1526 posts

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#699446 11-Oct-2012 07:55

Hmm. I struggle to find one thing on at a time to watch let alone two!

Any PVR function will be very limited in use I think.

As for upscalling if the box doesnt do it the tv will anyhow.

Jaxson

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Trusted

#699473 11-Oct-2012 08:46

Yeah they're all much of a muchness at each price bracket. The warehouse basic sat box is often under $100. Doesn't have hdmi out but is fairly solid and runs the freeview MHEG5 EPG as well.

I'd been considering an Openbox S12 as a really basic unit. I think www.satlinknz.co.nz was offering one a while back for around $100 - $150. Did DVB-S2, took a valid Sky card and had hdmi out. All basic dodgy stuff out of China ...