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rumpty

66 posts

Master Geek


#133942 8-Nov-2013 16:14
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Living in Auckland, it's time I did something about a UHF set top box. I'm looking for a second hand Zinwell on TradeMe, but maybe a receiver as old as the Zinwell is a mistake? This comment on the Freeview forum seems relevant-

"The ZMT-640PVR was designed in late 2007 to the Freeview specifications and anticipated requirements at that time. As more channels are added to the Freeview platform, performance will gradually deteriorate again and Zinwell has advised that it is no longer possible to correct this with changes to the software. The last software version to be released for this model is v1.2.4 which takes includes the changes made by Freeview in late 2011."

Technically, what happens "as more channels are added to the Freeview platform"? Has anyone noticed this deterioration?

For anyone wondering why someone would buy an old Zinwell, I was looking for a receiver with S-VHS output, as that would get the best quality out of my old TV.

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xarqi
727 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #929591 8-Nov-2013 16:52
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'Technically, what happens "as more channels are added to the Freeview platform"?'
I'd say the question was moot.  The prospect of any significant increase in channel numbers seems to me remote.



resurrect
80 posts

Master Geek


  #929597 8-Nov-2013 16:59
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S-VHS? or S-Video?

rumpty

66 posts

Master Geek


  #929618 8-Nov-2013 17:31
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resurrect: S-VHS? or S-Video?


Sorry, meant that I need an S-video output on the UHF DVB-T receiver.



robjg63
4096 posts

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  #929638 8-Nov-2013 18:01
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I would suggest you buy an igloo box.
Doesnt have s-video - but does have a RF out if you have an old telly.
Have a look at the manual http://www.igloo.co.nz/assets/documents/igloouserguide.pdf
page 5 has the outputs on the back.

Down to $89 now apparently according to their website.
You can just use it for the freeview channels and if you decide you want their offering then you can buy it if you want (per month).







Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler


robjg63
4096 posts

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  #929639 8-Nov-2013 18:03
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I meant to add - dont touch the zinwell - too old and probably starting to play up by now....

PS there is some record facility on the igloo box - read the manual....




Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler


toyonut
1508 posts

Uber Geek


  #929650 8-Nov-2013 18:16
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Skip the zinwell, it is too old now It also has no support as the company importing them fell over. Look at the igloo if you don't want a full PVR, or there are a few good PVR's to suit various budgets around.




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http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B


rumpty

66 posts

Master Geek


  #929651 8-Nov-2013 18:28
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robjg63: I would suggest you buy an igloo box.
Doesnt have s-video - but does have a RF out if you have an old telly.
Have a look at the manual http://www.igloo.co.nz/assets/documents/igloouserguide.pdf
page 5 has the outputs on the back.

Down to $89 now apparently according to their website.
You can just use it for the freeview channels and if you decide you want their offering then you can buy it if you want (per month).





Thanks for the Igloo suggestions. I can use the composite video instead of S-video connection to my TV if I have to. Using the RF connection would be really scraping the bottom of the barrel!

 
 
 

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B1GGLZ
1961 posts

Uber Geek


  #929657 8-Nov-2013 18:57
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Personally I'd steer clear of the Zinwell or any copies. I've had two of them and they both died after 2 years operation. The power supplies are rubbish and can't handle the load and the capacitors onboard were poor quality.
Tried fixing last one by putting new quality capacitors in but to no avail. The power supply just expired. Same story with a Hyundai replacement.
I've gone down the Sony 3D TV plus Panasonic 3D Freeview recorder route now and never had a problem in 3 years.

Apsattv
2388 posts

Uber Geek


  #930152 10-Nov-2013 01:58
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Avoid the Zinwells they are ancient junk. In particular the satellite ones are no longer completely compatible with Freeview.




 


resurrect
80 posts

Master Geek


  #930535 11-Nov-2013 09:21
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you could grab up a freeview box that has HDMI and then use a converter? that way if you upgrade your t.v. you can still get HD.

rumpty

66 posts

Master Geek


  #931390 12-Nov-2013 13:12
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resurrect: you could grab up a freeview box that has HDMI and then use a converter? that way if you upgrade your t.v. you can still get HD.


Well, that's an idea, but it's not cheap at $60 or so.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions.

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