Sat receiver recommendations

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Rikkitic

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#189365 26-Dec-2015 12:26

My satellite receiver just died. It is definitive and beyond my ability to repair. I don't use satellite much anymore but would still like to have the capability. I'm not after Freeview (I already have that on UHF) or Sky (got that too). I don't want to spend too much, under $150, preferably less. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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#1457371 26-Dec-2015 13:01

The "UltraPlus 990HD" is a good bang for your buck. PVR, S/S2(HD) and also has IPTV if you want to pay extra for a Wifi Dongle. The cheap chinese receivers off of trademe ok(I've got 2(skybox & openbox)) but can be a bit n clunky when loading the EPG.

UltraPlus 990HD $139 + Postage @ freeviewshop.co.nz

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

Rikkitic

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#1457374 26-Dec-2015 13:11

Thanks for the info. I will look into it.

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Apsattv

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#1457426 26-Dec-2015 15:44

Rikkitic: My satellite receiver just died. It is definitive and beyond my ability to repair. I don't use satellite much anymore but would still like to have the capability. I'm not after Freeview (I already have that on UHF) or Sky (got that too). I don't want to spend too much, under $150, preferably less. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Which receiver did you have?

Rikkitic

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#1457468 26-Dec-2015 17:37

It was a simplified Openbox clone, called YH I think. I can't remember for certain. It had the same interface and software. I think the only difference was a lack of Internet capability, which I don't need anyway. Before that I had an actual Openbox (not the clone). Both had the functionality I wanted at the time but were always quirky. The Openbox died after a year or so. This one lasted longer but suddenly it won't come on at all. Dead as a doornail. I checked voltages and they are okay so the failure goes deeper than that, which also happens to be deeper than my ability to diagnose. What I want it something capable of 1080p with HDMI and digital sound out, Mpeg 2 and 4, blind scan and DiSEqC, that doesn't cost the earth.

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MyFriendAutism

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#1457695 27-Dec-2015 13:18

Since you are familiar with the openbox/sky receivers & their quirks you can find a Openbox s9 on trade me for $80 +postage. One been advertised for a cpl of months now. Mine worked for years before finally dying, but recorded & viewed S2 signals just fine.

Rikkitic

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#1457699 27-Dec-2015 13:46

Thanks for the tip but I just bought another no-name generic Chinese box. I thought long and hard and then went looking on Aliexpress and immediately found something that ticks all my boxes. I am keenly aware of the risk I am taking as I have never had any Chinese electronic device, with the sole exception of a surprisingly good HDMI switch, that actually works correctly. Unfortunately, this was also true of my Openboxes and I don't want to buy something again that has already let me down. The new Chinese unit was only $40 and the reviews on it are very good so I decided to take the chance. I can afford to gamble $40 and if it actually works as promised it will be a pretty sweet deal. The other thing is that I rarely use satellite at all any more so when I thought about it I decided to go for the cheap option. I am set up to receive three satellites so it seems silly not to at least have a working receiver, but it certainly isn't a priority item.

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MyFriendAutism

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#1458465 29-Dec-2015 13:01

Would you mind posting brand/model or an Alie link?...thanks.

Rikkitic

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#1458505 29-Dec-2015 14:16

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Full-HD-DVB-S2-Digital-Video-Broadcasting-Satellite-Receiver-Set-Compatible-with-DVB-S-Mpeg4-Supports/32355262412.html

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gzt

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#1458530 29-Dec-2015 15:00

Locally supported brand like DishTV is good value and sometimes specials at the warehouse. Saving $50 or so seems not worth it.

gzt

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#1458533 29-Dec-2015 15:03

https://price.geekzone.co.nz/catalog.aspx?cid=2420&mid=121972&avs=2003

Rikkitic

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#1458567 29-Dec-2015 15:59

gzt: Locally supported brand like DishTV is good value and sometimes specials at the warehouse. Saving $50 or so seems not worth it.

I looked at them but they didn't have what I wanted. My choice was based on the feature set, with the low price making it worth the risk of buying Chinese.

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gwiz

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#1458589 29-Dec-2015 16:50

Not sure if you wanted to just go for a receiver or looking for something that has a bit more to it. The S8200 gives you all the free On Demand apps (TVNZ OD, 3NOW, Maori Television On Demand which has some good docos and films) & lets you record 2 channels at the same time: http://www.priceme.co.nz/DishTV-SatBox-S8200/p-892293491.aspx

Rikkitic

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#1458617 29-Dec-2015 17:07

That is exactly what was putting me off. Everything is so much about 'added value' and whiz bang this and that these days. I specifically did not care about satellite Freeview, or anything Internet connected, or dual tuners or any of that stuff. I just wanted a satellite receiver that would receive satellites. I already have my own preferred set-up for all the other stuff and I see no point in paying twice for something I can only use once. That is why I went for the Chinese option.

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MyFriendAutism

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#1462280 6-Jan-2016 13:11

Banggood has the same but you can use Paypal. The lack of paypal with Aliex...has always been a no no for me. I see this STB has 1 of those squishy remotes, I've got 2 of them & they feel like they are made from cardboard with foam buttons. One small drop and boom, explode into a 100o bits, but at $40 with all those features, can't complain too much.

Rikkitic

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#1462334 6-Jan-2016 14:05

I program everything into the Harmony as soon as I get it and the remotes go into a drawer so the quality of them doesn't bother me as long as they work once. I'm also not bothered by the lack of Paypal. I use a debit card for on-line payments and always keep the balance close to what I actually need. It has always worked well for me.

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