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MrWestie

116 posts

Master Geek

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#31985 7-Apr-2009 15:29
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On demo from a supplier.
RRP $500inc

The unit looks good.
Very retro with it's VFD display. Amost makes me want to get one for my HTPC.
USB port on the front, bad placement in my opinion.

Tested with a Panasonic 42" PLasma via HDMI

Tuned in ok, the option I used got the analog channels too.
Channel changes took 1-2 secs.

First problem, TV3 audio stuttered every 2 secs.
Fix was to change the stream from AAC to Dolby.

EPG is only EIT.
You can schedule recordings off it. Not much use as only limited time forward.
Only 8 slots for record timers.

Records to TRP files.

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Conclusion, not worth $500.
Maybe $250?

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Jaxson
8041 posts

Uber Geek

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  #205771 7-Apr-2009 15:52
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MrWestie: The strong is a overpriced dud :(
There just isn't anything actually arriving on the market that meets what we'd expect.  I think we just need to face that implementing this gear in NZ is simply going to take a long time, for whatever reason.  (probably the genine effort actually required vs the population/sales return). 

All these types of units are turning up in sat box housings and with no MHEG5 and with single tuners.  Given you need your own hard drive as well I don't think a price of $500 is worth it but that's just me.

Thanks for the detailed pictures etc, good to see these products clearly assessed.  There's a whole heap of basic set top boxes on offer now, and a lot have been approved too.  Not many do the recording though. 

I think the Hyundai sat/uhf combo still looks the best of this lot (not including the official Zinwell cos it's $1000ish).  No MHEG5 but allows you to watch in HD but also record from Satellites, so offers more recording options than just freeview which is pretty cool really too.

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