Draco - Freeview junk?

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › Draco - Freeview junk?

Mech

11 posts

Geek

#71358 9-Nov-2010 10:40

Sorry to start my first post whinging, but i'm desperate for someone to confirm that my Draco issues are isolated.

The story goes that in July 2008, I purchased a Draco HDTV6300 from freeviewshop.co.nz, unpacked it, set it up and was very pleased. However, since that day it's all gone downhill.

Here's my tally from September 2008 (first fault) to November 2010 (current fault):

1. The HDTV6300 has a faulty power supply. Fixed.
2. The HDTV6300 has a faulty logic board. Fixed
3. The HDTV6300 has a faulty power supply. Fixed.
4. The HDTV6300 has a faulty power supply. Replaced with Draco HDTV5500.
5. The HDTV5500 has a faulty power supply. Fixed
6. The HDTV5500 has a faulty logic board. Replacement box for $50.
7. The HDTV5500 has a faulty logic board. Fixed.
8. The HDTV5500 has a faulty power supply. Replaced by different company for $80.
9. The HDTV5500 has a faulty power supply. Fixed.
10. The HDTV5500 has a faulty power supply. Just 10 days since the last repair!!!

After my initial excitement of purchasing the HDTV6300, my brother also went and got one. And his HDTV6300 ALSO died which was replaced with a HDTV5500 which is now ALSO dead (and consequently litters my house now as a reminder).

As you can imagine, i'm at the end of my tether with these damn things. I've been told countless times that i'm "getting the latest model" or "that problem has been solved now" that i'm ready to chuck the whole lot in the bin and instead make sure that everyone I know steers well clear of Draco products. But i'd been keen to know if anyone here has actually got one of these things to last more than 6 months?

keewee01

1737 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#401997 9-Nov-2010 10:48

Hi, Start by searching the forums as there is a lot written else where on this. Search is you friend and you should always do that first (before posting).

Go up to the top of level of forums and use the [Google] search box.
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/search.asp?cx=partner-pub-3841542980804279%3A2ieo2qs2lgy&cof=FORID%3A10&ie...

Here is a link you might find useful:

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=83&topicid=59867

bazzer

3438 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#402027 9-Nov-2010 11:33

I would've rejected the goods under the CGA at probably Step 4. Enough is enough.

Mech

11 posts

Geek

#402034 9-Nov-2010 11:43

keewee01: Hi, Start by searching the forums as there is a lot written else where on this. Search is you friend and you should always do that first (before posting).

Go up to the top of level of forums and use the [Google] search box.
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/search.asp?cx=partner-pub-3841542980804279%3A2ieo2qs2lgy&cof=FORID%3A10&ie...

Here is a link you might find useful:

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=83&topicid=59867

Cheers, I found that one, but it kinds skews off into a CGA discussion. I just want statistics...

butlerboy

457 posts

Ultimate Geek

#402045 9-Nov-2010 12:22

basically they're rubbish. after the issues i had with the draco and the supplier i wouldn't recommend one to anyone.

BaDjElLy

16 posts

Geek

#402050 9-Nov-2010 12:31

Mine lasted around 8-10 months........Then multiple trips back to Titarangi for PSU replacements. Finally got fed up with it once I joined the Tivo Beta team.

It was a good box (When it worked) but Tivo eats it.

Bj

Ragnor

8222 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#402074 9-Nov-2010 12:57

Well either that it's an extremely fail product line or you have some kind of power issue. I would double check if anything dodgy is happening at that power outlet just in case (but it sounds like the model/range just sucks).

ilovemusic

1439 posts

Uber Geek

#402086 9-Nov-2010 13:18

I bought a new HDTV3900 (original model with round display dial) and it was a POS, unstable picture, poor connectivity etc.

Seller blamed it on bad software but after several official fixes that didn't work, I got a refund.

Later bought a used HDTV6300 real cheap, which has been fine except for the rare need to reboot it when the picture disappears and the lack of Dolby Digital sound through HDMI.

It's been in use for ~2 years without breaking.

These are very much first generation FV boxes (albeit with excellent picture and sound, better than the Zinwells, Mathews, Magic) and can't recommend them unless they are dirt cheap.

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

butlerboy

457 posts

Ultimate Geek

#402199 9-Nov-2010 16:09

ilovemusic: These are very much first generation FV boxes (albeit with excellent picture and sound, better than the Zinwells, Mathews, Magic) and can't recommend them unless they are dirt cheap.

totally agree, when they're working they're a great box. picture is great and they're extremely quick to start up. just a pity that they're so badly made with cheap parts and the nz distributor doesn't seem to want to support them when they break down.