Recommend Basic Freeview HD (Ariel) Box

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Shindig

873 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#84706 6-Jun-2011 13:08

The items I have shipped from the UK arrive next week! Can't wait.
I have a TV etc but need to buy a Freeview HD box.

Not bothered about PVR functionality, just a small box with a HDMI port to watch FreeviewHD via the ariel.

If anyone could recommend some models that would be tops.

Cheers

The little things make the biggest difference.

hdinsider

551 posts

Ultimate Geek

#478262 6-Jun-2011 17:15

My only experience with basic boxes is with the original Zinwell ZMT-620. They were pretty good a few years ago, but the tuners seem to all be failing now. Half the ones I knew of are now dead.

The DishTV-1020 won the latest Freeview NZ award didn't it? Maybe a good one to go for.

I know a guy with a Sommet box and he likes it.

Anyone else love/hate these?

don't mess with me.... i'm the hd insider....

Rikkitic

Awrrr
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Lifetime subscriber

#478888 8-Jun-2011 10:44

I have been playing around with an Orton 7000 I picked up new on Trade Me for about $180. So far HD reception quality seems good and user interface is fairly straightforward but PVR functionality is pretty worthless. I definitely wouldn't recommend it for recording HD though I'm still investigating that, but if that isn't important to you, it might be okay as just a straightforward HD receiver. Another thing I don't like, though, is that some settings (like surround sound on TV3) don't get saved when power to everything is cut at night so they have to keep being reset the next day. Just like a VCR.

I don't think there is ever a bad time to talk about how absurd war is, how old men make decisions and young people die. - George Clooney

ilovemusic

1319 posts

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#478923 8-Jun-2011 12:38

The original Zinwell/DSE are servicable but no great shakes for performance.

Easy to find and cheap.

Some of the best performers were the Draco HDTV3900 and HDTV6300.

Blighted by dodgy build quality, iffy reliability and so-so support.

They also made a Freeview approved model, HDTV5500.

bfginger

1140 posts

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#479030 8-Jun-2011 17:01

You can now buy the DishTV T1020 receiver with EPG and recording for $149 which kind of depreciates the Orton.

Sphyre

74 posts

Master Geek

#479069 8-Jun-2011 18:43

bfginger: You can now buy the DishTV T1020 receiver with EPG and recording for $149 which kind of depreciates the Orton.

Where? :)

Shindig

873 posts

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#480132 11-Jun-2011 19:06

Cheers for the replies guys. Liking the sound of the DishTV one.

MKV support as well! super.

The little things make the biggest difference.

Dunnersfella

3870 posts

Uber Geek

#480184 11-Jun-2011 22:04

Grab a Dish TV - best of a cheap bunch I suppose.
$149 at most of the big box stores.

giollarnat

134 posts

Master Geek

#480719 13-Jun-2011 19:15

i have a dishtv t1020 ... only had it for 10 days but so far so good. Good interface menus etc.

DLNA streaming is apparently in the works for its ethernet port. not too many other limitations i'm aware of.

Shindig

873 posts

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#480731 13-Jun-2011 20:38

Where abouts did you buy it from. Wet into Bond and Bond in Newmarket today, they had it for $199! :-(

The little things make the biggest difference.

ilovemusic

1319 posts

Uber Geek

#480995 14-Jun-2011 13:50

Anyone else find the Dish TV oddly named ?

Dunnersfella

3870 posts

Uber Geek

#481010 14-Jun-2011 14:15

It's $149 at Nardly Normal's. And yes... Dish TV is a confusing brand name for a company that make terrestrial and satellite boxes...