imported stb's

[wiredr]

here is another dtt stb "STRONG SRT5440 DIGITAL RECEIVER" currently for sale on trademe . the exact same model is sold in australia but as mpeg2.
so where did the importer get the firmware to change this stb to mepeg4 .?
if the only difference between mpeg2 terrestrial and nz mpeg4 is the firmware then why is it takeing so long to get stb's to the nz market.
this model strong allows for external recording via usb at full resolution.
but interestingly does not have meheg5 firmware. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Cables-aerials/auction-164402761.htm

[paulw]

For that price it would have to be really wonderfull, like a DVR as well..

[kiwisteve]

Will also need a different decoder chipset for Mpeg 4
Price way over the top !!

[cyril]

Have you not concidered that due to real world demand for HD DVB chipsets with mpeg4 that ones that only do mpeg2 no longer exist. This has been the case for some years of more. Pretty much every chip vendor making HD capable (ie >576) DVB decoders is only making ones that do mpeg4 (in addition to mpeg2 as is required for baseline IRD compliance) as other than Aus no one else is using mpeg2 for HD. Even in the US the biggest user of HD chips is the cable TV and Satellite business, rather than Terresitial ATSC which only a very small % of population use, and even last look I had most ATSC decoder builders were using mpeg4 capable chips, for same reason, pretty much no one makes mpeg2 only HD decoders anymore. Both cable and Sat operators in the US are also using Mpeg4 to cram more channels in not mpeg2, has been that way for some years.

So yes its quite probable that STBs sold in Aus only need a firmware upgrade to get mpeg4 support as the hardware chipsets are identical, just working at 30%.

Cyril

[kiwisteve]

I have had an AUS DTT box for ages the Decoder chip is way too small
and old to do Mpeg4 so it may be quite a recent change , if it has happened
on these cheap china boxes that sell for under $100

[wiredr]

now that peter escher "satlink"has distributed all of his first shipment of dtt stb' has any one got one yet and had a play.?

[wiilliiss]

just what I was wondering

what % were duds?

[paulw]

Don't know but there is a long thread here.

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=83&TopicId=24705