PVR ready receiver

[sesamestreet]

I just got my hands on another test receiver.

This one is pvr ready via external HDD, now and next EPG only but apparently it will come with a 1 year subscription to TV Guide which is awesome imo going that extra step above strong and offering a fix for the EPG is good.

Timer recordings, has 40 timer slots it has your once, daily, weekly or day selectable recording aswell just by ticking what days you want it to record.
It records 2 channels at the same time off the same mux aswell, which I think is the only one to do this????

HD over component!!! I know this is a big thing for a lot of people and this receiver outputs awesome picture quality on both HD and SD, it has component, HDMI, S-Video and composite outputs for video. Coaxial and Optical outputs for audio.

Its only flaw is the lack of EPG but I think the TV Guide subscription is a good fix for this, I see this being a good seller.

I have attached some pictures. I'm not sure about the "HD/SD" switch but it won't be in the release version i'm told.

[LennonNZ]

What chip set is is based on?

Does it run "linux" and other GPLed software (if so will you do the right thing and offer the Source code for the GPLv2 based part of it and supply it with a copy of the GPLv2 Licence unlike Zinwell)

What is the interface like?

[Injuised]

Nice to see one with PVR functions, but IMHO you neeed a good EPG if you are going to get good funcionality from a STB

[sesamestreet]

I believe it's the ST Chipset and not the Conexant like Zinwell, as I am only testing this receiver i'm not really in a position to comment on what software it uses but I will ask the supplier and let you know.

[openmedia]

The other thing is where are they getting their EPG data from as I'm quite sure TVNZ will be very interested.

[kilaru]

The other thing is where are they getting their EPG data from as I'm quite sure TVNZ will be very interested.

I think it is the TV Guide magazine subscripton.

[sesamestreet]

Yeah it is the tv guide magazine, also have spoken to the supplier who said that the receiver is running the ST Chipset and all software is proprietry so no GPL violations here :D

[grolschie]

What happens after one year? Will the EPG be available by firmware update before then?

[kilaru]

What happens after one year? Will the EPG be available by firmware update before then?

I guess renew the TV Guide subscription, or get used to using it like a VCR which may not be too bad after using it for a year, or, get lucky and get a software upgrade!!

[Digital]

Lol you should get a discount if you already have a TV Guide subscription.

[sesamestreet]

the timer function is very easy to use and is has 40 timer events so the hardest part would be putting in all your programmes the first time, then after that there would only be the occasional movie or what not

[sesamestreet]

anyone purchased one of these yet?

[nickrout]

the timer function is very easy to use and is has 40 timer events so the hardest part would be putting in all your programmes the first time, then after that there would only be the occasional movie or what not

Thats hardly the same as a proper PVR where you say "record every episode of Coronation Street" and it picks up extra Wednesday showings, or any other changes to the schedule.

Or where you say "record Prison Break" and it resumes at the next season, even if on a different channel at a different time.

[kilaru]

Thats hardly the same as a proper PVR where you say "record every episode of Coronation Street" and it picks up extra Wednesday showings, or any other changes to the schedule.

Or where you say "record Prison Break" and it resumes at the next season, even if on a different channel at a different time.

You have to compare apples with apples. It compares well with other similar products like the Strong 5440. Of course it will not meet everyone's demands, but it is the only one that is currenty working and does its job well.

Series recording, twin tuner, full epg will always be better but the Vantage offers some relief to those who want to record now not some months later.

Kilaru

[coolvibe]

The EPG code is currently being worked on. Apparently it was a delay at the NZ end that meant this box came out without a 8 day EPG.
You can select a program from the now and next for recording with a single press of record. From when I had a play. So not to bad and it is time shifting all the time. On the channel you are watching.

[butlerboy]

Looks like some approved pvr's are on the way shortly.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/freeview-readies-hard-drive-recorders-deadlock-remains-with-sky-tv-37221

[Injuised]

Looks like some approved pvr's are on the way shortly.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/freeview-readies-hard-drive-recorders-deadlock-remains-with-sky-tv-37221

theres that 4 million a year price tag again to put Prime on Freeview, if they just turn off the encryption on Prime it would save them that on prime only installs

[butlerboy]

I wonder where that $4 million figure comes from. Seems very high IMHO!!!!:confused:

[kiwisteve]

They wont do that ( make it true fta ) been down that road !

[BigAl]

I wonder where that $4 million figure comes from. Seems very high IMHO!!!!:confused:

wasnt it $3 million last week

I remember reading that there a $100K or so fee for freeview


if Stratos and CTV8 who dont have a large income can join freeview
why cant prime

[Apsattv]

wasnt it $3 million last week

I remember reading that there a $100K or so fee for freeview


if Stratos and CTV8 who dont have a large income can join freeview
why cant prime

Subject has been done to death..! lets try and stay back on topic.

[sesamestreet]

Here is a manual if anyone wants to read it.