Vantage HD 6000T/NZ

[coolvibe]

Now available HD terrestrial PVR BOX IN NZ.
NO HDCP so component HD available.
NOT freeview certified (who cares:-)
Any new info about this box welcome.
Can it play divx/xvid for example?
Future features planned?
Usability?

http://www.dtvs.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=64
Vantage HD 6000T/NZ
$499.00NZD


**SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER**
Includes a full 1 year subscription to TV Guide Magazine.

Made in Korea, this product is developed by top engineers and as a result this receiver is only among the few that are capable of offering High Definition PVR functions.

The Ultimate DVB-T High Definition receiver.
PVR Ready.
Attach an external USB drive and start recording your programs.
Behaves similar to a VCR but will record 2 channels simultaneously on the same MUX.
40 timer events.
MPEG-4/HD.
External HDD Connectable for Recording.
Has Time-Shift function.
Allows watching from begining of a program being recorded.
Allows editing of recorded programs.
Records HD programs in HD.
High Definition over Component Video.
User friendly High Definition User Interface.
Timer Function for Scheduled Recordings.
Auto Scan and Manual Scan for Channels.
HDMI, Component, Composite, S-Video, Optical Audio Outputs.
Software Upgrade via RS323 or USB Stick.
Includes HDMI Cable.
ST chipset

[Dimwitt]

What a Conn.. $499 Nz
No onboard HDD.. Usb only.. Pretty much an afterthought..
Be honest, what are these costing per unit landed.. $140 Nz tops ???.

Spose.. Lap it up while you can.

[ahnz]

What a Conn.. $499 Nz
No onboard HDD.. Usb only.. Pretty much an afterthought..
Be honest, what are these costing per unit landed.. $140 Nz tops ???.

Spose.. Lap it up while you can.

That is not true. Zinwell, VE4000, Coship etc. all have USB drive support. This is not an afterthought. Face the reality, only the Vantage PVR works now. We have many happy customers.

You are entitled your opinion but you are way off your assumption on $140 nz. Try importing a similar product from Korea that works the same. Also, give away a 1 year subscription to the TV Guide Magazine. You will learn very quickly about pricing. Also, the derivative of this product sells in UK for GBP379 which is around NZ988 at todays exchange rate. We have done well to keep the price to NZ499.


AH

[coolvibe]

What a Conn.. $499 Nz
No onboard HDD.. Usb only.. Pretty much an afterthought..
Be honest, what are these costing per unit landed.. $140 Nz tops ???.

Spose.. Lap it up while you can.
Most companies work on a 100% markup It covers everything from returning dead units. customer enquiries and stock costs, you cannot just buy 10 of these things you have to invest thousands of dollars. So you incur interest charges at 10%+. If the unit gets a bad rap on a forum your whole stock is bricked.

Ok next putting a hard drive in one of these units issues to overcome.
1 is heat from the drive
2 is power consumption so you need a bigger power supply = more heat
3 and wost of all as far as I am concerned is the dreaded whining noise
from even the quietest drive, especially when attached to a box that resonates extremely bad in my books.

Having the HDD external means you can hide it around the back of the tv on some carpet and mufffle the noise, turn it off when not in use and it has its own psu.
The stb will not over heat due to no fans being installed because of added noise and more cost.
And best of all you can swap out the drives any time you feel like. the unit I have been told has been tested with 320 gig drives that's around 74 hours of HD tv.
People are trying to get the zinwell 620 to do what this box already does for a similar RRP. Also it has a display that cannot be seen from the front image as well not just a blank facia plate like the zinwel.

Heres a picture of the remote attached

[paulw]

A couple of Questions on the HD setup.

1. Any sort of off the shelf HD in an external box do.
2. Can you use a 2.5 inch powered from the STB.
3.Does the Unit format it when plugged in from the setup menu or does it have to be done on a PC??

TIA.

[ahnz]

A couple of Questions on the HD setup.

1. Any sort of off the shelf HD in an external box do.
2. Can you use a 2.5 inch powered from the STB.
3.Does the Unit format it when plugged in from the setup menu or does it have to be done on a PC??

TIA.

Hi,

1. Cannot guarantee every USB drive off the shelf will work. Suggest stick to the more popular brands. We use a Western Digital MyBook 320Gb 3.5" External drive. It works well.
2. No. External powered drive is recommended.
3. There is a Format option on the unit.

AH

[paulw]

Thanx AH

[b26354]

I just hooked up one of these boxes. PVR features are pretty cool once I figured out where the menu to set up the timer was hidden. FF and REW are very usable although if you FF over the end of a program it'll revert back to the beginning (which is annoying if you're watching something while you're recording it and you catch up with the broadcast).

Looks like it uses about 5 Gig per hour and the files are split into 1.47Gig chunks to keep the FAT32 filesystem happy.

Now I need to figure out the best way to utilise the limited number of inputs on my pioneer plasma (I either have 2 components inputs or 1 HDMI and one component) which I need to share between media player, dvd, 2 freeview boxes and xbox. Seem like I need a HDMI/component switch box.

Still have a DSE freeview box hooked up to a sony HDD recorder (via s-video) which will come in handy for any TV2/TV3 program clashes.

[coolvibe]

Looks like it uses about 5 Gig per hour and the files are split into 1.47Gig chunks to keep the FAT32 filesystem happy.

That limitation is to be expected. Fat32 is not designed for large video files nor large hard drives on windows (where it first appeared on mass). So why are stb manufacturers still adopting it. I can only imagine it comes free with the sdk and that the developers cannot be bothered to use a more scalable format plus time to market of course.
what about ext2 format. free drivers available for windows and supported in linux.
And don't give me they need fat32 for firmware upgrades. The boot loader can have fat32 to load new firmware. The firmware can have whatever file system is compiled in. Normally the boot loader has its own file space independent of the loaded firmware.
No more fat32 devices please

[b26354]

Re: fat32

The recording/playback is seamless so you don't notice the multiple files though - and I'm not sure if the vantage's native format is FAT32. The disk I used was originally formatted for linux and wasn't recognised so I reformatted it on a PC with FAT32. I'll try re-formatting on the vantage and see what FS I get.

[wiredr]

i dont see that the dividing of the video stream is as a result of windows and fat32 .i would say that the vantage software is dividing the stream to be compatable with a dvd recorder. dvbviewer has an option to do this in the setup . i am using a hauppage hvr900h through dvbviewer and the recorded files are whatever length i choose to record . vlc reports the ts stream as h264 mp4a and plays back at 1.26mb/s 63 minutes of tv3 =5.3gb.

[openmedia]

Fat32 has a 4Gb file size limit so if the HD is formatted Fat32 it will need to split at some reasonable point.

[coolvibe]

Good news the cost of this box has been reduced to $450 making this box probably the most attractive box on the market with PVR functionality via usb.

[coolvibe]

Good news the cost of this box has been reduced to $450 making this box probably the most attractive box on the market with PVR functionality via usb.
Hope some of you got this box for the reduced price its back at full RRP again for now. I will put one of these boxes through its paces soon. As far as I am concerned this is the ONLY NZ DTT box that supports pvr and works, does not have the dreaded HD only through hdmi with hdcp. I have yet to see a bad comment about the box apart from wanting to buy the box for build price.

[coolvibe]

Hi All
I have just started to review this box. First impression is it has a very clean interface. It is fluid in control and quite flexible to setup.
I will post a full review later but for now I found this of interest and thought I should let you all into a nice piece of info.

This device will playback xvid content and the lipsync stays correct.
You can fast forward and pause. I found with fast forward as with most players, you have to pause the stream get it to sort itself out again.
It will not play ts from dvbviewer or powercinema. ( No Sound)
Powerdvd8 will not play the tsp stream recorded on the vantage. (No Sound)
Picture on both cases awesome via component On my sony lcd rear projector.
Dave

[kilaru]

I have been using this receiver for some time and have been very impressed with what I have got. I have done a walkthrough/review (whatever you want to call it) of the product so that everyone can get some information about this wonderful receiver. It is the only receiver which can record HD and does it well.

Vantage HD6000T/HD Walkthrough

The Vantage HD6000T/NZ attaches to a UHF antenna and includes a loop through connection to allow your antenna signal to pass through to other devices supporting analogue services. It is simple to set up, plug it in to your UHF antenna and connect it to your TV using HDMI. If your TV does not have HDMI, then connect it via Component. The Vantage HD6000T/NZ offers High Definition output via both HDMI and Component. If your TV does not have HDMI & Component, you can still get good picture out of the S-Video or Composite (Red,White,Yellow) outputs. The Vantage offers sound via analogue and digital outputs. For digital outputs, it offers both an Optical Out and Coaxial Out. There are many options for connecting this receiver so most of your needs will be met.

Once attached and power plugged in, the receiver will ask you for your local time information and will begin scanning the entire spectrum for signals and channels. This is a one time process which can take about five minutes. In some locations in New Zealand, it is possible for your UHF antenna to receive a signal from another nearby transmitter. The Vantage will find these for you and select the channels with the best possible signal strength and quality. Once the channels are scanned, you will be asked to save the channels and you can begin viewing normal television.

The picture quality via HDMI and Component HD is superb. The SD outputs can be improved but those who want the SD output would want to feed it to an external recorder which you don't need with the Vantage if you attach a HDD. You just record on to the HDD.

The Vantage HD600T/NZ has a full VFD display to allow the channel name and information to be shown on the LCD display. The elegant design and colours used hides the appeareance of the VFD and can only be seen when the receiver is turned on. Impressive!! It is the only actively marketed receiver available with a VFD among the High Definition set top boxes.

Picture settings including aspect ratio settings can be done via the VFormat button on the remote control. It is also possible to select these values via the Menu. The Vantage separates the Television and Radio channels. The Radio channels can be selected using the TV/Radio Mode button.

Channel list on the Vantage can be obtained via the OK button or by pressing the List button. There are various types of channel sorting options available including, Alphabetic, Frequency, and HD. Favourites are also allowed. Extended channel information is available by pressing the Info button. Press the Info button once and it will show "Now & Next" channel information. Press the Info button again and it will show detailed information on the current program. Press the Info button the third time and it will show the "Stream Information". The "Stream Information" shows technical details about
the channel including the transmission resolution and audio type.

Additional buttons are available on remote control to allow "Mosaic" display, Zoom, change the Video Format, Guide or EPG. Unlike many receivers on the market which are promising PVR functions, the Vantage comes with a full remote control with PVR control buttons as it has a working recording function already.

The Vantage HD6000T/NZ software allows recording of High Definition programming and allows you to enjoy playback of the programming in High Definition. To enable the PVR functions, simply add a USB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to the USB port at the back of the receiver. If you already have a formatted USB Hard disk drive, ensure that it is FAT32 formatted as NTFS is
not supported currently by the Vantage software. The Vantage HD6000T/NZ however, does not impose any upper limit on the size of the USB HDD so you can purchase a drive that suits your budget and needs.

The Vantage HD6000T/NZ allows several methods of recording. The first is via a Grid based EPG. This can be accessed by pressing the Guide button. The EPG will show you the events which you can record. Highlight the programme you want to record an dthen press the Timer button (green) to add the recording to the Timer. A full EPG is not shown as it is not transmitted by the broadcaster currently from where the Vantage can pick up the information.

The Vantage HD6000T/NZ also offers direct recording facility via the Timer. This facility is called Reservation in the menu and allow a total of 40 timer events. It supports once, daily, weekday timer options which just about covers most of the requirements. The Vantage implementation of the weekday feature is clever. It allows selecting of individual days so you can effectively select to record on a particular day or as many days in the week, like Saturday & Sunday to record only in the weekends. It will also allow you to turn a recording "off" in the case if you have event you want to keep in the timer but not record at the moment.

There is also an instant recording option to record the current program. Just press the record button and it will ask you if you want to stop the recording at the end of the scheduled programme. If you respond with "yes", then the recording will stop at the end of the programme. If you say "No", then the Vantage will continue to record up to the recording limit set. To avoid filling up your entire hard disk drive, the Vantage allows you to set the maximum hours it will record under its PVR settings.

Two channels can be recorded simultaneously on the Vantage HD6000T/NZ. As there is only one tuner, it is technically only possible to record two channels on the same multiplexer. Transmission in New Zealand is via three multiplexers, namely, TVNZ, TVWorks and Kordia so the channels are in three groups. With a single tuner you cannot hop across a group while recording.

Recorded programs can be accessed via the Media button on the remote. All programs are stored under the "Record" directory on the HDD. It is all nicely laid out via either Programme Name and Date or Channel Name and Date. Each recording has it own directory and there is another suprise!! Press the Info button to the navigated program and the Vantage will show you a Synopsis of the program!! To playback a program, navigate to the ".trp" file and press OK.

Playback of recorded programs on the Vantage is seamless. The playback is via the "Vantage Player" which also allows additional functions. You can seek through the program by pressing the left and right buttons. You can also set bookmarks to allow easy navigation to your favourite parts of the program. You can also edit your program and cut out bits that are not required. The editing and bookmark features are very simple and do require enhancements.

The Vantage HD6000T/NZ can also playback some media created by external sources. Playback of some XViD files is possible. Reporting of each type of file is beyond the scope of this article. Other media, images can also be played back via a slide show.

The Vantage HD6000T/NZ is the most developed receiver currently available in its kind. Where most manufacturers are still trying to stabalise picture and sound issues on their receivers, the Vantage picture and sound has been working for a long time and their development has progressed into offering a working PVR function.

Developed and manufactured in Korea, the Vantage HD6000T/NZ is the real winner when quality and realiable operation of your set top box is a concern. It had been a real winner for me.

Kilaru

[coolvibe]

What about anything you did not like. I found the most annoying thing was getting out of the player. I thought pressing stop twice would be enough. But no you have to press back button and then confirm.
Yes it is the nicest looking box.
Yes it is the most advanced digital box on the market.
It is very similar internal hardware as the extra and visione boxes.
Main difference is this box has pvr working now.
It suffers from the same SDK issue as the extra and visione boxes where the SD ouput is displayed incorrectly. IF STI would release a fix for this it would make this box the leader. At present Watching the ET thread, the extra has lots of firmware issues, and as someone else pointed out. If they could do PVR they would release the PVR now to increase the sales, not wait until the next PVR enabled unit arrives (unless it is a new box that they are working on ;-)). This is a small market, once it becomes saturated only the best will survive the long haul, not the cheapest.
Dave

[kilaru]

What I didn't like is mostly known but here they are:

1) Cannot record directly via EPG over more than one day. Now and next is OK but need a full EPG. I am happy with the explanation given to me by the importer that full EPG is not possible as the necessary information is not available in the stream. A new MHEG-5 EPG is being developed which will have the information.

2) Menu font is small. It can do with bigger fonts.

3) HDD management. Cannot manage via the Vantage Player. Have to do this from the Menu.

4) Editing feature only does one edit at a time. I would prefer setting a list of bookmarks with the cuts and then make the receiver do the work.

5) Audio outputs. Not enough if you want to plug into the TV/VCR/DVD. You will need a splitter. I have Optical+Composite connected to STB input on my AMP. HDMI to my TV. My AMP takes care of input priority and uses the appropriate input based on type of signal available. I just have to turn the AMP on when there is an AC3 broadcast, otherwise, I just use TV audio via HDMI. Audio outputs are sufficent for me.

One issue I had but now resolved was with artifacts. I found that my signal was a bit low. Now have about 65dB signal level with an amplifier and no artifacts. Also PVR performs flawlessly as signal is clean.

I don't mind pressing 'yes' to exit the Vantage player. I am sure if everyone complains about it, it will be changed.

I am not concerned about SD picture. I prefer HD and use it and its available with this box. There is no need to feed to SD VCR or DVD as this box already has the function to record to a HDD.

Here is my wish list for the Vantage:

1) Full EPG
2) Larger font in the menu
3) Allow managing HDD from Vantage Player
4) Improve editing features
5) More audio outputs for external SD devices
6) Easier exit from Vantage Player
7) Lower price

Please add to my wish list.

Kilaru

[nzpaul]

Now have about 65dB signal level with an amplifier and no artifacts. Also PVR performs flawlessly as signal is clean.

I am intestest in your comment above re the PVR.
Did you have problems with the PCR below 65dB?

I have a HD6000T/NZ and though I get a signal strength of between 65 -74 when I have a daily reservation set it almost never seems to complete the recording for the whole reservation time period.

Have you seen this issue?

[kilaru]

Now have about 65dB signal level with an amplifier and no artifacts. Also PVR performs flawlessly as signal is clean.

I am intestest in your comment above re the PVR.
Did you have problems with the PCR below 65dB?

I have a HD6000T/NZ and though I get a signal strength of between 65 -74 when I have a daily reservation set it almost never seems to complete the recording for the whole reservation time period.

Have you seen this issue?

My signal was sometimes below 55dB and I used to get glitches. After installing an amp, the glitches went.

Are you sure you have set the time/clock correctly? There is also a setting that allows you to add extra minutes. I have set this to 5 minutes and haven't missed anything yet.

[nzpaul]

I am using a standing daily reservation of for example 6:00 - 7:00PM
Every day since I set it up 10 days ago I get a different result for 50 seconds worst to 55 minutes length of recording.
Yet when I use the record now and stop at the end of a current program I can record flawlessly even for a program that runs for hours.

Anywat just thought I would ask if you had exerienced this issue.
I have raised on the vendors website forum and they are trying to duplicate the problem.

Thanks

[kilaru]

Just spotted on the DTV Solutions website. The Vantage HD6000T/NZ is on special at $299 till 28 Oct 2008. New stock released. If you are looking at recording HD, this is the receiver to go for.

Kilaru

[kilaru]

Here is something I found. I can now play my Vantage recorded files from USB HDD via Windows Media Player.

I put the file through TsRemux. Remuxed file plays OK. You will need a powerful CPU and graphics accelerator to play HD content.

Anyone else has something to add?

Kilaru

[Julz]

Ok enough lurking, & yes I did get one ;)

IMHO this is the only real solution to a Freeview PVR under $500, the others are either poorly made or show no real hope of ever being a PVR (yes, that's you (Yess DVB-T9900HD, DSE HD & Zinwell 620 HD).

So far I'm quite impressed, I can't say that the font is small & that it could do with bigger fonts. For me it's OK (maybe you need a bigger TV ;))

It boots up faster than my Philips TV (that's good) but like all STB, it's not too fast at changing channels.

I've yet to tryout the PVR, I'm hanging out for a cheap pick up on Trade Me. Then I'll have a go at trying to get video back onto the Vantage, So I'd like to know from the others (coolvibe ??) what successes they had with uploading their own video.

Cheers Julz

[jonathan]

Hi there

I'm hoping a user of the Vantage can confirm a couple of things for me:

1. does the unit have an "auto" resolution setting (I assume the outputed resolution is selected by the "V Format" button the remote)? What I mean is does it allow the channels to be outputed at their native resolution (eg TV1 at 720; TV3 at 1080; Maori at 576), or does one have to determine a resolution which the player then scales any output to?

2. just to confirm - there is no 8-day EPG? So it's just "current" and "next"?

These are the two things that are stopping me purchasing one of these units - while the first may not be a total stopper, the 2nd one probably is: we don't get any magazine with Freeview listings, so this would be our primary (only?) way of knowing what was coming up. Other than that, I think (considering the cost) I could cope without recording off an 8-day EPG.

Thanks for any replies.

[Julz]

Gidday Jonathan,

Ans #2: not yet, see http://www.dtvs.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=37.0
Although I can see what's on tomorrow ;-) as well as most of tonight.

Ans #1: DVTS also have a manual you can d/l from their site: http://www.dtvs.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=25.0

Basically I think it only outputs at a fixed resolution & if it don't fit, it fixes it (upscales/downscales). You have a choice of setting it to 576p, 720p & 1080i , but no "native" option & I'd be surprised to find a STB that would. You will note that the Aspect Ratio does have an option of "Auto" so it won't widescreen any 4:3 programmes if you choose.

Cheers Julz


Hi there

I'm hoping a user of the Vantage can confirm a couple of things for me:

1. does the unit have an "auto" resolution setting (I assume the outputed resolution is selected by the "V Format" button the remote)? What I mean is does it allow the channels to be outputed at their native resolution (eg TV1 at 720; TV3 at 1080; Maori at 576), or does one have to determine a resolution which the player then scales any output to?

2. just to confirm - there is no 8-day EPG? So it's just "current" and "next"?

These are the two things that are stopping me purchasing one of these units - while the first may not be a total stopper, the 2nd one probably is: we don't get any magazine with Freeview listings, so this would be our primary (only?) way of knowing what was coming up. Other than that, I think (considering the cost) I could cope without recording off an 8-day EPG.

Thanks for any replies.

[jonathan]

Gidday Jonathan,

Ans #2: not yet, see http://www.dtvs.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=37.0
Although I can see what's on tomorrow ;-) as well as most of tonight.

Ans #1: DVTS also have a manual you can d/l from their site: http://www.dtvs.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=25.0

Basically I think it only outputs at a fixed resolution & if it don't fit, it fixes it (upscales/downscales). You have a choice of setting it to 576p, 720p & 1080i , but no "native" option & I'd be surprised to find a STB that would. You will note that the Aspect Ratio does have an option of "Auto" so it won't widescreen any 4:3 programmes if you choose.

Cheers Julz

Hi there - thanks for the reply. I feared as much, so I may hold off purchasing a bit longer! Wait for the Sommett and Topfields to show up... Though I also need to read up a bit more on the Hyundai (which seems fairly expensive for a unit that has no HD built in).

There are indeed a few STBs that output in the native resolution - check out this thread, which discusses a Draco model (no PVR functions though). I'm also wondering whether the over-priced Zinwell PVR has this feature - I recall the manual discusses an "auto" setting (unlike the their basic receiver).

http://www.audioenz.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=68317#post68317

Cheers
Jonathan

[kilaru]

Hi there - thanks for the reply. I feared as much, so I may hold off purchasing a bit longer! Wait for the Sommett and Topfields to show up... Though I also need to read up a bit more on the Hyundai (which seems fairly expensive for a unit that has no HD built in).

There are indeed a few STBs that output in the native resolution - check out this thread, which discusses a Draco model (no PVR functions though). I'm also wondering whether the over-priced Zinwell PVR has this feature - I recall the manual discusses an "auto" setting (unlike the their basic receiver).

http://www.audioenz.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=68317#post68317

Cheers
Jonathan


The Vantage is the most mature receiver available in its category. I have been using it since July last year and the receiver has been stable with no issues. Having stable hardware and software is not easy to achieve and I believe that is a leading point. Sommett, Topfield etc.. are still coming since July last year???

EPG does not really matter for me as I got used to programming with the timer. For me the Freeview EPG is a nice to have not a necessity as I can do everything on the timer. At some stage, I hope the Vantage will have the Freeview EPG available to make programming easier.

I remember discussing native transmission with the importer and what was mentioned is that many TVs do not take well to resolution changes and delay in setting the right resolution can be annoying for end users. So it is best to set 1080i and let the receiver manage the resolution. This sounds like a valid explanation to me.

Also, one point to note is that the Vantage does record native resolution.

Kilaru

[ahnz]

There is new software for the Vantage HD6000T/NZ. Includes some bug fixes and font changes.

Software is available at this link:

http://www.dtvs.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=44.0


AH

[dr_baird]

Hello,

I have been pulling my hear out spending hours trying to find something that will play or convert the *.trp files recorded by the Vantage HD6000T unit. Basically only the unit can play back these files so you cannot record these to DVD or play on PC. I have tired a lot of different programs that say they will play *.trp files or convert these to *.ts etc. I have also tried many different codec's in cast that was the issue. Has anybody got this to work and if so how? This is a very limiting problem.

Format : MPEG-TS
Format profile : No PAT/PMT
File size : 75.6 MB
Duration : 1mn 10s
Overall bit rate : 8 990 Kbps

Video
ID : 281 (0x119)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L4.0

Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 4 frames
Duration : 1mn 10s
Width : 1 280 pixels
Height : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16/9
Frame rate : 50.000 fps
Standard : Component
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive

Audio
ID : 331 (0x14B)
Format : MPEG Audio
Duration : 1mn 10s
Video delay : -375ms

[sub]

Have you got a small sample file you can make available? I'll try it in GB-PVR, that can play Freeview HD recordings made on PCs (when you have the appropriate decoders installed, for example Cyberlink H.264 and Monogram AAC). I should be able to tell you if they play, or if not why not.

[dr_baird]

Have you got a small sample file you can make available? I'll try it in GB-PVR, that can play Freeview HD recordings made on PCs (when you have the appropriate decoders installed, for example Cyberlink H.264 and Monogram AAC). I should be able to tell you if they play, or if not why not.

Sure, the limit here is 7.5MB. A 40 second recording is 32MB so I have put the files here for seven days - http://internet-tdrs.trimble.com/TDRS/outgoing/1016422568-b5b857ad1b4a/. Your assistance is appreciated. I believe I have the H.264 and Monogram AAC decoders installed correctly.

The best I came up with was to use h264ts_cutter_v111 to convert the *.TRP file to *.TS but I was then only able to playback the file in VLC (www.videolan.org/vlc/) with no sound.

[sub]

Sure, the limit here is 7.5MB. A 40 second recording is 32MB so I have put the files here for seven days - http://internet-tdrs.trimble.com/TDRS/outgoing/1016422568-b5b857ad1b4a/. Your assistance is appreciated. I believe I have the H.264 and Monogram AAC decoders installed correctly.

The best I came up with was to use h264ts_cutter_v111 to convert the *.TRP file to *.TS but I was then only able to playback the file in VLC (www.videolan.org/vlc/) with no sound.The original .trp file contains raw copies of the audio/video streams, but misses the PAT and PMT tables, which describes the various streams in the file.

I tried using h264ts_cutter_v111 to convert the *.TRP file to *.TS, and this added in the missing parts, constructing new PAT and PMT tables, but unfortunately its getting the PMT wrong. Specifically its not correctly identifying the audio format we use here in NZ, so marks the audio streams as the incorrect type, resulting in no audio during playback.

[dr_baird]

Many thanks for your help on this one. Now I know the problems I will do some more research into how to solve them.

[dr_baird]

With some help I now have the *TRP output format of the Vantage HD 6000T/NZ playing on my PC. The only method so far is using a purchased copy of DVB Viewer (V3.9.4) (www.dvbviewer.com) and drivers from Cyberlink Power DVD 9. I initially had trouble with registering the drivers but after a few minutes worked it out.

Now the Vantage HD 6000T/NZ is much more useful as a recorder.

[SquareEyes]

Hi,
The features look cool, but...
Ok, I admit I have been spoiled by the features on the mySky box, but I was wondering, can the HD600T record 2 channels while playing back a recording?

It seems like it should be able to, as the features on the page (http://www.dtvs.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=64) suggest that it can record 2 channels, and the manual says you can watch from the begining while the show is still being recorded, but I can't find anywhere where it is stated explicitly.

[ahnz]

Hi,
The features look cool, but...
Ok, I admit I have been spoiled by the features on the mySky box, but I was wondering, can the HD600T record 2 channels while playing back a recording?

It seems like it should be able to, as the features on the page (http://www.dtvs.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=64) suggest that it can record 2 channels, and the manual says you can watch from the begining while the show is still being recorded, but I can't find anywhere where it is stated explicitly.


Yes, you can record two channels at once and simultaneously play back an already recorded program.

AH

[SquareEyes]

Cool! Thank for the info - I ordered yesterday, arrived this morning :)
Has anyone come accross a NAS with a USB2 interface (for using the drive as a USB2 external drive, rather than to add additional drives)?

If this is possible, the maybe XVIDs could be put on the drive remotely, without having to unplug it from the DVR.

I assume that this is how you make the DVR play back the XVIDs?
By the way, has anyone tried DIVX, MP4, MPEG?

I was also thinking, if I recorded anything I wanted to archive, I might be able to encode the recordings into XVID or DIVX formats - has anyone tried that?

Until I get a HDD to go with it I can't play...

[jonathan]

Yes, you can record two channels at once and simultaneously play back an already recorded program.

AH

... however, the Vantage only has one tuner, therefore it will only record two channels at the same time if they're on the same mux, for example TV1 and TV2. This is an important point to note!

[casewindow]

What is a good hard drive to go with the Vantage HD 6000T? I want one that is externally powered and will go to sleep when not in use / resume when the vantage timer starts to record?

I was looking at this one:
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=374056

5400 rpm Western Digital Elements 640Gb

I have a couple of Nexstar 3 enclosures which do power down, but that is only with windows and I am not sure if they power down themselves under other circumstances?

[jonathan]

What is a good hard drive to go with the Vantage HD 6000T? I want one that is externally powered and will go to sleep when not in use / resume when the vantage timer starts to record?

I was looking at this one:
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=374056

5400 rpm Western Digital Elements 640Gb


Search and ye shall find!

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=83&TopicId=31358&page_no=5

http://www.dtvs.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=24.0

In the first post given above, I was warned about the WD Elements: "The elements model does not support power down/up when the host is off/on, according to the WD website. It also has only 1 year warranty."

I went with his recommendation, the 640GB WD My Book model, and it's worked perfectly for me.

[camop]

How bad is the SD (composite) output of this DVB-Terrestrial HD box?
Will it be worse than the SD output of a DVB-Satellite SD box, but still an improvement on "good" analog reception?

The reason I ask is because this will be initially going into the composite inputs of a SD 4:3 CRT TV. I want to get a HD receiver/PVR now for the HDTV I’ll been getting in the near future.

Cheers.

[jonathan]

How bad is the SD (composite) output of this DVB-Terrestrial HD box?
Will it be worse than the SD output of a DVB-Satellite SD box, but still an improvement on "good" analog reception?

The reason I ask is because this will be initially going into the composite inputs of a SD 4:3 CRT TV. I want to get a HD receiver/PVR now for the HDTV I’ll been getting in the near future.
Cheers.

Personally, I've never used any output other than the HDMI, so couldn't comment. However, considering you're proposing initially using the composite out into a standard def TV, I wouldn't think think that you'd have a problem with the quality. Do you have any other options? What about s-video?

[camop]

Composite is the only option on the current TV.

It was only after reading this thread, where some have suggested that the SD output isn’t very good, that I was wondering 'how bad is it'?

Anyone tried it?

[jonathan]

Composite is the only option on the current TV.

It was only after reading this thread, where some have suggested that the SD output isn’t very good, that I was wondering 'how bad is it'?

Anyone tried it?

In your case, what you need is someone who has plugged the composite out into a standard def CRT.

All I'm saying is that comparing the quality of the composite out into a HD TV wouldn't be relevant to your situation as that will simply show all the flaws of the signal, some or most of which would be hidden by using a low res TV. I don't imagine, if you are planning an upgrade of the TV, you'd be risking much by buying a Vantage.

[kiwisteve]

Composite Video ( CVBS ) you will see colour strobing and beat in the Reds

Suggest use in this order

HDMI
Component
SVHS
CVBS

I also like SDI with imbedded audio but this is not normally available on domestic equipment

[jonathan]

Composite Video ( CVBS ) you will see colour strobing and beat in the Reds

Suggest use in this order

HDMI
Component
SVHS
CVBS

I also like SDI with imbedded audio but this is not normally available on domestic equipment

He's only got composite!

[kiwisteve]

Yes I know but I was just posting the order of best quality !!
for those reading the posting

[camop]

Thanks Jonathan. That makes sense.

[whittaker007]

Hi guys, I'm thinking of getting one of these. Can it play back video files from an attached USB hard drive? What formats does it support? I'm experimenting with file formats that can preserve 5.1 audio and if I can play them back from this device that would be fantastic.

[jonathan]

Hi guys, I'm thinking of getting one of these. Can it play back video files from an attached USB hard drive? What formats does it support? I'm experimenting with file formats that can preserve 5.1 audio and if I can play them back from this device that would be fantastic.

Hi - I don't use mine to play back video files other than TV programmes recorded on it (as I have a Mac Mini for this purpose), but I know it does play back many formats including DIVX and XVID files - check out a thread on Geekzone for more info: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=83&topicid=31358&page_no=4

[whittaker007]

Cool, thanks! Have you processed recorded files for playback on your mac? I've read the earlier comments on the PC utility but I have a mac too. Can they be remuxed or re-encoded using Handbrake or MpegStreamClip?

[jonathan]

Cool, thanks! Have you processed recorded files for playback on your mac? I've read the earlier comments on the PC utility but I have a mac too. Can they be remuxed or re-encoded using Handbrake or MpegStreamClip?

Sorry, haven't tried to play the Vantage files on either our Windows or Mac PCs - have tried only the crude analogue method of transferring to a DVD recorder via s-video! Some people have appear to have had a bit of luck on a PC (problem with sound on many channels I think) but haven't heard whether anyone's had luck with a Mac - would be interested to know, though.

[nz1080p]

Hi there,

I'm thinking of buying this unit but want to make sure I can playback a recorded program on my media player (it's not looking likely but I have to at least try :D)

Can someone please upload (to rapidshare or simliar) a snippet of their recording please??

TIA

Kerry. :)

[nz1080p]

Anyone??

[whittaker007]

The Vantage recordings cannot be played back directly on a computer as far as I'm aware. Essentially you will need to demux the audio and video streams and then re-mux them into a standard container format. However I have not been able to do that on my Mac with the programs at my disposal, though I haven't had time to look very deeply or at other programs.

I think the best result I had was using MPEG Streamclip which picked up the audio, but no video.

[ahnz]

Hi there,

I'm thinking of buying this unit but want to make sure I can playback a recorded program on my media player (it's not looking likely but I have to at least try :D)

Can someone please upload (to rapidshare or simliar) a snippet of their recording please??

TIA

Kerry. :)

You can play Vantage recordings on a PC with DVBViewer software using CoreAVC, PowerDVD and Monogram AAC codec.

AH

[nz1080p]

Thanks for the replies :)

I'm aware that you can playback these files via software on a PC but I would like to play the files on my media player if at all possible hence my request for a small (10 seconds should do it), clip of the output from the recorder.

So, can anyone supply me a small clip from this box so that I can test???

TIA

Kerry.

[mort]

Thanks for the replies :)

I'm aware that you can playback these files via software on a PC but I would like to play the files on my media player if at all possible hence my request for a small (10 seconds should do it), clip of the output from the recorder.

So, can anyone supply me a small clip from this box so that I can test???

TIA

Kerry.

I'll have a go - what media player are you using? I have a NMT100 media tank and will try a test file soon.

May take a few days before i can upload while as I've just started a new job. busy boy