294 replies to this topic

[flagless]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum, as you can see from my signature I make it quit clear that I do not own a PVR as yet, however I have read alot of the posts and done quite a bit of research.
I am in the market for a TRUE twin tuner PVR and so far I have my mind kinda set on an ARION AT-9300PVR.  I have had a look at the Topfield models but they're a little too pricey, also had a look at Mediastar which wasnt too bad but could do a bit better on styling.
I was wondering if there are any current owners or any constructive feedback on the ARION model.
I came across it on ebay so I would hopefully like some feedback before the auction ends, although there seems to be a few available. Unless someone can also suggect where I can purchase it at a reasonable price.

Any constructive feedback would be much appreciated

[G South]

The mediastar is the Arion - it's made by the same people

[flagless]

G South, on Dec 2 2006, 08:30 PM, said:

The mediastar is the Arion - it's made by the same people

That's good to know, and thanks for your feedback G South, but I'm really interested in feedback on the Arion itself. I've been on the Arion website www.arion.co.kr, checked out the specs etc,  and really like the look of it, not saying the mediastar isnt a good looking unit but I would prefer the arion design.

There are a few on auction on the aussie ebay and some have sold, so there should be someone who has bought one that can shed some light. Anyone?

Thanks.

[G South]

Not sure it will work here based on some issues others have raised when using "imported"
PVRs. Apparently ou rbroadcast stream is slightly unique... or something like that.. if you do a search you might find out.
There was a guy on the board a while ago peddling the fact that there were a few Arion's for sale on ebay in aussie....

Geoff

[flagless]

G South, on Dec 4 2006, 09:42 AM, said:

Not sure it will work here based on some issues others have raised when using "imported"
PVRs. Apparently ou rbroadcast stream is slightly unique... or something like that.. if you do a search you might find out.
There was a guy on the board a while ago peddling the fact that there were a few Arion's for sale on ebay in aussie....

Geoff

Hi G South,

Thanks again for your input. I was weary at the fact that it was an import as well. So, I contacted the guys that are auctioning it on ebay, metatronics I believe theyre called. Apparently they're the company that imports it and apparently have a business agreement with ARION , and apparently its the Australian model, complete with component and composite compared to the scart RGB connectors that the European models have.
Well, it comes with a 7day return period on ebay, so if it doesnt work I suppose I can return it!!

[soulsearcher]

I have bought one of these units recently.
Yes, it seems that ARION and MetaTronics are produced by ARION as stated by numerous other members on other Topics. So you are getting the real thing.
Its a really good alternative to the Toppy, as I already had a toppy and needed a second PVR but didnt want to spend much.
The unit comes with a 160GBHDD, USB2.0, universal remote, etc as stated on ebay
The front face to me too was very appealing compared to the other PVR units out there.

As other good PVR's,
Yes it is a true twin tuner.
YEs its chaseplay ready
It allows you to time more than one recording
Transfer recorded files via the USB cable to your PC
Both component and composite output.


I wont mention any  company names where you can purchase it from because some ppl get irritated/offended if someone tries to be helpful, calling one a spammer or a peddler, etc lol. So I will leave that up to you


Its a good bang for your buck PVR! So good luck whatever you decide.

[flagless]

Well Thank you very much to both of you gentlemen.

G South, thanks for your feedback and concerns.

Soul... Thanks for your confirmation that the unit works in AUS. All I needed was for someone to confirm that it
  1) Works in AUS
  2) It's capable of what it says its capable of
  3) It's a TRUE twin tuner
  4) It can transfer files to a PC

All of the above confirmed. Thanks

I might add that I also had a look a the DSE PVR, and apart from it looking really bulky, there does not seem to be any positive feedback on the forum.

Anyways, So I will give the ARION a try unless there are any major objections out there.

Thanks All

[Dave®]

Not sure why you'd buy an Arion on eBay for $525 (inc shipping) with limted (non existant?) support, when you can buy a MediaStar for the same price with real local support and firmware upgrades.

And the MediStar supports a user uploaded EPG.

BTW they're both ugly IMHO.

[flagless]

Well thats a fair point. But if the Mediastar is infact an ARION then Mediastar do not really own the software that controls the hardware, and all software support should really be routed back to ARION to developers in order to supply fixes/firmware updates. So local support would just route issues unless its a hardware issue that needs to be fixed. Just because its a rebadged model doesnt mean it owns the software, or could I be wrong?
Well thats the way I see it. I used to work for a software vendor, now it might not be the same ultimate industry, but software wise I assume it would be the same.

[flagless]

flagless, on Dec 4 2006, 01:49 PM, said:

Well thats a fair point. But if the Mediastar is infact an ARION then Mediastar do not really own the software that controls the hardware, and all software support should really be routed back to ARION to developers in order to supply fixes/firmware updates. So local support would just route issues unless its a hardware issue that needs to be fixed. Just because its a rebadged model doesnt mean it owns the software, or could I be wrong?
Well thats the way I see it. I used to work for a software vendor, now it might not be the same ultimate industry, but software wise I assume it would be the same.

OK I shot an email off to metatronics. All software support comes from ARION itself ie fixes/firmware updates, all bug/quirck reports etc to be routed to ARION via them and the h/w is covered by a 12 month warranty.

Any other questions I should be asking?

[G South]

Does it support ICE EPG (or any external Australian EPG) ?  The mediastar does and once you have it you can't live without it......

[flagless]

G South, on Dec 4 2006, 02:49 PM, said:

Does it support ICE EPG (or any external Australian EPG) ?  The mediastar does and once you have it you can't live without it......

OK ta will follow up with them

[Refidim]

Personally I would buy a PVR on eBay despite the good intentions and promises. For peace of mind nothing beats going to your local HN.  MetaTronics, until a few weeks ago didn't even had a proper web site. Seems like no major retailers will support them, eBay is their last resort,

I know Mediastar since the 80's major supplier of satellite set-tops and dish antennas equipment.

[flagless]

Hi Refidim,

I did not start this topic to slander anyone or any organisation or any company, If you want to slander, please I am not interested. All I wanted was feedback on a particular model, now whether it be a backyard job or a big organisation, I'm not too interested. All I wanted to know is whether it does what it says it can and has anyone used/tested it.

G South, I havent sent the email out in regards to the EPG yet got caught up at work, but thanks for your help.

[Dave®]

Looking at the Arion website there are, and never has been, any firmware downloads available.
http://www.arion.co....e...03&column=1

AFAIK the Arion and the MediStar both come out of the same factory (which is most likely not owned by Arion or MediaStar).

Once you've used a PVR, or HTPC, with a 7 day EPG you'd never want to go back to just 'Now-and-Next'. You *may* be able to load MediStar firmware onto to an Arion to get the benefit of a 7 day EPG. But if it was my money I'd buy the MediaStar over the Arion. I'd actually buy a Toppy but that's not relevent to this discussion.

[flagless]

Dave®, on Dec 5 2006, 02:11 AM, said:

Looking at the Arion website there are, and never has been, any firmware downloads available.
http://www.arion.co....e...03&column=1

AFAIK the Arion and the MediStar both come out of the same factory (which is most likely not owned by Arion or MediaStar).

Once you've used a PVR, or HTPC, with a 7 day EPG you'd never want to go back to just 'Now-and-Next'. You *may* be able to load MediStar firmware onto to an Arion to get the benefit of a 7 day EPG. But if it was my money I'd buy the MediaStar over the Arion. I'd actually buy a Toppy but that's not relevent to this discussion.

Hi Dave,

Quite funnily enough, there does not seem to be anywhere you can download firmware from the Mediastar website either. Could it be said that the different firmware updates might be region specific thats why its not available?

[Refidim]

flagless, on Dec 5 2006, 10:13 AM, said:

Quite funnily enough, there does not seem to be anywhere you can download firmware from the Mediastar website either. Could it be said that the different firmware updates might be region specific thats why its not available?

Flagless, more like Mr. MetaTronics,  you just email MS for it,

[Foggy]

Refidim, on Dec 5 2006, 10:52 AM, said:

Flagless, more like Mr. MetaTronics....

talk about the pot calling the kettle black Mr. Mediastar Refidim

[flagless]

lol calling me Mr Metatronics. I wish though  
Just because I sit on the border and dont follow the "all knowing" Redifim.

And by the way that was not the argument. The statement was that Arion didnt have the firmware versions on their website. Noone mentioned emailing. You're very quick on the trigger.

Come to think of it, Foggy might be right... You are Mr Mediastar, I have seen your tactics in other topics

[Refidim]

flagless, on Dec 5 2006, 11:17 AM, said:

lol calling me Mr Metatronics. I wish though  
Just because I sit on the border and dont follow the "all knowing" Redifim.

And by the way that was not the argument. The statement was that Arion didnt have the firmware versions on their website. Noone mentioned emailing. You're very quick on the trigger.

Come to think of it, Foggy might be right... You are Mr Mediastar, I have seen your tactics in other topics

Refidim not a member of MS. I am in the retail business. My postings are constructive contributions.

[flagless]

Refidim, on Dec 5 2006, 02:32 PM, said:

Refidim not a member of MS. I am in the retail business. My postings are constructive contributions.

ahuh, thats when ur not slandering maybe?

[eyestrain]

Looking forward to finally "going digital" some 2 years and 7 months after joining this Forum as after years of delays in my area fta commercial digital tv has started.

So for the missing link in my digital chain it was finally decision time ... using Metatronics online service I have ordered the Arion AT-9300PVR Premium model with delivery via courier expected later in the week.

Updates on the Arion will follow...

[MrMagoo]

eyestrain, on Dec 11 2006, 04:35 PM, said:

Updates on the Arion will follow...

Please do so.  I'm also considering buying this PVR.

--

[zappa]

think it would be wiser to have the mediastar back up unless you could get a great deal online on the arion.

keep in mind woden harvey norman was selling the mediastar for 450 bucks not long ago so i'd want to get the arion at or below this price delivered.

[eyestrain]

zappa, on Dec 11 2006, 07:50 PM, said:

keep in mind woden harvey norman was selling the mediastar for 450 bucks not long ago so i'd want to get the arion at or below this price delivered.

I think those reading the 'best price thread' on the Mediastar would see that these old prices are rare these days?

This thread suggests that around $500 is the best price the Mediastar was recently available at:
http://www.dtvforum....showtopic=43476

zappa, on Dec 11 2006, 07:50 PM, said:

think  it would be wiser to have the mediastar back up unless you could get a  great deal online on the arion.

Metratronics, in reply to my email regarding this very question, said this,

"Hardware.
The Arion comes with a 12 month warranty. If you have an issue with your Arion hardware and we cannot fix your unit within a working week after receiving it, we will replace your whole unit."
  
  For me the differerence was $90.00 cheaper online for the Arion over the local Hardly Normal franchise!