6 replies to this topic

[gone_bush]

Yes, I know that in other threads it is said that STB's are now a commodity item so just go and buy one that matches my budget. But there are contrary opinions. For example, the AWA's appear to be rubbish. So, which STB?

My requirements:
MUST: HD, Logitech Harmony compatible
NICE: PVR

Price: <$100 w/o PVR, >$200 w/ PVR

Given that they probably are a commodity item, this is Dick Smith's offerings. Are there any there that can be recommended? Or something from anywhere else?

[pgdownload]

Personally, I'd look to buy a Freeview STB with Phase 2 EPG (only just appearing). Currently it looks like only Strong offer this (in terms of brand names that seem higher on the list (to me))

Otherwise Healing, Strong, Topfield or Humax are all decent offerings.

But while there are a few cheapy brands (Digitech, AWA, etc.) if you spend a bit extra then you really are getting into much of a muchness (other external factors to brand become more relevant in performance)

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[gone_bush]

pgdownload, on May 16 2011, 09:59 AM, said:

Personally, I'd look to buy a Freeview STB with Phase 2 EPG (only just appearing). Currently it looks like only Strong offer this (in terms of brand names that seem higher on the list (to me))

Otherwise Healing, Strong, Topfield or Humax are all decent offerings.

But while there are a few cheapy brands (Digitech, AWA, etc.) if you spend a bit extra then you really are getting into much of a muchness (other external factors to brand become more relevant in performance)

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Thanks Pete, I stick to the brands you've suggested and I fully understand caveat emptor.

[digitalj]

avoid freeview like the plague

especially if getting a PVR


The Freeview guide at times has proven itself to be wrong while the EIT guide was correct, also the freeview guide tends to be as per the printed guides, while the EIT is more accurate.

[gone_bush]

I wasn't going to consider then for price reasons. I'll probably go with either the Topfield $99 or $199 unit in the Dick Smith link.

TBH I doubt that I'll ever use the PVR facility but...

[gone_bush]

Spam reported

[gone_bush]

A friend is also thinking of getting a STB/PVR. He asked a question that I could not answer: For the TOPFIELD 320Gb High Definition Recorder Pack is it possible to set a schedule for recording? Or do you have to be there to press the record button at the start of the program?