Having just got a new Hitachi LCD (32LD7800TA) I decided it was time to retire the old Strong SD-STB and looked around at various offerings for a HD-STB.

I finally selected the DSE DTR-8000 mainly for the choice of outputs from the unit and the ability to match the numerous inputs available on the LCD.

The price from Tandy was the same as Dick Smith $375.00.

Set up was a breeze, the unit looks nice being Black and Silver, although in my set up it is not on view.

I initially set the unit to interface with the LCD using componant and the picture was great, the following day I got a DVI-D cable and set the interface that way and the picture was fantastic!

Setting the unit up was simply a matter of making the connections, turning on and by using the remote selecting from 576p to 1080i as the output and then doing an auto scan. I set the unit to 1080i as my LCD is HD

All my channels were found first hit as well as radio (reside in Gold Coast) and the strength of signal and quality far exceeded the SD Strong.

The remote is small and functional although I use a Philips Pronto for all control so I do not use it now.

Audio from the DTR-8000 goes to a Sony AV Amp and both AC3 and MPEG signals are strong and clear.

Things I like about the unit aside from it's performance is the ability to have 4 favourite settings, the OSD of each catergory makes changing channels a breeze and no visible lag in channel switching.

A seperate output that is independant of the main unit that permits connection to a VCR or in my case a DVD recoder at 576p

All in all for the price and flexibility this unit is worth a look

High Definition Viewing 16"9 Flat Widescreen
Multiple Video Output - DVI, Component, Composite, S-Video
Dolby Digital Audio Output (Optical & Coaxial)
Digital TV Output Formats (1080i, 720p, 576p⁄i)
Support LCN (Logical Channel Number ) for Menu listing & remote control selection
Electronic Programme Guide
Teletext closed captions & Bit-mapped subtitles decoding
Support Parental Guidance classification code

The unit is handled by a group called DPG (Digital Products Group) www.digitalpg.com.au although that site shows Paige communications and still under constructions.

I'm told this is a Topfield unit but can't confirm that without some screw removal.

Does this unit have vga output as well?

sorry.. Yes it does have VGA out.. I have not tried it.

I just picked up this box and i have it connected to the 50'' Pana..

It pretty sweet.. im still tossing up if i keep it..

yep testing one currently, comapring agaist DGTEC 2000A, better unit, still tossing up as i have more than a week to use my 14day money back guarentee!!, overall very happy with unit!

im going to keep it.. It was only $350 and im happy with it..

When the HD pvrs come ill throw this into the bedroom..

I purchased my DTR 8000 last nite and it hasnt missed a beat. I previously had the DGTEC 2000A and was experiencing some serious audio drop-outs, but since having the DTR 8000, not a single drop-out.

The set up was quite painless and easy and first impressions, I am very happy with the unit. I have set it up on my Harmony 880 remote and it works perfectly.

Regards

Kelly14

Do these things have a fixed output resolution or can you set it to native?

Say for example your watching ch 7 HD and the program is in 720p, then the box outputs 720p, then you flick it over to ch 9 HD and the program is in 1080i, then the box switches over to 1080i. Is this possible?

I'd like to be able to watch programs in there native resolution.

Has Topfield a HD STB?

Have you managed to confirm this yet. It will be interesting as it will be a pointer to their long touted HD PVR.

Hi everyone,
I have just bought a DSE DTR 8000 off of ebay - without a manual and have know idea how to get it connected. I have plugged in to AV1 on my Panasonic HD TV just like I had with my previous SD set top box. But without the manual, I am stumped. Can anyone point me in the direction of a manual I can download or how to set this thing up?
Cheers,
Grabbie

Could be anything my experience with DSE stuff it is often just Badge Engineered, I have a cheap 51cm TV at our hol place and it is a re-badged NEC if I can remember correctly.

OK I have managed to get it working but only to see the chanels I have know idea how to get to the menu options via the remote can anyone help me?
Cheers,
Grabbie

I have had one of these for nearly 3 years without any problems: good tuner! It is a Homecast OEM (you can see the model number on the PCB if you look through the ventilation slots on the top).

Press the menu button on the remote and then use the four buttons around the OK button to navigate through the menu, using the OK button to select menu items.
use the EXIT button to back out of the menu when done.
You should be able to progress from there.

Chris

Thanks Chris - it turns out I din't have the cables plug in properly so I could get the chanels but not the menu options.
All fixed now and thankyou for your help.
Cheers

I just picked one of these up from Dick Smith for $29.
Bargain I thought.
However, it came without the instructions and the remote.
At the moment, I have absolutely no idea how I am supposed to set this up.
Can it be run directly off the unit itself?
I have connected up the component cable and could only get a picture on my tv when I plugged it into VCR out. But I can't get the menu to appear on my tv. How do I connect this up to get the menu?

A lot of questions I know. I thought I was fairly technologically literate - but I appear to have been wrong. I hope the $29 is worth the stress of trying to get this to work.

do you really want a set top box where you have to get off your seat to change the channels?? I havent done that since 91! Get a replacement or spend a few more bucks...