Hello,

Anyone know anything about this HD set top box? I noticed it today in a Harvey Norman catalogue for $129. Worth buying, or is there something better for a similar price? Googling the model number reveals pretty much nothing.

The plan is to use it with a 4:3 TV, so it needs to be able to do pan and scan so that it uses the whole screen. Anyone know if it's suitable for a 4:3 TV, and if it's decent quality?

Thanks,
Veyron

Hi Veyron,
I bought one yesterday at HN. Picture on 26 Viewsonic good on both YPbPr and HDMI inputs not so good on CVBS but clear,(as you would expect) easy to set up.
It has 4:3 options with letter box/pan and scan/ full screen I tried the cvbs on a 14" portable (which didn't have any aspect ratio control and displayed a clear picture).

It felt a bit warm to start with but doesn't feel too bad now.
Build quality reasonable.
Signal strength good.
For $129 as you say it's perfectly acceptable. If you want quality go for Topfield or Strong. I feel all these will come down in price towards the end of the year

Thanks for the review Ben. I'll be keeping an eye out for any similarly priced STBs, but this looks like it could be my best bet.

Any other opinions?

Harvey Norman have these it today's paper in Perth for $115
Woolworths have the AWA HDSTB out today also for $128
Like to know how they will compare.....
Waiting for the prices to come under $100 in the next month or so.

Cheers all

Hi all,
I'm also interested in these 2 stb's...am about to buy a HD stb, and wondering what is the difference between these, at this price, and ano at around $200 plus?? Similar specs.... What do you get for the extra bucks??

I brought the Celestial DVB8800HD 2 months ago and yesterday the thing decided not to work.

when I turn it on, it goes into "standby mode" and I can't get it out of "standby mode". Nothing I try seems to work.

Anyone had similar experience?

Well mine which I got last week has issues with not receiving CH7 in all modes when the weather is wet, windy and damp. I checked it against a Dvx 555 SD box which is fine.

I also purchased a Celestial HD STB DVB8800HD from Harvey Norman ($115) and followed the instructions for connecting Component & Audio leads set-up (Page 8 from the handbook) and it would give audio but no picture. If I changed the cable to the RCA set-up (Page 10) it works fine. Has anyone had a similar problem?

I thought i had the same problem but you just have to get the output mode correct..

I've been having the same problem too. I found that if you unplug the power and then plug the power back in, holding the stand-by button on, it resets itself. It took a while to work it out

Arggghhh

I just bought a celestial DVB8800Hd set top box - and it has no instruction manual.

I tried using all the same connections as my SD set top box had, but I have no picture..no menu access

What am I missing? Is there anyone out there with a manual who can help me?

many thanks in advance to anyone who can help...

Ally

Clearly their price hasn't changed in 18months

I purchased one that long ago. Since then I have had cause to find the following

1. the remote control failed
2. the channel display disappears after from 1 to 7 days from startup
3. When I wanted to replace the remote I had to go through direct debiting to their BSB account which is apparently an overseas bank account and they received my cash ten days ago but they have still not posted my new remote control
The company is Changhong Electrics in Mt Waverley, Victoria.
They won't do anything about the Display problem and it is the first remote control I have had that failed EVER.

Instruction manual is in the usual "asian english" and is very limited and difficult to follow.

I noticed that Aldi had a Tevion HD unit for only $59.00 this week.
Might be worth a try.

Regards
Ian

Hi Ally

I have a manual which I described in another reply as very poor and in Asian English.

I could copy it and maybe email it to you.

Did it come with a remote control - because if not - you will have to buy one from Changhong Electrics in Mt Waverley Victoria.

Long winded procedure. Read my reply to the other guy who was interested in the one from Harvey Norman for $129

Regards
Ian

Press the Vmode button - (under the 7 on the remote) - and go through the output modes- each button push changes the mode - there are 4 choices in all - RCA - hdmi - component (bgr) - and Dplug.(serial communication port).