Problem is I dont want to go any buy a 320gb hard drive and enclosure for it not to work. I spoke to some guy at Harvey Norman who said that the Strong Box has compatability issues with any USB memory stick or HDD from the Asia Pacific region... something about a physical firewall on the HDD

Riiiiight. Given that most memory devices and hard disks originate from SE Asia these days that would also mean that almost no device would work in the Strong STBs. As for a 'firewall' what sort of drugs do they give these people? You are far more likely to discover that the Strong has firmware issues that prevent it talking to certain (random) devices. Strong isn't known for quality firmware.

Can you format the 16GB stick from the USB section of the menu ?

Is it the 5023X or the 5440 you have. There was no online manual for the 5023X but I assume it's similar to the 5440.

It's a 5023.

Unfortunately it wont even recognise it to format it!

My thoughts exactly, I've never heard such a thing.

There's been no firmware releases for the 5023 since it's release. Shame really, I wanted this to be a cheap PVR for my dad so he could watch the NBA playoffs when he gets home from work.

I live a long way from them, and so was trying to help them out by buying it, however it's been a big pain in the ass.

You could try this HP stick formatter. Have not used it myself but kept the link from an earlier post somewhere in the forum.

http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=197

Hi, I am interested in being able to record all the freeview channels and then be able to transfer them to my PC for editing.

Currently I have a SD set top box that is PVR ready and it records in Transport Stream and so I can take the external HDD and connect to my PC and watch these recorded items on my PC or convert them to MPEG format.

I was wondering if any of the following two can allow me to do the same - i.e. when they record onto the external HDD, can I just unplug it from the unit, plug it into the PC, copy the file onto my PC and then play it or is it the case that the HDD won't be recognised by Windows XP computer?

STRONG SRT5440
TOPFIELD TBF-7120

If the above two don't do that, then are there any others that will do?
Thanks

Have you considered the BeyonWiz DP-H1. You can connect it up via ethernet to your network and transfer files to your PC for editing?

Hi guys,

There is a "Topfield PVR Ready High Definition Set Top Box" for $269 at Harvey Norman.

Description is "USB PVR ready, electronic program guide (EPG), supports subtitles and teletext".

It looks like it is the Topfield 7120/

Strong 5440u can be had for quite cheap at Harvey Norman Bella Vista.

It's priced at $439 at most other HN stores, but I saw it for $329 at the Bella Vista store. Without much hassle I got the price down to $265, after mentioning that a similar Topfield model (the TBF-7120, which wasn't in stock) was priced at $269 in their catalogue and that's what I came to buy.

Just tested the device and it works fine with a portable WD elements drive (i.e., no external power). I have a 160gb WD drive placed in the case of a 500gb drive I bought, I just swapped the one in my notebook with the bigger one in the case, so I'm unsure if this will work with 250/320/500gb WD elements portable drives or not, but it works with a 160gb variant.

Files save in a .TRP file extension, playable in Windows Media Player Classic with the right codecs installed. Should work off the bat with K-lite Codec Pack installed.

I'm looking at getting one of these.

Any major issues anyone knows about?

Biggest issue is finding them, I went in to a few stores looking for one today and ended up with a Strong SRT-5400U instead for about the same price.

I would recommend ringing around the stores to see if they have stock before popping in. I was told that a lot of stores didn't receive them (as not all catalogue items make it to all stores!) but that the "big Auburn store" would be the most likely to have them in stock in Sydney.

Alright, so i rang my local HN store and apparently they're not stocking them because they had a 'bad run' with Topfield products.

Gday,

I still have an old 68cm CRT and no STB.

Am interested in going digital and being able to record by buying an STB with a USB port for an external drive. Do these STB's come with software to set up timer recording?

Can I use just any HDD with a USB plug or does it have to be in a portable case etc? How do I convert an IDE/SATA socket to USB?

Also, I won't be able to see the PQ difference between SD and HD on my old TV. Is the channel content on the HD channels just the same as the SD channels, so no point in going HD yet?

Any recommendations for boxes please?

Thanks, any advice appreciated.

I would just go with a PVR ready SD stb, digital shows good on old TVs, somthing like strong 5023x for $85 from TVbox, get yourself a small 320gig Harddisk for about $99 from Office works and you have a good pvr / media box for less then $200.

They have the interface in-built which allows you to set timers via the remote control either by manually entering them or by selecting programs for recording through the TV guide. If you do it through the guide I would recommend going to the timer and manually changing it to have 2-3 minutes before and after the set times just to make sure it doesn't miss the beginning or end of the show.

This is a tricky issue because you can't be 100% sure with compatibility and each box is different in this regard.

You can probably use most hard drives up to 500gb which has it's own power supply. Portable hard drives (the smaller ones which run purely off of USB power) are very touch and go, and the larger the capacity of the drive the higher the risk it won't work.

You can buy these sorts of hard drives at most technology stores, i.e., Officeworks as mentioned above, or you can try to find an "enclosure" for your existing hard drive if you want to converty an IDE/SATA drive to USB. It's probably cheaper and more reliable to just buy a ready made product, but if you already have spare drives hanging around, look for a "USB enclosure", make sure it's either IDE or SATA (or both) depending on your needs.

Someone may correct me if I'm wrong, but apart from Nine HD it seems all HD content is currently available as a SD broadcast. Nine HD has very different coverage though, like Just Shoot Me, Seinfeld, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie etc throughout the day time.

If you want one in HD, "just in case", look through this thread and we've listed most of the available options. If you're looking for one in SD, I'm not too sure, I mentioned one a page or two back but all in all I haven't really looked at the SD variants.

Anything 'popular/good' will always be shown on the main SD channel (cause that's were most of the ratings lie as not everyone has HD). Personally, rather than mucking around with STBs converted to a PVR I'd say just grab a good quality SD PVR. Something like the Topfield 5010 or 4010 from Dick Smith for less than $300.

Get a HD PVR in a few years when there's possibly something worth watching and the prices have come down.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

"Get a HD PVR in a few years when there's possibly something worth watching and the prices have come down"
[/quote]

Think it will be any better in a few years?, there will always be a barrage of tasteless commercials thrown in, On another note If it could double as a media player (ie: play dvix,avi off an ext hard drive then on the rare occasion that you must watch a fta channel you have that facility to do so, I know some pvr's double as a media player but are there any pvr ready units that do?.

The Beyonwiz DP-H1 has a pretty impressive list of file formats that it supports (ISO, H.264, DivX, AVI, Mpeg, Jpg, MP3, AAC, VOB, etc etc)

SRT 5440 HIGH DEFINITION - MPEG-4 - PVR ready

The Topfield 7120 is going for $239 at The Good Guys currently.

Above mentioned Topfield for $259 at Clive Peeters.

Also advertised is an "Allure PVR ready set top box" for $179. Description reads "Record to external hard drive via USB, HDMI output". No mention of whether it's HD or not.

It is Hd but there is no timer settings or time shift options.I tried it for one day and it was terrible.
A better option is the Topfield from The Good Guys for around $220 to 230.The only problem with the Topfield is
that the recorded file can not be played on your Pc or any other device (Mp4 player or IPod) but the Quality is
Good.
Can Anybody tell me if the Firmware for the YESS DVB-T4688U can be installed on the OMNI D550 because the
back side of box the features and the remote are identical.

Try contacting Crazystu - he's a Yess reseller.

You'll need to make a couple more posts (minimum 5) before you can PM. Go here to post up

If that's the OMNI that's been out for a year or so then the answer would be no, the 4688 YESS is a newer solution that has only just come on the market, the firmware from it wouldn't suit the older MPEG2 models, maybe one of the previous ones but it's a bit hit and miss and you could damage your box if you install the wrong firmware on it

I picked up the Topfield yesterday from the Good Guys for $230.

Very impressed so far.

The Omni is not an MPEG2 Model
#
VIDEO DECODING
#
Standard: MPEG2/4 H.264 MP@HL,MP@ML
#
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9
#
Video Resolution: 1920×1080 MAX
I know it is older then the YESS but in theory it should work like it did with other similar models.

Not aware of this model being the same, not to say that it couldn't be however the YESS is definitely the latest chipset version which I don't think has been around as long as this OMNI model has actually existed, maybe have a look at the manual for the YESS and see if the screen shots of the menu system etc look the same, if they don't I wouldn't chance it, even if they do you are still taking a chance as even though they come from the same place there can be subtle differences amongst the models that can cause problems or even brick it, how long have you had it and where did you purchase it from and is there a specific issue with it that you're hoping to resolve by updating?

Just tested the PVR function with a 320GB Seagate HDD from 2006, works like a charm!

I don't own one but i was looking to buy one.I am looking to buy a twin tuner HD STB with a usb port so i can transfer the recorded files to my PC.I already own 2 SD STB's with Pvr functions but i am struggling to transfer my recordings to my PC.
Any suggestions ???????

The new YESS model might be ok for what you want, there is a review happening by someone on the forum here but don't know when it's going to be published, maybe see how it checks out once you have some feedback from an experienced user, the entry level Topfield mentioned above might be worth looking at also, depends on your budget I guess and what the most important features are for your usage

A couple of questions from a PVR nube who is considering the SRT-5440:

1. Can the 5440 play common format video files downloaded from the internet (eg. divx avi) from the external usb HDD or USB key
2. Will it be able to play HD (720p) avi files (produced by a DSLR) from the external USB HDD or USB key
3. Will it play ripped DVDs (VOB) or other formats from the external HDD or USB key
4. I have a HD TV with built-in HD tuner. I assume I can watch and switch channels as normal via the TV's HD tuner whilst recording on the 5440 ?
5. Can the 5440 record standard analogue channels ?
6. Is the user interface straight forward and simple enough to use for a non-tech, non-internet, non-digital-age savvy 75 year old ?

Finally, a unique question from my neighbour who has a rather convoluted setup. He watches Fox and an Asian satellite channel (which had its own decoder unit) in his lounge. So that he could watch the same in his bedroom simultaneously, the Fox installer used some hardware trickery to combine the outputs from each satellite decoder (Fox and Asian channel) to a single RF cable which he could then plug directly into the RF-in socket of the TV in his bedroom. The bedroom TV can then pick up both Fox and the Asian channels after retuning (though the PQ is reasonably poor compared to the PQ on the lounge room TV). My question then is whether it may be possible to record the Fox or the Asian channel via this single RF cable setup if the SRT-5440 was located in the bedroom ?

Thanks for your help in advance!

Are you talking about the SRT-5440u which is the Freeview version? Either way the answers are the same:

1. No
2. No
3. No
4. Yes (all STBs allow this)
5. No
6. Don't know, however how convoluted can it be? CHANGE CHANNEL, PLAY, RECORD, STOP, DELETE, FF/REW. Most PVRs don't do a lot more than that.

"Be possible to record the Fox or the Asian channel via this single RF cable setup if the SRT-5440 was located in the bedroom?" No.

You will need to consider the BeyonWiz P2 or Topfield 2400 (both >$750) to do all the things you list.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Thanks Peter.

Re: "how convoluted can it be? CHANGE CHANNEL, PLAY, RECORD, STOP, DELETE, FF/REW. Most PVRs don't do a lot more than that". Considering the Sydney Harbour Bridge wasn't even built when this dude was born, try to understand how overwhelming this sort of technology can be for the elderly.

I was led to believe that the Beyonwiz DP-H1's multimedia playback abilities could handle questions 1 to 6. It says it supports:

- wmv, avi, mpg, vob, mp4, asf, tp, trp
- direct playback of contents in USB storage
- direct playback of multimedia contents in PC through home network

Is this not correct ?

Cheers

This is partly correct.
It would do a better job than the Strong for what you are after, though it may find it difficult for the Canon DSLR .avi files...my P1/P2 can't play .avi created by my Canon Ixus75 digital camera.
You also cannot record analogue channels with it, they only have a digital tuner.
Which also means it won't record the Fox/asian channel signal sent through the RF in the bedroom. If you want to do this, you probably need a DVD Recorder

Hey Guys

Been looking for one of these myself but kinda thought you could do some scheldule recording is this possible on any of the units????

I know the dgtec rep in adelaide and she threw me there latest one to test but found that wouldnt do it either only on the fly

Other then that the box was good Dgtec DG-HD6760 fast, good on screen display, usb on front was bit crappy, files once recorded on usb were then able to be play through windows media classic. Size of box bit anooying when u have larger units (like i do)

http://www.binglee.com.au/Colour+Televisio...+HD+Set+Top+Box

should be able to get them for about $150


So ya is there any pvr ready boxs which can do scheldule recording through usb?

Erin

What do you mean. Every PVR can schedule a recording - its called a setting a timer. If you're looking at small media players then they generally don't have tuners so no you can't schedule recordings.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Was meant to read more as an encouraging jibe than a put down (perils of posting sans smilies). Basic PVR use isn't much different to using a VCR once setup, in fact you can use a PVR exactly as you do a VCR (set 1 off timers, use FF and REW only, etc.). If you feel adventurous you can set recurring (eg weekly) timers or use some of the nifty options (like pausing live TV or skipping ads with a few button taps).

Unless a units remote and interface is atrocious, just about any PVR has its own little quirks that in general are easily worked through by anyone with a little time and interest.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Hi everyone

Does anybody have any comparative thoughts/experiences about Topfield TBF-7120 vs Strong SRT5440 vs Beyonwiz DP-H1?

I need a decent quality hi-def set-top box (as the inbuilt tuner in my new Aldi Bauhn 1080p TV seems rather crappy), plus I would like the ability to record shows to hard drive every now and then.

Also, I was wondering whether any of these three units would be able to play 720p and/or 1080p video files in Matroska (.mkv) format? Either from the external USB drive or (ideally) from a network share on my Windows PC? (This feature is by no means essential, as the main purpose is for hi-def STB and PVR...but it would be a nice bonus!)

Thanks in advance. Cheers

Can't comment on the Topfield, but have owned both the Strong and the Beyonwiz. I have given the Strong to another family member and kept the Beyonwiz as it suited my usage better. My take on the pros/cons of each:

Strong
Pros
- Hard drive is standard FAT32 format so can be read by windows - drive can also be partitioned (FAT32/NTFS) and the unit will recognise and use the FAT32 partition for recording.
- Reputedly very sensitive tuner. The family member I have given this to is in a marginal reception area and has rock solid reception on all channels.
- Has an on/off switch at the rear of the unit - power lead is also removeable from rear of unit
- mpeg-4
Cons
- Can only play its own video files (unit includes a basic mp3 player)
- Cannot be networked (unless there is a new model since mine?)
- Very basic recording timer setup (compared to Beyonwiz) + limited number of timers (8 I think) set at a time.
- Files cannot be trimmed on unit.
- No "ad skipping" - but progress bar fwd/rwd/bookmarking is ok once you get used to it.
- Later firmwares do not turn off a usb powered drive when the unit is in standby.

Beyonwiz
Pros
- Caching of EPG to recording drive - IceTV compatible
- Can record 2 channels at once (as long as they are in the same mux ie ABC1 & ABC2)
- Networkable - will play files from windows share or NAS (can't comment on .mkv specifically though). SD files are fine but HD are problematic. My wireless network streams SD from my NAS (.ts format) without problem but not HD.
- Can play files from NTFS or FAT32 usb drive (2 usb ports, but current firmware has a problem playing files from 2nd drive if recording drive also connected)
- Files editable on the box.
- User definable ad skipping.

Cons
- Recording USB disk cannot be read by windows (but files can be transferred off the disk via the network)
- Partitioned disk cannot be used as recording drive.

Probably lots of other pros/cons, but these are the ones that stood out for me.

Jill

The Beyonwiz will play MKV files (720p definitely, maybe 1080i but not 1080p) from USB or network (wired).

well ok smart arse a timer would work if it had one of those also.

So ya recaping my review the dgtec has no timer or schedule recording facilty at all

can only record on the fly thats it

Thanks for your helpful replies Jillybean and Diesel.

Much appreciated.

Cheers

Has anyone tried using a 2.5" (unpowered) external drive with a set top box/usb pvr or do I need a 3.5" external drive powered externally ?

The beyonwiz models can support the smaller WD Passport drives

Check here - Compatible USB Hard Drives

Sorry Skippy. PG Download is one of the forums most respected members - calling him a 'smartarse' tells us a lot more about you then it does about him

[quote name='diesel' date='Jan 28 2009, 12:18 AM' post='1252794']
The Toppy 5000 twin Tuner SD unit is a Forum favourite.
As for missing out on HD content, well PQ differences aside, it would seem the HD channels won't be too different from the SD offerings, and with the additional SD channels coming on line, there is nothing really compelling to go for HD.


I'm somewhat confused with set top box technology and new to this area but do you need a HD set top box to watch these new channels like One HD, 7 Digital? Or will a SD box do the trick? We have a SD box and cannot pick them up but found the new 9 Channel Go last night. I suspect this is SD am I right?
Also I have heard that these set top boxes branded Freeview and "locked" and cannot be used to watch anything but Freeview. Obviously this sounds silly but does anyone know what the person who told me this might mean?
Cheers

Hi Jabunton, and welcome to the forum

Do you need a HD STB to pickup the HD channels - Yes, you do. HD STBs pick up HD and SD digital transmissions. If you have a HD STB you will be able to pick up (this is in metro Sydney, regionals will differ);
ABC1
ABC2
ABCHD
SBS1
SBS2
SBSHD
7 Digital
7HD
9 Digital
GO! (9's 3rd digital channel)
9HD
10 Digital
OneHD
OneSD

The bolded HD channels will not be recieved/decoded by a SD STB. As I said previously, there is little difference in content between SD and HD equivalents. Most of the shows on SD are simulcast on HD.

CH9's GO! channel is SD.

As for Freeview, all the above channels are available to any DVB equipped HD STB. Freeview is just the brand they have used to market the Free to Air channels. This may change in the future if they start to transmit in MPEG4 but at the moment everything is in MPEG2. There are some restrictions on Freeview PVRs, but there'd be no harm in buying a Freeview STB over an non-Freeview STB.

Have a read of these following stickies to build up your knowledge;
Pete's Pvr Post - Diving Into Digital Tv, Last Updated: 13 March 2009
Freeview Faq, What is it and what does it mean for you
Digital Recorders Help: Stbs, Pvrs, Dvdrs, Hdd, Sd, Hd ....,

Here's a review of the new Kogan Freeview HD Digital Set-Top Box

And what's wrong with ABC3?