Thomson 1TB PVR (JL8006) $149 @ Dick Smith

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• 

  INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 18:58

  +2

  Was discussing 1TB twin tuner PVRs on Tuesday at Carindale DS.
  Was warned NOT TO BUY this one, as it had the most complaints from customers. Major issue was interface.

  See the reviews & keep away…
  It is supposed to be a twin tuner but you can't record two shows that overlap. http://www.productreview.com.au/p/thomson-hd-twin-tuner-pvr.…

  • 

    hollykryten on 23/05/2013 - 19:05

    I bought one today and i don't have any problems with the interface. I'm not having any problems with it. It's exactly the same interface found on Bush HD set top boxes and many others.

    Yeah i think it's designed so that one tuner is available for watching while the other records. Personally i wouldn't want a PVR which is recording two channels at the same time while a show comes on which i didn't know was coming on i want to watch and can't see it because it's out of available tuners.

    • 

      INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 19:36

      +1

      That is the problem - it is a STBox with ideas that it is a PVR.
      Its not that there are real problems with the interface - just that it is poorly designed, from what I have been told.

      If you have used a Topfield or similar, you would understand the difference. (OK, there is also a price difference.) Those proper PVRs are designed as recorders & players - with an interface that reflects that, rather than tuners with recording added. Recordings are stored under program names, not just channel & date/time - usual with STBox recorders. Programs can easily be be 'padded' - adding a few minutes extra in case the program does not start on time - a very handy feature.

      High price does not mean good design. Early $700 Panasonics were poorly designed, reflecting their origins as single tuner DVD recorders. It warned you there was another recording for the same time, but let you schedule more and more overlapping recordings - but at times it failed to record even the 2 scheduled.
      The $169 Aldi PVR is about the best I have used, and great value for the price. But it is so rare, when the warranty ends - no one will repair it! (But Aldi will give my purchase price back before the 2 year warranty ends - so am in the market for another PVR.) Trouble with Aldi, nearly all of their other PVRs have been absolute crap!!

      • 

        BuyNow Think Later on 24/05/2013 - 08:32

        Do you mean the Bauhn AS-PVR1000R when you said "$169 Aldi PVR"? I have this model which skips its recording randomly by a few minutes within a 30 minutes of recording. i.e. I have only 20 something minutes of recording out of a 30 minutes scheduled. It's still within the first 2 years of purchase. I'll make a warranty claim. How do you go about ensuring Tempo Aust will refund my purchase price back instead of sending it to them for repair?

      • 

        INFIDEL on 24/05/2013 - 09:24

        +1

        Luckily, Aldi do the refund, not Tempo. Just take it back within the 2 year warranty period, tell them it is faulty, ask for refund. Aldi won't want to handle a repair anyway. Automatic response seems to be a refund. Great if you want your money back (easy upgrade path), but a pain if it is full of recordings you want!!

        Confusingly, Aldi sell electronics from different manufacturers under the same description. Quality varies a lot. (Even within same batch. I recommend buying 2 or 3 of same model if likely to be sold out, test for best one & return others within 60days for refund. Even after testing over 20 PVRs, it still takes a week or more for me to find non-obvious design flaws or faults. So keep the receipts!!)

        Yes, I have the Bauhn AS-PVR1000R. Released late 2011 at $199 & bought early 2012 at $169.
        But first - just make sure we are talking about the same unit….

        There was a later $169 Tempo Australia model APVR-1000M1 released Aug 2012 which was terrible.

        To be certain - check the manual of my PVR model http://www.tempoaustralia.com/sw/as-pvr1000r/AS-PVR1000R_IM.…

        I posted the Bauhn AS-PVR1000R deal at http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/57540 (19/11/2011)
        (No I am not associated with Aldi or Tempo Australia ;) )

        If we are talking about same model…
        Check up on Whirlpool forum http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1816088
        (I used to be on there a lot as BrucefromAustralia. Have added at least 1 undocumented feature of this model.)

        Do you have the latest firmware installed? It was not great before that upgrade! Tempo posted link on Whirlpool 27/4/12 http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1816088&r…

        While you are on WP - check out Aldi Gadgets - Best & Worst for a laugh! http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1773283

        PM me questions - as is "Off-Topic" :)

  • 

    INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 19:07

    +2

    Its a 1.5 tuner NOT a true TWIN tuner!! Very old technology.
    Surprised these still are sold - bought 1 about 7 years back, & returned it.
    It has 2 tuners, but 1 is just to watch TV. Thats what your TV's tuner is for.
    It can only record 1 channel while you can watch other channels.
    A TWIN tuner records 2 channels at the same time - big difference!
    Nearly all TWIN tuners mean you can record 2 channels on 2 networks while watching another channel on 1 of those 2 networks.

    • 

      hollykryten on 23/05/2013 - 19:14

      Technically it is still twin tuner. If it wasn't you wouldn't be able to record one channel while watching another channel at the same time.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 19:15

        +2

        Technically it is known as a 1.5 or 1.7 tuner PVR. Google the terms.
        Debate around manufacturers mislabelling their PVRs has gone on for years. I have participated in it.

        TWIN tuner Personal Video Recorder refers to the ability to RECORD from 2 tuners.

      • 

        hollykryten on 23/05/2013 - 19:21

        True but then again for a full twin tuner 1TB PVR you're looking at $446 at JB HI-FI.

        Also it looks like even the Topfield 320GB PVR is a 1.5 tuner PVR but that one is at $168 currently. Looking at hundreds of bucks for a true twin tuner.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 19:24

        Mine was $169, a true Twin Tuner 1TB PVR, connected to 2 2TB external HDD. Records 2 HD programs at a time, while 1 can watch a recorded program or another channel on the same 2 networks. If I want to watch a channel on another network, there is always the TV's tuner - no need to buy another tuner to watch TV.

      • 

        hollykryten on 23/05/2013 - 19:25

        Which brand?. I bet it's not a Topfield or some better brand like that. They're currently about $450.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 19:26

        Not available here at the moment. Not exactly a great brand - from Aldi.
        But I wrote a review comparing it favourably with a Topfield 7160 (no networking, 4 channel record or series record like the Toppie)
        Also a bit dearer… $397 (DS) Topfield STB with Quad recorder 500GB Hard Drive allows you to record 4 shows at once while playing a pre-recorded show from the 500GB hard drive. USB input supports portable hard drives (up to 1TB) Has been down to $277 http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/95663

        The 320GB Topfield was $148 delivered http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/97468
        Add a cheap external 1TB HDD & you have a good basic PVR

      • 

        INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 20:06

        +1

        Bought my first PVR in 2005 - a 1.5 tuner masquerading as a Twin Tuner. Learnt a lot from that mistake, but got my money back due to the misrepresentation. Replaced with a $199 SD 160GB Twin Tuner in 2006 - what a difference - still in occassional use. Have used / reviewed over 20 different PVRs & been approached by a manufacturer to test out their preproduction units (they were using my posts on Whirlpool to improve their units).
        Misunderstandings about PVRs is an issue I feel strongly about, & I post so others don't make unnecessary mistakes.

      • 

        INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 20:27

        When Is Twin Tuner Not A Twin Tuner? http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=115898 (a thread created about the limitations of this Thomson "PVR".)

        and the old (2006 on) but useful Pete's Pvr Post http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=36191
        for definitions & how to choose a PVR
        - Single Tuner (dubbed 1.0): You can record one thing but you can't watch live TV while recording
        - Twin Tuner (dubbed 1.5): You can record one thing and watch another station live.
        - Twin Tuner (dubbed 1.7): You can record two things at once (or record one thing and watch another live). One of the recordings must be manually started using the remote.
        - 'True' Twin Tuner (dubbed 2.0): You can record two things at once (or record one thing and watch another live). Both recordings can be started by a timer. These days most PVRs are true 2.0 tuners.

        1.5 tuners were popular for analogue CRT TVs - 1 unit to watch digital TV & replace the VCR.
        That shows their age.

        But even the Topfields in DS are dated - reviewed the TF7160 2009/2010 (with firmware improvements).
        For Topfield model specs http://www.itopfield.com.au/products.asp?category=2

      • 

        INFIDEL on 24/05/2013 - 23:59

        Also at DS the Grundig Freeview 1TB Twin Tuner PVR (true Twin Tuner) $218.25 http://www.tandy.com.au/product/GH7166/grundig-freeview-1tb-…

  • 

    INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 19:15

    +2

    Read the reviews on DS site…
    Beware the 'twin tuner' (alleged) feature.
    Problem is, although the unit has twin tuners, it reserves one for watching & one for recording. Unlike most other PVR's, this one doesn't allow you to occupy both tuners to record while watching a 'third' channel on your TV. When attempting to set the timer for two shows on at the same time, the PVR simply won't let you do it.

    truly terrible
    would not pick up tv channels esp Channel 9-a bit sad as this was purchased for Olympics. Had to download an upgrade but still makes television lose channels when connected to tv. Dreadful-don't buy this. We are returning for a refund.
    http://dicksmith.com.au/product/GH5739/thomson-1tb-twin-tune…

    Quality of tuners - to pick up those recordings is crucial, and often lacking in the cheapies.

  • 

    Jackson on 24/05/2013 - 15:40

    +1

    Bruce, you have hijacked this thread! :)

    The problem with stbs that are worth more than many tvs is they are way too expensive for what they are. Esp if the said program can be downloaded by anyone of a less than scrupulous nature.

    I actually picked up the above unit with a 500mb hdd although I haven't used it yet, for only 79 bucks. Most people, esp those who are also looking to take their crt digital, are definitely not going to spend huge amounts on one of these. The other unit I have been using for a long time that I thought was an absolute steal despite some glaring issues was the Aldi dgtec android unit for 59 bucks down from 79. This is still available in many shops as they never sold out, however I have never had the need to record shows so I can't comment on the pvr side of it.

    still I appreciate all your in depth advice, do u know if it is a simple matter to upgrade the hard drive in the Thompson? Also if u ever used the Aldi Dgtec do you know anything about firmware updates for the unit? YouTube no longer works for me

    • 

      INFIDEL on 24/05/2013 - 16:32

      Hijacked you say?? Um… thats what I was thinking. Of course open to everyone, but this is off-topic.
      Usually these deals die a natural death within a few posts.

      Yes, 500GB Thompson (or other names on these rebadged) STB with recording sometimes go from around $79 at the usual bargain sites (eg dealsdirect). Seems like a good deal, as you say for converting an analogue CRT TV. The added tuner is necesary to watch the TV, and there is a basic recorder.

      If you can't afford/justify a new TV, it is unlikely a top line PVR will be in the budget. (Am cheap myself - have a FreeCycled CRT TV in a bedroom & today repairing a 1977 Pioneer amp - beautiful sound.)

      As for upgrading HDD - these are often 'CE' rated devices (lacking error detection found on PC HDD - so store/retreive data faster). Sometimes problematic swapping in HDD as may 'stutter' due to lower data rate. Similarly, extracting the HDD may not work well in a PC, as data errors are not checked. Some HDD can be switched between error correction modes via downloaded software. More a subject for specialist forums like Whirlpool & www.dtvforum.info.

      Ah the RECALLED Aldi dgtec android unit! Followed it but never indulged.
      DodgieTec are not known for their support & upgrades, so guess that is why they were going cheap. Have you checked on Whirlpool? YouTube did not work for many from day 1 with that unit.

      • 

        Jackson on 26/05/2013 - 23:56

        Yes went on the relevant thread on whirlpool 6 months ago and no response since (my post is the last one)

        http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1748025&p…

        re: recall I think they pulled it temporarily upon release buyt then it made it back onto the shelves, not sure why.

        re: YouTube worked perfectly for me for the first 6 months and was very handy

• 

  INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 19:53

  +2

  OP: not an attack on you, just that people will be mislead by the title - and that is the manufacturer's fault. (A common misunderstanding manufacturers use to their advantage.)
  It is a basic Set Top Box, with a 1TB HDD added, and a pretty useless extra tuner.
  Spend the extra on a better PVR. Eg the 320GB Topfield for same price. (Wait for the sales next month!)
  Otherwise maybe a cheap STBox with USB record + 1TB external HDD for a similar experience to this, as the extra tuner is on your TV.
  (No negs from me. Have fun in Rockvegas!)

  • 

    hollykryten on 23/05/2013 - 21:56

    +2

    Yeah i've updated the title. The rest is just the manufacturers specs.

    If you want a branded like Topfield, Sony, Panasonic true twin tuner 1TB PVR you're looking at about $380-450 so basically forking out over twice that price for it. Depends how much a person is willing to fork out just so he can record two channels at the same time.

    • 

      INFIDEL on 23/05/2013 - 23:30

      $20 more in my case ;) (I'm cheap.)

      Its the total experience which is different, not just recording 2 programs at a time. I play movies (ripped DVDs etc) stored on the external HDDs. Some PVRs offer automatic recording of TV series, WiFi streaming, or Smart TV facilities. But we all have to consider if the extra expense is worth it. Many TVs come with built in recorders (recording what you are already watching). Some people simply want to record the occassional program, so a STBox with USB recorder for under $50 suffices. PVRs are not cheap & likely to be superceded by new technology.

      Happy viewing!

• 

  Charlotta on 24/05/2013 - 22:58

  +1

  Thanks for the post OP. A good find and with 1TB on board this may be a bargain. It's distressing to see that your post copped so much….

  I think this could go down as a classic OzB thread. Perhaps we can have a new OzB term. So as some bargains get 'Brodened' perhaps now we might have threads getting 'Bruced'. No offense intended.

  • 

    INFIDEL on 24/05/2013 - 23:02

    No offense taken by me;)
    OP should not take offense either - hollykryten (love the name!) posted a legitimate deal.
    But to be in the same league as the legendary Broden - I am not worthy!

    [Wouldn't be the first time my name has been associated with advice.
    In South Korea, the phrase "Bruce recommends…" followed me. Was going to trademark it as it became popular.
    Some of my recent training of hotel staff in Myanmar will become legend in a short time.]

    Its just that these units (rebadged or different model number) have been promoted on the bargain sites for years, often cheaper than this, misrepresented as "Twin Tuner". Was not critical of OP - just the misleading promotion of these units.

    As long as people are aware of the limitations of the unit (especially poor tuner sensitivity), its probably an OK deal.

  • 

    INFIDEL on 25/05/2013 - 01:18

    Maybe a definition of a post being "Bruced" could be…
    "A deal containing at least 90% Off-Topic posts, by the one poster".
    You've been Bruced® :-)

• 

  INFIDEL on 24/05/2013 - 23:40

  If you buy this unit, don't forget to check if it has the latest firmware - available at DS site in deal link above. The unit has issues.

  • 

    hollykryten on 28/05/2013 - 11:37

    I did and the firmware update there doesn't work on the Thomson JL8006 PVR unit that i got from Dick Smith last week. The firmware update option doesn't even recognise the firmware file and the menu system seems to be different to what the firmware update guide has in it. There was also a link in the update guide to the JL8006 firmware from Melbourne IT but that firmware file isn't recognised either.

    Looked at the model number and it says SuperG and the firmware version is completely different to that firmware that Dick Smith has on their web site. I think my unit is a new updated revision of the Thomson JL8006 PVR with a newer firmware on it. I've had no such unit locking issue with mine.

    • 

      INFIDEL on 28/05/2013 - 16:48

      Locking up may only occur on some networks in some areas. That has happened with other PVRs. Still strange/unwise DS links to firmware that is not suited to that unit. Installing firmware not intended for a unit can wreck it.