Digital Set Top Box with HDD slot (ide)
Recieve Digital TV Signal
play Mp3/JPEG files from USB & Record to IDE HDD.
Specification:
(Edited by scotty — add price + delivery to title)
no mention of the cost on the deal
its $50 + $18 shipping - so its basically the same price as strathfield, but shipped to your door.
Well I think a 1Gb SanDisk USB makes up for the delivery, most people can get access to a strathfield anyway.
Besides, strathfield offer a on-the-spot replacement warranty on this product.
I would like to think strathfields one would offer better value because not everyone appreciates delivery that much.
I think it is good only for people who are far from strathfields. I bought this unit from strathfield long back, thanks to Ozpete's post here. The unit was not picking it up some channels, returned to them and they gladly refunded money. Bought another of the same unit from strathfield. These kind of experience wont happen with online/deliveries and you going to pay for delivery fees for problems.
You need a reasonable antenna with this one. I too found signal strength an issue (and still do when its windy for channel 10 esp) - Im based in Vic. Its a great unit for quick recording (I've tried unsuccessfully to setup any program recording like a VCR to record at a preset time). It uses an IDE interface. Great if you've got an old 80gb drive lying around wondering what to do with it.
I am confused. Strathfield shows this as SD set top box and in whirlpool forum someone told me that you cannot use a SD settop box to get 9HD and 10HD ? So will this one OR the one on Strathfield one (with 1GB USB free) show me 9HD 10HD etc on my normal TV??
A SD box will never pick up any HD channels.
so what exactly will this catch if not HD channels?? can u list them please..
SD Channels…ABC, ABC2, SBS, 7, 9, 10.
Actually an SD box can pick up the HD channels, they are still being broadcast and they can be tuned in, it just doesnt know how to decode the signal for display. What this means is that many SD STBs can record HD streams to the HDD and if you can then get those files off the HDD and on to a PC, you can then view the shows. I don't know how easy it is to get the HDD in/out of these things, but you could always extend the cables and have it sitting on top to make it easier to put into your PC.
I do this with my Topfield SD PVR, but it has a USB interface to copy the files, rather than physically taking the HDD out. Good luck to anyone who wants to try it.
From the links given below here, looks like this unit can record HD programs to the harddisk, but it cant play back its own. It is possible to view them on PC (but hectic work). I am going to try this weekend for IPL.
The one pictured is exactly the same as the Strathfield one; its a DVX555U. I know that because currently theres only one unit on the market like that. DVX is a subdivision of Strathfield, So i know that any warranty that comes with Shoppingsquare will be a vendor related, i.e. they'll have to get it assessed.
It won't show your HD channels such as 10HD and 9HD; if you were after something that will show 10HD or 9HD, go for the Digicrystal HD set top box, also avaliable at Strathfield for $149.
But the general rule with reception is that at least an outdoor antenna is needed for decent reception, but of course it depends on location. I have had customers that have bought out $19.95 Indoor antenna and run it with the DVX555U with no problems.
Actually its the DVX555u and you can find out all about it at http://www.bhatt.id.au/blog/dvx-555u-sd-digital-set-top-box-…
Review was helpful - thanks!
is it good or bad?
It is certainly good bargain for SD set-top box with timeshift/record. Only drawback that you need to check is 1) You need to gave good reception strengh, 2) It is SD, not HD (but similar featured HD set-top box with HDD will be over 300$).
Heres another prior forum with many of the questions presented here and some other facts: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/1309
this looks to be the same unit that Strathfields sell for $69 with a free 1Gb usb key
If it's the same they are very good for the money and I've had no problems with mine .