Recommend a HD Set Top Box (STB)?

tooblue on 02/04/2013 - 13:52
Last edited 02/04/2013 - 14:44

With analog TV phasing out by the government, it's time to search for a Set Top Box with PVR function.

There are too many brands and reviews vary such as video audio sync problems, carppy remote / EPG, recording error, etc. Can anyone of you share your experience of STB you are currently using? And which brands do you think are better? Probably below $50.

Btw, what is "freeview"? I saw the logo on some of the STB. What's the difference between those with "freeview" and without? All STB seem to receive these free to air programs.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 02/04/2013 - 15:08

    Topfield and Strong rank as one of the more 'high end' brands in terms of PVR STB's, but they usually cost a heck of a lot more than other brands. I'm currently using a "Highlander DH2826" which I bought years ago. It's still going strong, the channels change quick, no problems with reception and no audio desync. So goes to show that even minor brands can be just as good.

    Could try this. Only 1 review, but it looks fine for $49 shipped
    http://junglejumble.com.au/review/product/list/id/1074/

    Re: Freeview is only a brand. All set top boxes are free view compatible, so it doesn't matter whether you get one with the Freeview logo on it or not.

  • kabigon on 04/04/2013 - 16:02

    I'd advise against a Strong, the unit I have has plenty of annoying quirks (e.g. sometimes shows set to record reporting 1sec / 0.0kb filesize, random resets if you press a button one too many times etc.) despite several firmware updates. PVRs are often released without proper bug testing and we are the guinea pigs.

    I'd suggest reading through suggestion threads on Whirlpool e.g. http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2061786 and searching for any issues people have with certain models, and remember the newer the model, the less likely any bugs will have been revealed / fixed.

    Freeview is only a brand

    Freeview-badged units don't tend to have ad-skipping buttons or have the ability to copy to/from a computer as easily as other units.

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