I've seen a similar model to this one - Olin High Definition Set Top Box - in a few places online but none this cheap (especially after you add shipping which of course this doesn't need). Most HD boxes are $100+, I've been searching for one sub-$100 for a couple of months now.
What's more it's from target, so you can always take it back if it doesn't work, does a better job for me than freddy's shonky online shop ;-)
Its a good STB - I didnt have any problems through component - but personally via a HDMI cable nothing but problems with the unit intermittently turning off then on (and no it wasnt reception problems) or problem between unit and remote (ie: me). I believe it was a bit of a known issue searching around forums.
There are firmware ugrades available for sound differences and colours (eg: strong red by default) and SD was louder than HD channels with original firmware. All you need is a serial port on a laptop and cable.
I've got one of these and its great. Fast channel switching is good too. Never had a problem with HDMI.
It's not mentioned in the heading, so here's the Target reference: http://target.dynamiccatalogue.com.au/portal/offerdetails/ol…
Sales starts tomorrow 5/2/09.
[ :- { )
Good find, one of the best quality ones on the market is this for $89 delivered:
http://crazystu.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=982
You also get a free 1m HDMI v1.3 or HDMI to DVI cable.
Just specify preferred cable in notes section on checkout and state that your a DTV Forum Member.
You can read the nerdy reviews here:
http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?s=80b988c310a3c2961c514a5…
And also, Olin is the same as Hailo, but they have stopped making Olin.
Hailo has the newer better firmware and less bugs etc…
Only impending issue is that Freeview may not work correctly with these units. Time will tell.
Both units support Full HD.
Why wouldn't they work with FreeView?
They are talking about using different formats for the EPG. It may be that only compatible units will work properly. None available as yet.
http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,339294725,00.htm?feed…
if you read the user comments, everyone is saying it's all a load of hype and crap :P
freeview is serioulsy the biggest hyped up thing i've seen on tv.
they must be really desperate lol!
@neosin: And of the broadcasters, Ch10 is the only one to announce anything substantial about content (the sports channel). At the moment, Freeview is just a concept till I hear something of meaning.
From target catalogue, model number seems to be hvbt-2000b and my search for it returned this page :
http://www.mrgadget.com.au/catalog/olin-hvbt2000b-high-defin…
It is interesting to see their description, this can play DVD/CDs. (which ofcourse i think is wrong).
I purchased the exact same model as a second from seconds world for under $70.00. If i remember correctly it was $64.95
Great set top box though