Digital set top box

AUXRVIII · 18-09-2006, 10:12 PM

I'm looking for a standard definition set top box to purchase, can there any differences in picture quality from one brand/type to another? Is there any to stay away from?
Also what are some handy features they may have?
I'm not looking for a high definition box because at this time I don't think I need to spend the extra monet on one.
Thanks

duaned · 18-09-2006, 10:19 PM

More to the point, arm yourself with the best connection type that your tv offers. To help, I will list the worst to best in that order:-

Composite - standard a/v jacks these days. All SD digital boxes will have this.
S-Video - reccommended for the best all round SD picture quality
Component - minimum requirement for HD digital boxes to output HD.(some SD boxes can output this type of connection as well!)
VGA - Not widely used these days for HDTV. Nuff said.
HDMI/DVI - The ants pants in digital connection betwwen the digital reciever and display device.

In your case, if you have S-Video on your tv, choose a box with this output connection. Otherwise, most SD boxes around $100 will do the job well.
Hope this helps.

Thanks, Duane.

pertuan · 18-09-2006, 10:24 PM

We had a Teac box at work. I wouldnt buy one. It tended to play up.

AUXRVIII · 18-09-2006, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddarby

More to the point, arm yourself with the best connection type that your tv offers. To help, I will list the worst to best in that order:-

Composite - standard a/v jacks these days. All SD digital boxes will have this.
S-Video - reccommended for the best all round SD picture quality
Component - minimum requirement for HD digital boxes to output HD.(some SD boxes can output this type of connection as well!)
VGA - Not widely used these days for HDTV. Nuff said.
HDMI/DVI - The ants pants in digital connection betwwen the digital reciever and display device.

In your case, if you have S-Video on your tv, choose a box with this output connection. Otherwise, most SD boxes around $100 will do the job well.
Hope this helps.

Thanks, Duane.

Thanks for the info, very helpful. I don't have the Tv yet, I'm looking at a Panasonic 42" Plasma, from what i've seen so far a set top box is a must for a decent picture.

Keepleft · 19-09-2006, 01:55 AM

Why just limit yourself to mere terrestrial (DVB-T)??

http://www.mediastar.com.au/DW820PVR/buy.html
The link is an SD 'combo' box - A PVR that does both satellite (DVB-S) and terrestrial reception.

It has two CI slots so you can use the satellite side with Austar or Select TV etc, or just use it to view FTA sat stuff.

Within months an HD PVR 'combo' should soon hit the shores under some brand.

On Ebay you can buy 'combo' HD 'FTA' sat+terrestrial boxes right now, not PVR, though cheap.

Xrsick · 19-09-2006, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUXRVIII

Thanks for the info, very helpful. I don't have the Tv yet, I'm looking at a Panasonic 42" Plasma, from what i've seen so far a set top box is a must for a decent picture.

In your case and this is just a personal opinion I would look at the LG Plasma very reputable great picture quality with heaps of options and already has a High definition box built in $approx $2900 and the cheaper version with HDBI but SD screen is now going for approx $2400 this is the one i have and from more than 3mts away very little difference in quality. My point is at the end of the day if your buying a plasma buy one with HD box built in as the box alone is worth $500! and gives you the option of watching HD standard channels.

Tote · 19-09-2006, 09:21 AM

All the info you could possibly need. http://www.dtvforum.info/
I've had a TEAC SDB 420 for about 18 months and it has gone well. TEAC at least have a local firmware site and provide ongoing support.

Regards,
Tote

flappist · 19-09-2006, 10:43 AM

If you want a cheap DGTEC combo DVD R/W, SD STB, 160Gb PVR PM me. I have a HD one now so it is surplus

S3SR · 19-09-2006, 11:41 AM

get yourself a TOPFIELD they are the best quality....yes its expensive but they use better quality components, etc.

or go for the PVR's- personal video recorder its a 'dvd recorder' settop box in one (make sure u get the dvd drive one though)

but def go topfield, LG are crap they dont have the best signal capabilities, samsung are alright, DGTEC are great for the money $80.

bArNsY · 19-09-2006, 11:46 AM

do the set top boxes have the RGB connections now for the LCD and plasmas?

S3SR · 19-09-2006, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bArNsY

do the set top boxes have the RGB connections now for the LCD and plasmas?

just use the HDMI if they have that. but yes most of the set top boxes ive sold have RGB connections though u have to pay a little more for those.

MITCHAY · 19-09-2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pertuan

We had a Teac box at work. I wouldnt buy one. It tended to play up.

Yeah I've got one to. Man the first one I bought was a complete lemon. It took them 6 weeks before they would give me another one-they wouldn't refund my money. Worst service ever.

19-09-2006, 01:17 PM

Do yourself a favour, and get a HD set top box.

miitch · 19-09-2006, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FALCONSR

get yourself a TOPFIELD they are the best quality....yes its expensive but they use better quality components, etc.

or go for the PVR's- personal video recorder its a 'dvd recorder' settop box in one (make sure u get the dvd drive one though)

but def go topfield, LG are crap they dont have the best signal capabilities, samsung are alright, DGTEC are great for the money $80.

Our TOPFIELD box sucks, Half the time it doesn't record the damn shows.

Noddy · 19-09-2006, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket.

Our TOPFIELD box sucks, Half the time it doesn't record the damn shows.

which model?

miitch · 19-09-2006, 05:55 PM

TF4400PVrT

S3SR · 19-09-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket.

TF4400PVrT

return it! for an exchange of a new one or different model.

miitch · 19-09-2006, 06:43 PM

Is there something wrong with that model?

AC/DC · 19-09-2006, 10:37 PM

The panasonic 42" SD plasma is available for $1998, , and then you can team it up with a panasonic SD box with component out for $169, , ,

or a supernet 80Gb PVR for $190...

Good luck

Ac/DC

Matty4 · 20-09-2006, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket.

TF4400PVrT

I've got this same one and it works perfectly, haven't had a single problem with it.

dandaman · 20-09-2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty4

I've got this same one and it works perfectly, haven't had a single problem with it.

Same here, runs perfectly also.

S3SR · 20-09-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket.

Is there something wrong with that model?

shouldnt be but if it dont work id get a new one!

from all the boxes we sell not one topfield has come back.
but yes get a new one