Just wondering what digital set top boxes are out there with a HDD and can do timeslip? I've got a standard def TEAC and whilst it was nice and cheap, it plays up a little and can't record.

And can a high def set top box still be used with a normal TV (obviously I wouldn't be expecting to view stuff at high res) i.e. can they switch between standard and high def's? It would be nice to get a high def box now ready for a future upgrade instead of wasting money.

:D
Just wondering what digital set top boxes are out there with a HDD and can do timeslip? I've got a standard def TEAC and whilst it was nice and cheap, it plays up a little and can't record.

And can a high def set top box still be used with a normal TV (obviously I wouldn't be expecting to view stuff at high res) i.e. can they switch between standard and high def's? It would be nice to get a high def box now ready for a future upgrade instead of wasting money.

Topfield make some good ones, the best ones have twin tuners so that you can record one channel while watching another, but be prepared to pay a few bucks for these still.

Most HD boxes have regular composite (yellow, red, white)connections allowing you to plug it into any normal TV. To view in high definition you have to use the digital connections (DVI or HDMI) or the component plugs.

Bear in mind that very few programs are broadcast in true high definition anyway, so even with a HD box, most of the viewing is in SD anyway.

A Digital set top box with a hard disk recorder is called a PVR (personal video recorder) - useless fact for the day :D

Topfield make some good ones, the best ones have twin tuners so that you can record one channel while watching another, but be prepared to pay a few bucks for these still.
Cool, hadn't thought about that feature. I like :badgrin:


Most HD boxes have regular composite (yellow, red, white)connections allowing you to plug it into any normal TV. To view in high definition you have to use the digital connections (DVI or HDMI) or the component plugs.
Cool


Bear in mind that very few programs are broadcast in true high definition anyway, so even with a HD box, most of the viewing is in SD anyway.
Really? But even if there's SD quality, it would still be broadcast in HD format yeah? I know that this TEAC one hangs when it tries to display a HD picture (one of the reason's I want to ditch it).


A Digital set top box with a hard disk recorder is called a PVR (personal video recorder) - useless fact for the day :D
Well, there you go lol

Really? But even if there's SD quality, it would still be broadcast in HD format yeah? I know that this TEAC one hangs when it tries to display a HD picture (one of the reason's I want to ditch it).



Yeah if your teac is a standard def box it won't display the high def channels. Yes, it is broadcast in HD format, but the resolution of the picture may only be equivilent to SD, due to the way it was originally filmed. Or there will not be anything shown on the HD channel.
For example in Melbourne, channel 7 show a very nice high definition demo loop, when they aren't broadcasting any HD programming. Nice for demonstrating your high def plasma or LCD.

Check out http://www.dba.org.au for all the latest info - there's a forum too :)

There is a good review in the latest issue of Choice magazine.

I'll have a look tonight and post up a summary.

Do you want HD, or twin tuners, big hard disc.???
What outputs, HDMI or component?
Do you want to network?

Look at the Legend and Topfield from memory.
The Legend has twin tuners, so you can watch one channel and record the other, expensive at $699 list with 160Gb hard drive.

Can't remember much else at the momnet.

Gerry.

Do you want HD, or twin tuners, big hard disc.???
What outputs, HDMI or component?
Do you want to network?
Network?

Gee, to many questions. I guess it would be nice getting HD and twin tuners but not necessary. I'd say a resonable HDD, doesn't need to be huge as I don't actually watch much TV.

Outputs would need to be RCA into my CRT TV. It doesn't have component in (at least I don't remember it having it so it won't have HDMI).

I just purchased a 'Strong' set top box. Goes great!

My brother does antenna installs as a hobbie and reakons STRONG boxes are very good value for money. Their Tuners are nice and sensitive and pick up anything really well.
He also said Topfield are another brand worth noting

We have a Topfield Standard def box. Cost us about $1,000 but it has 2 tuners (record and watch different channels) has 60 minutes of timeslip. (Eg you can pause mid show to goto the toilet, make a dirnk etc or if you missed the first 15 mins of your show cause some idiot came to the door just rewind it back :P) it also has a 160gb HDD and has a really easy method of setting of recordings, you can set it up to record things weekly for you etc.

Very good but expensive.

You might want to keep an eye on a little linux box called a dreambox. It's basicly just a little linux computer with TV out, they are mainly used for non-legal satellite activities but the newer ones can have twin tuners, so you can have either or 2 of cable/sat/terrestrial TV, I am pretty sure they are for HDTV.

I have a DM-7000 here for sat TV, it does not have twin tuners but it does take a standard sized HDD and the new ones will take a DVD burner as well.

The twin tuner software is still in development, but it should come out of beta soon, check out http://dream-multimedia.com.au for more, you might also want to check out http://austech.info

So, what's a decent SD digital receiver card / device for PC?