Digital Set Top Boxes

K.T.Shoe[BMs] · Post by **K.T.Shoe[BMs]** » 03 Oct 2006 04:49 pm

I'm in the market for a Digital Set Top Boxes for my Panasonic Viera HD Plasma.

I want a high definition one with HDMI, and I'm thinking of getting either the LG, Sony, Toshiba or Topfield.

But these are so expensive at the moment - the cheapest one is the LG for $349, and I need another $50 for the HDMI cable.

The others cost at least $400, and the Sony and Toshiba needs some sort of software upgrade which worries me a little bit, and the Topfield one seem a bit bland in feature compares to the rest.

Anyone here got any experience with Digital Set Top Boxes? And should I wait a few more months for the price to drop a bit more? Seem awefully lot to pay for something just to watch TV.

DjBigK · Post by **DjBigK** » 03 Oct 2006 05:29 pm

I bought pretty much the cheapest HD STB that I could find

(actually I first bought a TEAC STB that had problems, returned it saved some cash, and got a Hotchip STB which hasn't missed a beat).

The price on the PVR HD STB will start coming down soon as more of them are slated for release. Outside of the PVR ones you should be able to get a very good one for $300-$400. The best place to look for info would be dtvforum.info .. a great forum with loads of information.

K.T.Shoe[BMs] · Post by **K.T.Shoe[BMs]** » 03 Oct 2006 07:13 pm

DjBigK wrote:The best place to look for info would be dtvforum.info .. a great forum with loads of information.

Thanks

I will go there now.

I was thinking of getting a Panasonic one to match my TV, but Panasonic's HD Set Top Box seems a bit average and doesn't have HDMI

unfnknblvbl · Post by **unfnknblvbl** » 03 Oct 2006 07:34 pm

when are we going to see these fucking things built into TVs already?

K.T.Shoe[BMs] · Post by **K.T.Shoe[BMs]** » 03 Oct 2006 08:20 pm

unfnknblvbl wrote:when are we going to see these fucking things built into TVs already?

It's funny that you said that - if you check the US websites of Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, etc.. (almost) all their TV's have build in digital tuners. Furthermore, none of them sell standalone set top boxes. We in Australia are at least 2 years behind

Cletus · Post by **Cletus** » 03 Oct 2006 08:41 pm

unfnknblvbl wrote:when are we going to see these fucking things built into TVs already?

My Samsungtron has the tuna built in.

GreyWizzard · Post by **GreyWizzard** » 03 Oct 2006 09:07 pm

you bought a teac? the late 80's are over my friend, teac is horrible!!!

technology et art combined my arse!

Lepo5 · Post by **Lepo5** » 03 Oct 2006 09:19 pm

Did it take long to get better ?

DjBigK · Post by **DjBigK** » 09 Oct 2006 07:57 pm

GreyWizzard wrote:you bought a teac? the late 80's are over my friend, teac is horrible!!!

technology et art combined my arse!

Actually that particular TEAC had been getting very good reviews.. it was some kind of weird issue where 1080i wouldn't work in the first 5 or so minutes of the unit being on. Other than that I was happy with the unit.

K.T.Shoe[BMs] · Post by **K.T.Shoe[BMs]** » 09 Oct 2006 09:02 pm

I still haven't bought one yet - b/c the ones I want aren't in stock

Out of curiosity, and I know this is something that has been talk about in the games section - is it better to convert broadcast signals of 1080i to 720p? Similarly, convert signals that were 720p (or less) to 1080i?

Also, what is actually better, 1080i or 720p? Please note, I'm talking about watching digital TVs

Twiztid Elf · Post by **Twiztid Elf** » 11 Oct 2006 01:11 pm

Finally upgrading!!!!!
W00T!!!! Punching Air.

37" LG LC2D
Built in HD Tuner.
Delivered Friday. $2400 with 5year waranty.

http://au.lge.com/md/product/prodcatego" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 1100000939

I'll be able to finally read what's going on in Dead Rising!

K.T.Shoe[BMs] · Post by **K.T.Shoe[BMs]** » 11 Oct 2006 04:23 pm

Congratulations Twiztid

Now can someone answer me the 1080i/720p questions