Topfield PVRs? [Archive] - Aussie Phorums

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Ext User(Psychonaut)

11-02-2006, 10:53 AM

It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so excuse
me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly and want
one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the Topfields. I like
the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody have experience with
these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB PVRs as well.

Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs with
PVR in general?

First time I've been here so thanks to anybody who can assist.

Brad

Ext User(Kevin Hendrikssen)

11-02-2006, 11:53 AM

Ext User(Psychonaut)

11-02-2006, 12:03 PM

Thanks Kevin
I have checked out the Topfield site and the unit looks great. I'm trying
to get some feedback from people such as you who have it. I'm also
interested in how sensitive the Topfield tuners are as my area is a bit
dodgy reception wise.

Thanks
Brad

"Kevin Hendrikssen" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
news:43ed252a$0$3667$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> "Psychonaut" <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote in message
> news:jL8Hf.4879$yK1.422@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so
>> excuse me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly
>> and want one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the
>> Topfields. I like the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody
>> have experience with these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB
>> PVRs as well.
>>
>> Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs
>> with PVR in general?
>>
>> First time I've been here so thanks to anybody who can assist.
>
> Lots of info on the forums at http://www.topfield-australia.com.au
>
> I have the original Topfield 5000PVRt and it's the best toy I've ever had.
> I couldn't live without it.
>
>

Ext User(tonymy01)

11-02-2006, 12:23 PM

Psychonaut wrote:
> Thanks Kevin
> I have checked out the Topfield site and the unit looks great. I'm
> trying to get some feedback from people such as you who have it. I'm
> also interested in how sensitive the Topfield tuners are as my area
> is a bit dodgy reception wise.
>
The forums over at Topfield at the suggested link have hundreds of people
"just like you" who own them.
The tuner is pretty good from what I have read on the
http://www.dtvforums.info forums. But this is the only digital STB I have
ever owned, so really can't compare for personal experience for you, as most
wouldn't be able to unless they were a dealer who have tried many boxes, and
are then likely to sway you towards whatever they need to move for this
week...
Regards
Tony
--
http://tonyspage.abock.de for Topfield info including turning those
treasured recordings into DVDs, all on your PC and in the digital domain!

Ext User(DFP)

11-02-2006, 12:53 PM

Yep the Topfield PVR is defintely the best and most customisable SD PVR
available. Defintely worth it!

They are planning to release a High Def version, but its been delayed so
many times, hopefully we hear something about this one soon!!

"Psychonaut" <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:jL8Hf.4879$yK1.422@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so excuse
> me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly and
> want one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the Topfields.
> I like the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody have
> experience with these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB PVRs as
> well.
>
> Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs
> with PVR in general?
>
> First time I've been here so thanks to anybody who can assist.
>
> Brad
>
>
>
>

Ext User(Kevin Hendrikssen)

11-02-2006, 01:33 PM

"Psychonaut" <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:HM9Hf.4915$yK1.2990@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Thanks Kevin
> I have checked out the Topfield site and the unit looks great. I'm trying
> to get some feedback from people such as you who have it. I'm also
> interested in how sensitive the Topfield tuners are as my area is a bit
> dodgy reception wise.

As I said, check out the forums on that site. Lots of Topfield users there
you can ask.

>> Lots of info on the forums at http://www.topfield-australia.com.au

Ext User(mark)

11-02-2006, 03:43 PM

On Fri, 10 Feb 2006 22:48:47 +0000, Psychonaut wrote:
> Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs with
> PVR in general?

The Topfield is considered the premier PVR available in Oz, mainly
because it was ahead of its time at launch some years ago and it has
matured from then into a well proven and popular unit. It can be
extended by users writing their own "Topfield Application Programs"
(TAPS) and there is now a thriving community of support developers who
provide these, mostly for free.

I am a Topfield owner. It is one of those rare items in life for which
the experience greatly surpasses your purchase expectations. The
Topfield completely changes they way you watch FTA television. If I
visit or stay anywhere now, without my Topfield, I can not accept the
way I used to watch TV.

Read this user contributed FAQ to get a good heads up:

http://www.topfield-australia.com.au/frm/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2538

Ext User(Anthony Horan)

11-02-2006, 05:23 PM

On Sat, 11 Feb 2006 13:37:45 +1000, mark wrote:

> The Topfield is considered the premier PVR available in Oz, mainly
> because it was ahead of its time at launch some years ago and it has
> matured from then into a well proven and popular unit.

It is, though, still *massively* overpriced.

Ext User(Psychonaut)

11-02-2006, 08:03 PM

Thanks to all who replied and sent me in the right directions here.
Universally applauded by the sound of it.

"Anthony Horan" <anthonyhoran@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1860lxhcypsw0.oj0u31beojvg$.dlg@40tude.net...
> On Sat, 11 Feb 2006 13:37:45 +1000, mark wrote:
>
>> The Topfield is considered the premier PVR available in Oz, mainly
>> because it was ahead of its time at launch some years ago and it has
>> matured from then into a well proven and popular unit.
>
> It is, though, still *massively* overpriced.

Ext User(Falco)

11-02-2006, 09:03 PM

I don't think you will find anybody that owns a Topfield say anything
negative about them.
Me included. I own two.
I wonder if "Anthony Horan" owns a Topfield or just wishes he owns one.

"Psychonaut" <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:uPgHf.5414$yK1.374@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Thanks to all who replied and sent me in the right directions here.
> Universally applauded by the sound of it.
>
>
>
> "Anthony Horan" <anthonyhoran@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1860lxhcypsw0.oj0u31beojvg$.dlg@40tude.net...
>> On Sat, 11 Feb 2006 13:37:45 +1000, mark wrote:
>>
>>> The Topfield is considered the premier PVR available in Oz, mainly
>>> because it was ahead of its time at launch some years ago and it has
>>> matured from then into a well proven and popular unit.
>>
>> It is, though, still *massively* overpriced.
>
>

Ext User(DJ!)

12-02-2006, 02:04 AM

On Fri, 10 Feb 2006 22:48:47 GMT, "Psychonaut"
<psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote:

>It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so excuse
>me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly and want
>one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the Topfields. I like
>the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody have experience with
>these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB PVRs as well.
>
>Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs with
>PVR in general?
>
>First time I've been here so thanks to anybody who can assist.

<Cue the Topfield fanbois parade>

DJ! - OzDJ
OzDJ@clubduh.com
http://phlog.net/user/OzDJ

Ext User(Kevin Hendrikssen)

12-02-2006, 02:03 PM

"DJ!" <OzDJ@clubduh.com> wrote in message
news:mcrru1p5huohjao0kaep9ohf97v361i3i8@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 10 Feb 2006 22:48:47 GMT, "Psychonaut"
> <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote:
>
>>It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so excuse
>>me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly and
>>want
>>one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the Topfields. I
>>like
>>the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody have experience with
>>these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB PVRs as well.
>>
>>Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs
>>with
>>PVR in general?
>>
>>First time I've been here so thanks to anybody who can assist.
>
> <Cue the Topfield fanbois parade>

shush, you!

Ext User(Anthony Horan)

12-02-2006, 04:03 PM

On Sat, 11 Feb 2006 09:01:50 GMT, Falco wrote:

> I don't think you will find anybody that owns a Topfield say anything
> negative about them.
> Me included. I own two.
> I wonder if "Anthony Horan" owns a Topfield or just wishes he owns one.

Firstly, it's my real name, you silly fucker. Unlike you, I am not afraid
to put my real name to the comments I make instead of hiding behind the
pseudonym of a dead gay German retro pop star.

Secondly, yes, I do wish I owned one. They rock. But as I said, they are
artificially, MASSIVELY overpriced.

Ext User(Anthony Horan)

12-02-2006, 04:03 PM

On Sun, 12 Feb 2006 00:59:08 +1100, DJ! wrote:

> <Cue the Topfield fanbois parade>

Strange, isn't it?

But hey, if they can't get laid, they've gotta love *something*, I guess,

Ext User(Justin)

12-02-2006, 04:33 PM

"Psychonaut" <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:jL8Hf.4879$yK1.422@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so excuse
> me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly and
> want one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the Topfields.
> I like the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody have
> experience with these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB PVRs as
> well.
>
> Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs
> with PVR in general?
>

As everybody has given you feedback on the Topfields, I should probably give
you some on a Strong PVR. If you see a Strong PVR, run the other way. I have
the 5290 (previous model) & is a boat anchor compared to a Topfield. Their
service is very good though (& you need them). Still better than a VCR any
day though.

I've tested the Nextwave twin tuner PVR (same manufacturer as Strong) &
while the picture is stunning, it's hopeless.

Topfield have a number of models based around the same hardware (4400, 5000
& MP), with variations in the chassis, hard drive & a few other things. As
said, they've stood the test of time.

The only other brand that has a model that comes anywhere near what the
Topfield can do (though not as well) is Humax. Their dual tuner model is
competing at the 4400 level.

Most of the other dual tuner PVRs are really 1.5 tuner PVRs (they struggle
or aren't designed to record 2 channels at once).

Justin

Ext User(mark)

12-02-2006, 04:33 PM

On Sun, 12 Feb 2006 14:53:07 +1100, Anthony Horan wrote:
> But as I said, they are artificially, MASSIVELY overpriced.

Anthony, what is an artificial price? Everything that has ever been sold
is subject to simple supply versus demand isn't it?

Obviously you will never buy a BMW.

Ext User(bassett)

12-02-2006, 04:53 PM

"Anthony Horan" <anthonyhoran@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:8vikojw4z9yl.zpesyrspoh74$.dlg@40tude.net...
> On Sat, 11 Feb 2006 09:01:50 GMT, Falco wrote:
>
>> I don't think you will find anybody that owns a Topfield say anything
>> negative about them.
>> Me included. I own two.
>> I wonder if "Anthony Horan" owns a Topfield or just wishes he owns one.
>
> Firstly, it's my real name, you silly fucker. Unlike you, I am not afraid
> to put my real name to the comments I make instead of hiding behind the
> pseudonym of a dead gay German retro pop star.
>
> Secondly, yes, I do wish I owned one. They rock. But as I said, they are
> artificially, MASSIVELY overpriced.

You say there over priced, but you don't say compaired to what ???? name
something that has a twin tuners, record two programs simultaneously while
watching a third, Pause and rewind live TV, recordable captions, teletext.
MP3, PIP.

As for being over priced, The good guy's have stocks at the moment, $899,
or less for cash $750..
I'm sorry , but for what your getting, there bloody cheap..
bassett

Ext User(bassett)

12-02-2006, 04:53 PM

"Justin" <justin.nospam@dontspamme.com.au> wrote in message
news:43eeb8ac$0$19770$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
> "Psychonaut" <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote in message
> news:jL8Hf.4879$yK1.422@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so
>> excuse me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly
>> and want one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the
>> Topfields. I like the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody
>> have experience with these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB
>> PVRs as well.
>>
>> Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs
>> with PVR in general?
>>
>
> As everybody has given you feedback on the Topfields, I should probably
> give you some on a Strong PVR. If you see a Strong PVR, run the other way.
> I have the 5290 (previous model) & is a boat anchor compared to a
> Topfield. Their service is very good though (& you need them). Still
> better than a VCR any day though.
>
> I've tested the Nextwave twin tuner PVR (same manufacturer as Strong) &
> while the picture is stunning, it's hopeless.
>
> Topfield have a number of models based around the same hardware (4400,
> 5000 & MP), with variations in the chassis, hard drive & a few other
> things. As said, they've stood the test of time.
>
> The only other brand that has a model that comes anywhere near what the
> Topfield can do (though not as well) is Humax. Their dual tuner model is
> competing at the 4400 level.
>
> Most of the other dual tuner PVRs are really 1.5 tuner PVRs (they struggle
> or aren't designed to record 2 channels at once).
>
> Justin

Firstly,, the Nextwave brand or not made by Strong, there a chinese clone.
2nd,, consider the Fortec Star, but you will need to import yourself, but
having said that, the Topfield does piss over everything.
All we need now , is quality TV programming to go with it...
bassett

Ext User(Psychonaut)

12-02-2006, 05:13 PM

"Justin" <justin.nospam@dontspamme.com.au> wrote in message
news:43eeb8ac$0$19770$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
> "Psychonaut" <psychonaut@bigpond.com> wrote in message
> news:jL8Hf.4879$yK1.422@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> It may have already been a subject here, but I have come in late so
>> excuse me if its already been discussed. I am going to buy a STB shortly
>> and want one with a PVR. In particular I've been checking out the
>> Topfields. I like the look of the Topfield TF5000PVRtMP. Does anybody
>> have experience with these? I have also been looking at the Strong STB
>> PVRs as well.
>>
>> Anybody able or willing to assist with some comments on these, or STBs
>> with PVR in general?
>>
>
> As everybody has given you feedback on the Topfields, I should probably
> give you some on a Strong PVR. If you see a Strong PVR, run the other way.
> I have the 5290 (previous model) & is a boat anchor compared to a
> Topfield. Their service is very good though (& you need them). Still
> better than a VCR any day though.
>
> I've tested the Nextwave twin tuner PVR (same manufacturer as Strong) &
> while the picture is stunning, it's hopeless.
>
> Topfield have a number of models based around the same hardware (4400,
> 5000 & MP), with variations in the chassis, hard drive & a few other
> things. As said, they've stood the test of time.
>
> The only other brand that has a model that comes anywhere near what the
> Topfield can do (though not as well) is Humax. Their dual tuner model is
> competing at the 4400 level.
>
> Most of the other dual tuner PVRs are really 1.5 tuner PVRs (they struggle
> or aren't designed to record 2 channels at once).
>
> Justin
>
Damn close. I had considered the Strong. And also once again Bassett thank
you. I'm not interested in the price. I want something that is well
featured and proven. Obviously the Topfield is this and more. I am not in
favour of buying crap just to save a couple of hundred bucks. But some
people let the price of things eat them up long after they've purchased it
rather than enjoying quality.

Ext User(Opus Condobalas)

12-02-2006, 09:13 PM

Nope. They can have both! :-)

"Anthony Horan" <anthonyhoran@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:154ndt9ggc1oz$.1fd0ai4etevln.dlg@40tude.net.. .
> On Sun, 12 Feb 2006 00:59:08 +1100, DJ! wrote:
>
>> <Cue the Topfield fanbois parade>
>
> Strange, isn't it?
>
> But hey, if they can't get laid, they've gotta love *something*, I guess,