Ext User(David Segall)
15-11-2007, 06:21 PM
Bob Bain <++@tpg.com.au> wrote:
>On Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:55:43 -0800, "David L. Jones"
><altzone@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>I'm after a new HD Set Top Box, and would like some recommendations.
>>My main criteria are that it switches on fast, changes channels fast,
>>and has a HDMI output. Low operating and standby power is nice too.
>
> I have been discussing the Topfield TF7000HDPVRt in aus.tv.digital
>
> http://www.topfield.com.au/product.asp?SKU=TF7000HDPVRts
>
> which I purchased last week and had have - and still have to struggle
>with - especially the firmware updates as Topfield appear to have
>released this to the market with beta firmware (March 2007).
>
> I like the unit as it does what I wanted from it - but there's
>obviously still some way to go with the firmware. If it records to an
>external hard drive attached to the USB port then it should (I would
>hope) display the files it has recorded but at this moment in time it
>(seemingly) doesn't. As I state this isn't a problem if you wish to
>transfer the files to a PC and store, edit and play them there - or
>via multimedia devices that recognise the codecs the unit records in.
Why did you choose this PVR over an Intel box running MythTV
<http://www.mythtv.org/docs/mythtv-HOWTO-1.html#ss1.1>? It seems more
expensive and less expandable. It does not do the sensible things that
you are entitled to expect from a PVR such as removing commercials,
keeping only the most recent broadcast of your favourite news program,
or recording anything with your favourite actors in the cast. I would
not advocate MythTV for the OP because he is looking for an
"appliance" but you seem to understand Linux and happy to spend time
getting your PVR working.
>On Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:55:43 -0800, "David L. Jones"
><altzone@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>I'm after a new HD Set Top Box, and would like some recommendations.
>>My main criteria are that it switches on fast, changes channels fast,
>>and has a HDMI output. Low operating and standby power is nice too.
>
> I have been discussing the Topfield TF7000HDPVRt in aus.tv.digital
>
> http://www.topfield.com.au/product.asp?SKU=TF7000HDPVRts
>
> which I purchased last week and had have - and still have to struggle
>with - especially the firmware updates as Topfield appear to have
>released this to the market with beta firmware (March 2007).
>
> I like the unit as it does what I wanted from it - but there's
>obviously still some way to go with the firmware. If it records to an
>external hard drive attached to the USB port then it should (I would
>hope) display the files it has recorded but at this moment in time it
>(seemingly) doesn't. As I state this isn't a problem if you wish to
>transfer the files to a PC and store, edit and play them there - or
>via multimedia devices that recognise the codecs the unit records in.
Why did you choose this PVR over an Intel box running MythTV
<http://www.mythtv.org/docs/mythtv-HOWTO-1.html#ss1.1>? It seems more
expensive and less expandable. It does not do the sensible things that
you are entitled to expect from a PVR such as removing commercials,
keeping only the most recent broadcast of your favourite news program,
or recording anything with your favourite actors in the cast. I would
not advocate MythTV for the OP because he is looking for an
"appliance" but you seem to understand Linux and happy to spend time
getting your PVR working.