COMM: $499- Limited Demo models of Opentel twin tuner PVR available

[kristal]

Hi all
We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner digital
terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499 delivered.

These have a slight dent on the back panel, and come with full 12 month
warranty.
Details on our web site www.kristal.com.au

[tdk]

Why do demo models have dents in them?
Are they thrown around in the shop or do they mark them as "demo" with a
hammer?
"kristal" <sales@kristal.com.au> wrote in message
news:412b1e34$1_1@news.iprimus.com.au...
> Hi all
> We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner digital
> terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499 delivered.
>
> These have a slight dent on the back panel, and come with full 12 month
> warranty.
> Details on our web site www.kristal.com.au
>
>

[murderofcrows]

can you set this machine to repeat scheduled recordings? eg. every monday 6.00pm-6.30pm; every weekday 7pm-8pm etc.
this comparison chart
http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg
seems to imply that it doesn't.
thanks

Hi all
We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner digital
terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499 delivered.

These have a slight dent on the back panel, and come with full 12 month
warranty.
Details on our web site www.kristal.com.au

[JOe]

I just got one of these... you can set up weekly, daily but not weekdays
(that would need 5 separate settings). Apparently you can put up to 32
individual schedules in there.

the manual is next to useless, but once you have set it up it seems to
be easy enough to operate - though havent had a good play with it yet...
but gee its a fun toy.

From what others are saying, the topfield is the pick of the bunch, but
for $500 this ones seems to be the goods for value for money.

HTH,

JOe




In article <murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
>
> can you set this machine to repeat scheduled recordings? eg. every
> monday 6.00pm-6.30pm; every weekday 7pm-8pm etc.
> this comparison chart
> http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg
> seems to imply that it doesn't.
> thanks
>
> kristal Wrote:
> > Hi all
> > We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner digital
> > terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499 delivered.
> >
> > These have a slight dent on the back panel, and come with full 12
> > month
> > warranty.
> > Details on our web site www.kristal.com.au
>
>
>

--
Remove nospam when replying

[murderofcrows]

hi,
thanks for your extremely informative reply. pity it doesn't do weekday et al recordings (so i could, for example, record the simpsons every weeknight) but so long as it has daily/weekly recordings and 32 slots (thanks for answering that one too!) should allow me plenty of flexibility if i do decide i want to get the nightly simpsons fix. from what i've heard, the topfield does seem the pick, but it seems that if i am lucky i might be able to get the toppy for $800 whereas i can easily find the opentel for $500 maybe even less - that's a pretty significant price difference.
thanks

I just got one of these... you can set up weekly, daily but not weekdays
(that would need 5 separate settings). Apparently you can put up to 32
individual schedules in there.

the manual is next to useless, but once you have set it up it seems to
be easy enough to operate - though havent had a good play with it yet...
but gee its a fun toy.

From what others are saying, the topfield is the pick of the bunch, but
for $500 this ones seems to be the goods for value for money.

HTH,

JOe




In article <murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
>
> can you set this machine to repeat scheduled recordings? eg. every
> monday 6.00pm-6.30pm; every weekday 7pm-8pm etc.
> this comparison chart
> http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg
> seems to imply that it doesn't.
> thanks
>
> kristal Wrote:
> > Hi all
> > We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner digital
> > terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499 delivered.
> >
> > These have a slight dent on the back panel, and come with full 12
> > month
> > warranty.
> > Details on our web site www.kristal.com.au
>
>
>

--
Remove nospam when replying

[JOe]

yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely handy
for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!

The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
here) but i havent tried it out.

I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
things work good.

Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
difference.

The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find it
cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!

cheers,

JOe

In article <murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
>
> hi,
> thanks for your extremely informative reply. pity it doesn't do weekday
> et al recordings (so i could, for example, record the simpsons every
> weeknight) but so long as it has daily/weekly recordings and 32 slots
> (thanks for answering that one too!) should allow me plenty of
> flexibility if i do decide i want to get the nightly simpsons fix. from
> what i've heard, the topfield does seem the pick, but it seems that if
> i am lucky i might be able to get the toppy for $800 whereas i can
> easily find the opentel for $500 maybe even less - that's a pretty
> significant price difference.
> thanks
>
> JOe Wrote:
> > I just got one of these... you can set up weekly, daily but not
> > weekdays
> > (that would need 5 separate settings). Apparently you can put up to 32
> > individual schedules in there.
> >
> > the manual is next to useless, but once you have set it up it seems to
> > be easy enough to operate - though havent had a good play with it
> > yet...
> > but gee its a fun toy.
> >
> > From what others are saying, the topfield is the pick of the bunch,
> > but
> > for $500 this ones seems to be the goods for value for money.
> >
> > HTH,
> >
> > JOe
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > In article <murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
> > murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
> > >
> > > can you set this machine to repeat scheduled recordings? eg. every
> > > monday 6.00pm-6.30pm; every weekday 7pm-8pm etc.
> > > this comparison chart
> > > http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg
> > > seems to imply that it doesn't.
> > > thanks
> > >
> > > kristal Wrote:
> > > > Hi all
> > > > We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner digital
> > > > terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499 delivered.
> > > >

--
Remove nospam when replying

[murderofcrows]

they seem to be selling on ebay for about $490 (inc. p&h) these days.


yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely handy
for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!

The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
here) but i havent tried it out.

I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
things work good.

Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
difference.

The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find it
cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!

cheers,

JOe

In article <murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
>
> hi,
> thanks for your extremely informative reply. pity it doesn't do weekday
> et al recordings (so i could, for example, record the simpsons every
> weeknight) but so long as it has daily/weekly recordings and 32 slots
> (thanks for answering that one too!) should allow me plenty of
> flexibility if i do decide i want to get the nightly simpsons fix. from
> what i've heard, the topfield does seem the pick, but it seems that if
> i am lucky i might be able to get the toppy for $800 whereas i can
> easily find the opentel for $500 maybe even less - that's a pretty
> significant price difference.
> thanks
>
> JOe Wrote:
> > I just got one of these... you can set up weekly, daily but not
> > weekdays
> > (that would need 5 separate settings). Apparently you can put up to 32
> > individual schedules in there.
> >
> > the manual is next to useless, but once you have set it up it seems to
> > be easy enough to operate - though havent had a good play with it
> > yet...
> > but gee its a fun toy.
> >
> > From what others are saying, the topfield is the pick of the bunch,
> > but
> > for $500 this ones seems to be the goods for value for money.
> >
> > HTH,
> >
> > JOe
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > In article <murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
> > murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
> > >
> > > can you set this machine to repeat scheduled recordings? eg. every
> > > monday 6.00pm-6.30pm; every weekday 7pm-8pm etc.
> > > this comparison chart
> > > http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg
> > > seems to imply that it doesn't.
> > > thanks
> > >
> > > kristal Wrote:
> > > > Hi all
> > > > We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner digital
> > > > terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499 delivered.
> > > >

--
Remove nospam when replying

[akk]

....

[Cameron]

Really, I would have never known!

"newthread[username]" <akk.1ennyb@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:akk.1ennyb@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>
> I can do it for 485 Brand new and pickup is available from sydney
>
> JOe Wrote:
>> yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
>> recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely
>> handy
>> for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!
>>
>> The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
>> here) but i havent tried it out.
>>
>> I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
>> things work good.
>>
>> Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
>> difference.
>>
>> The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find
>> it
>> cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!
>>
>> cheers,
>>
>> JOe
>>
>> In article <murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
>> murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
>> >
>> > hi,
>> > thanks for your extremely informative reply. pity it doesn't do
>> weekday
>> > et al recordings (so i could, for example, record the simpsons every
>> > weeknight) but so long as it has daily/weekly recordings and 32
>> slots
>> > (thanks for answering that one too!) should allow me plenty of
>> > flexibility if i do decide i want to get the nightly simpsons fix.
>> from
>> > what i've heard, the topfield does seem the pick, but it seems that
>> if
>> > i am lucky i might be able to get the toppy for $800 whereas i can
>> > easily find the opentel for $500 maybe even less - that's a pretty
>> > significant price difference.
>> > thanks
>> >
>> > JOe Wrote:
>> > > I just got one of these... you can set up weekly, daily but not
>> > > weekdays
>> > > (that would need 5 separate settings). Apparently you can put up to
>> 32
>> > > individual schedules in there.
>> > >
>> > > the manual is next to useless, but once you have set it up it seems
>> to
>> > > be easy enough to operate - though havent had a good play with it
>> > > yet...
>> > > but gee its a fun toy.
>> > >
>> > > From what others are saying, the topfield is the pick of the
>> bunch,
>> > > but
>> > > for $500 this ones seems to be the goods for value for money.
>> > >
>> > > HTH,
>> > >
>> > > JOe
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > In article <murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
>> > > murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
>> > > >
>> > > > can you set this machine to repeat scheduled recordings? eg.
>> every
>> > > > monday 6.00pm-6.30pm; every weekday 7pm-8pm etc.
>> > > > this comparison chart
>> > > > http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg
>> > > > seems to imply that it doesn't.
>> > > > thanks
>> > > >
>> > > > kristal Wrote:
>> > > > > Hi all
>> > > > > We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner
>> digital
>> > > > > terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499
>> delivered.
>> > > > >
>>
>> --
>> Remove nospam when replying
>
>
> --
> akk
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> akk's Profile: http://forums.eyo.com.au/member.php?userid=14282
> View this thread: http://forums.eyo.com.au/showthread.php?t=59820
>

[Garry Ozols]

fucking useless eyo forum user, get a grip on your flacid little dick and
fuck off to the cesspit you call home, how many times do you have to post
the same inane drivel

--
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity." - Lazarus Long
..

"newthread[username]" <akk.1enoey@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:akk.1enoey@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>
> I can do it for 485 Brand new and pickup is available from sydney
>
> JOe Wrote:
> > yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
> > recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely
> > handy
> > for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!
> >
> > The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
> > here) but i havent tried it out.
> >
> > I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
> > things work good.
> >
> > Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
> > difference.
> >
> > The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find
> > it
> > cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!
> >
> > cheers,
> >
> > JOe
> >
> > In article <murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
> > murderofcrows.1bxxwa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
> > >
> > > hi,
> > > thanks for your extremely informative reply. pity it doesn't do
> > weekday
> > > et al recordings (so i could, for example, record the simpsons every
> > > weeknight) but so long as it has daily/weekly recordings and 32
> > slots
> > > (thanks for answering that one too!) should allow me plenty of
> > > flexibility if i do decide i want to get the nightly simpsons fix.
> > from
> > > what i've heard, the topfield does seem the pick, but it seems that
> > if
> > > i am lucky i might be able to get the toppy for $800 whereas i can
> > > easily find the opentel for $500 maybe even less - that's a pretty
> > > significant price difference.
> > > thanks
> > >
> > > JOe Wrote:
> > > > I just got one of these... you can set up weekly, daily but not
> > > > weekdays
> > > > (that would need 5 separate settings). Apparently you can put up to
> > 32
> > > > individual schedules in there.
> > > >
> > > > the manual is next to useless, but once you have set it up it seems
> > to
> > > > be easy enough to operate - though havent had a good play with it
> > > > yet...
> > > > but gee its a fun toy.
> > > >
> > > > From what others are saying, the topfield is the pick of the
> > bunch,
> > > > but
> > > > for $500 this ones seems to be the goods for value for money.
> > > >
> > > > HTH,
> > > >
> > > > JOe
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > In article <murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>,
> > > > murderofcrows.1buj7m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au says...
> > > > >
> > > > > can you set this machine to repeat scheduled recordings? eg.
> > every
> > > > > monday 6.00pm-6.30pm; every weekday 7pm-8pm etc.
> > > > > this comparison chart
> > > > > http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg
> > > > > seems to imply that it doesn't.
> > > > > thanks
> > > > >
> > > > > kristal Wrote:
> > > > > > Hi all
> > > > > > We have a limited number of Opentel ODT4200PVR twin tuner
> > digital
> > > > > > terrestrial SD receivers with 80G HDD available at $499
> > delivered.
> > > > > >
> >
> > --
> > Remove nospam when replying
>
>
> --
> akk
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> akk's Profile: http://forums.eyo.com.au/member.php?userid=14282
> View this thread: http://forums.eyo.com.au/showthread.php?t=59820
>

[murderofcrows]

So I finally bought one off ebay for $490 (inc. p&h). luckily i was prepared for the crappy manual so i didn't get too frustrated trying to muddle through the terrible english et al.
i have tuned it in and watching live tv seems to be fine; unfortunately after recording - playback seems to be very glitchy - as if i am getting bad reception. i was not monitoring the recordings live but i think it is unlikely that i was receiving poor reception during the broadcast. i suspect this may be hard drive related; it's as if the hard drive can't write dast enough perhaps. anyway, anyone else had this problem? any suggestions to fix it? it's bad enough that watching recorded shows is not possible. don't know if it is a hardware error or something i can fix by playing around with the settings. i have only tried recording two half hour episodes so far so will continue to monitor it but i don't have a good feeling about this.
thanks for any help you are able to throw my way.




[QUOTE=JOe]yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely handy
for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!

The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
here) but i havent tried it out.

I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
things work good.

Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
difference.

The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find it
cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!

cheers,

JOe

[chuck]

Hi...Are you still having problems with your opentel, I was
thinking of getting one myself and wanted to ensure the pvr is able to
record and playback without a problem before getting one.
also
I am mainly interested in a Hard Disk PVR to watch a prerecorded
program while recording a program currently being shown on TV.

Also being able to utilize timeshifting, I want to be able to watch a
movie 30 min in, fast forward the commercials and catch up to the live
broadcast.

Can anyone confirm the opentel is able to perfom the 2 basic functions
without a problem or should I be looking at an alternate PVR.

thanks

murderofcrows <murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message news:<murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>...
> So I finally bought one off ebay for $490 (inc. p&h). luckily i was
> prepared for the crappy manual so i didn't get too frustrated trying to
> muddle through the terrible english et al.
> i have tuned it in and watching live tv seems to be fine; unfortunately
> after recording - playback seems to be very glitchy - as if i am
> getting bad reception. i was not monitoring the recordings live but i
> think it is unlikely that i was receiving poor reception during the
> broadcast. i suspect this may be hard drive related; it's as if the
> hard drive can't write dast enough perhaps. anyway, anyone else had
> this problem? any suggestions to fix it? it's bad enough that watching
> recorded shows is not possible. don't know if it is a hardware error or
> something i can fix by playing around with the settings. i have only
> tried recording two half hour episodes so far so will continue to
> monitor it but i don't have a good feeling about this.
> thanks for any help you are able to throw my way.
>
>
>
>
> JOe Wrote:
> > yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
> > recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely
> > handy
> > for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!
> >
> > The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
> > here) but i havent tried it out.
> >
> > I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
> > things work good.
> >
> > Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
> > difference.
> >
> > The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find
> > it
> > cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!
> >
> > cheers,
> >
> > JOe

[akk]

Can i ask where you got your Opentel from?

was it kristal.com.au?

Thanx
ak

[º¿º]

I would strongly suggest Topfield TF5000PVRt. It has 120Gb drive and is very
stable. I have an opentel and wish I had acquired a Topfield instead.


"chuck" <C_RUSSO@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote in message
news:7ced4567.0410311917.1f20598f@posting.google.c om...
> Hi...Are you still having problems with your opentel, I was
> thinking of getting one myself and wanted to ensure the pvr is able to
> record and playback without a problem before getting one.
> also
> I am mainly interested in a Hard Disk PVR to watch a prerecorded
> program while recording a program currently being shown on TV.
>
> Also being able to utilize timeshifting, I want to be able to watch a
> movie 30 min in, fast forward the commercials and catch up to the live
> broadcast.
>
> Can anyone confirm the opentel is able to perfom the 2 basic functions
> without a problem or should I be looking at an alternate PVR.
>
> thanks
>
> murderofcrows <murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in
> message news:<murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>...
>> So I finally bought one off ebay for $490 (inc. p&h). luckily i was
>> prepared for the crappy manual so i didn't get too frustrated trying to
>> muddle through the terrible english et al.
>> i have tuned it in and watching live tv seems to be fine; unfortunately
>> after recording - playback seems to be very glitchy - as if i am
>> getting bad reception. i was not monitoring the recordings live but i
>> think it is unlikely that i was receiving poor reception during the
>> broadcast. i suspect this may be hard drive related; it's as if the
>> hard drive can't write dast enough perhaps. anyway, anyone else had
>> this problem? any suggestions to fix it? it's bad enough that watching
>> recorded shows is not possible. don't know if it is a hardware error or
>> something i can fix by playing around with the settings. i have only
>> tried recording two half hour episodes so far so will continue to
>> monitor it but i don't have a good feeling about this.
>> thanks for any help you are able to throw my way.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> JOe Wrote:
>> > yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
>> > recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely
>> > handy
>> > for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!
>> >
>> > The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
>> > here) but i havent tried it out.
>> >
>> > I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
>> > things work good.
>> >
>> > Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
>> > difference.
>> >
>> > The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find
>> > it
>> > cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!
>> >
>> > cheers,
>> >
>> > JOe

[murderofcrows]

hi,
after i sent my last post i played with the set some more. the recordings i had made were from channel 10 - and i didn't realise that all channels except for channel 10 are playing fine. so it was the original boradcast that was dodgy - this, however, i believe is not the set since i live in richmond, melbourne, and i have seen various reports of dodgy digital reception for channel 10 in my area (ironically, all the channels are broadcast from the channel 10 building in south yarra but 10 is the only one to be bad). strangely enough, i got the box to retune for channels and now i seem to be getting good reception on all channels. yay.
in answer to your questions: yes you can watch one channel whilst recording another.
and yes, you can time shift. it doesn't automatically do it whenever your watching tv like i believe some pvrs do but all it requires to activate is the hit of one button. you can't time shift and watch another channel at the same time - but if you wanted to do this then you can easily just hit the record button instead and then switch to another channel. also - when time shifting it seems that you can't rewind if you want to repeat a bit that you missed for example - i don't know if other pvrs do this but before this i was using my computer and i could with that. bit disappointed to discover that i can't with this.
another poster has mentioned the topfield. i seriously considered the topfield before making this purchase but in the end, even though without trying one i believe they are the superior product the cheapest i have seen them going for is about 1k and i just can't justify that kind of money. if you can i don't think you'll be unhappy with it. having been aware of the pros and cons of the opentel before purchasing - i can say now that i am satisfied with my purchase. maybe one day i can get a 'toppy' for 500 bucks and then i'll make the switch.
and to answer another post; no i didn't buy from kristal - i have heard that they are selling opentel units with dodgy receivers....?

Hi...Are you still having problems with your opentel, I was
thinking of getting one myself and wanted to ensure the pvr is able to
record and playback without a problem before getting one.
also
I am mainly interested in a Hard Disk PVR to watch a prerecorded
program while recording a program currently being shown on TV.

Also being able to utilize timeshifting, I want to be able to watch a
movie 30 min in, fast forward the commercials and catch up to the live
broadcast.

Can anyone confirm the opentel is able to perfom the 2 basic functions
without a problem or should I be looking at an alternate PVR.

thanks

murderofcrows <murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message news:<murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>...
> So I finally bought one off ebay for $490 (inc. p&h). luckily i was
> prepared for the crappy manual so i didn't get too frustrated trying to
> muddle through the terrible english et al.
> i have tuned it in and watching live tv seems to be fine; unfortunately
> after recording - playback seems to be very glitchy - as if i am
> getting bad reception. i was not monitoring the recordings live but i
> think it is unlikely that i was receiving poor reception during the
> broadcast. i suspect this may be hard drive related; it's as if the
> hard drive can't write dast enough perhaps. anyway, anyone else had
> this problem? any suggestions to fix it? it's bad enough that watching
> recorded shows is not possible. don't know if it is a hardware error or
> something i can fix by playing around with the settings. i have only
> tried recording two half hour episodes so far so will continue to
> monitor it but i don't have a good feeling about this.
> thanks for any help you are able to throw my way.
>
>
>
>
> JOe Wrote:
> > yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of weekday
> > recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely
> > handy
> > for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!
> >
> > The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original ad
> > here) but i havent tried it out.
> >
> > I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software these
> > things work good.
> >
> > Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
> > difference.
> >
> > The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you find
> > it
> > cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or not!
> >
> > cheers,
> >
> > JOe

[chuck]

Thanks for your input, I also cannot justify spending an extra $500
for a Topfield, the technology going into these devices is constantly
changing, within 1-2 years you might be able to get a Topfield with
High Def, Ethernet Ports, Wireless and a DVD-Burner. Then I would be
willing to pay extra $500 or more, for now, I just need a unit that
does the basics for a resonable price, The Opentel seems to be the
best choice at the low end for $500.
To clarify on one point, you mentioned that you can watch one channel
while recording another. Can you watch a pre-recordrd program while
recording at the same time? (I think that makes sense) This is the
main reason I wish to purchase the Opentel.
Also I thought Kristal were the importers of the Opentel PVR's?



murderofcrows <murderofcrows.1f18r6@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message news:<murderofcrows.1f18r6@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>...
> hi,
> after i sent my last post i played with the set some more. the
> recordings i had made were from channel 10 - and i didn't realise that
> all channels except for channel 10 are playing fine. so it was the
> original boradcast that was dodgy - this, however, i believe is not the
> set since i live in richmond, melbourne, and i have seen various
> reports of dodgy digital reception for channel 10 in my area
> (ironically, all the channels are broadcast from the channel 10
> building in south yarra but 10 is the only one to be bad). strangely
> enough, i got the box to retune for channels and now i seem to be
> getting good reception on all channels. yay.
> in answer to your questions: yes you can watch one channel whilst
> recording another.
> and yes, you can time shift. it doesn't automatically do it whenever
> your watching tv like i believe some pvrs do but all it requires to
> activate is the hit of one button. you can't time shift and watch
> another channel at the same time - but if you wanted to do this then
> you can easily just hit the record button instead and then switch to
> another channel. also - when time shifting it seems that you can't
> rewind if you want to repeat a bit that you missed for example - i
> don't know if other pvrs do this but before this i was using my
> computer and i could with that. bit disappointed to discover that i
> can't with this.
> another poster has mentioned the topfield. i seriously considered the
> topfield before making this purchase but in the end, even though
> without trying one i believe they are the superior product the cheapest
> i have seen them going for is about 1k and i just can't justify that
> kind of money. if you can i don't think you'll be unhappy with it.
> having been aware of the pros and cons of the opentel before purchasing
> - i can say now that i am satisfied with my purchase. maybe one day i
> can get a 'toppy' for 500 bucks and then i'll make the switch.
> and to answer another post; no i didn't buy from kristal - i have heard
> that they are selling opentel units with dodgy receivers....?
>
> chuck Wrote:
> > Hi...Are you still having problems with your opentel, I was
> > thinking of getting one myself and wanted to ensure the pvr is able to
> > record and playback without a problem before getting one.
> > also
> > I am mainly interested in a Hard Disk PVR to watch a prerecorded
> > program while recording a program currently being shown on TV.
> >
> > Also being able to utilize timeshifting, I want to be able to watch a
> > movie 30 min in, fast forward the commercials and catch up to the live
> > broadcast.
> >
> > Can anyone confirm the opentel is able to perfom the 2 basic functions
> > without a problem or should I be looking at an alternate PVR.
> >
> > thanks
> >
> > murderofcrows <murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in
> > message news:<murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>...
> > > So I finally bought one off ebay for $490 (inc. p&h). luckily i was
> > > prepared for the crappy manual so i didn't get too frustrated trying
> to
> > > muddle through the terrible english et al.
> > > i have tuned it in and watching live tv seems to be fine;
> unfortunately
> > > after recording - playback seems to be very glitchy - as if i am
> > > getting bad reception. i was not monitoring the recordings live but
> i
> > > think it is unlikely that i was receiving poor reception during the
> > > broadcast. i suspect this may be hard drive related; it's as if the
> > > hard drive can't write dast enough perhaps. anyway, anyone else had
> > > this problem? any suggestions to fix it? it's bad enough that
> watching
> > > recorded shows is not possible. don't know if it is a hardware error
> or
> > > something i can fix by playing around with the settings. i have only
> > > tried recording two half hour episodes so far so will continue to
> > > monitor it but i don't have a good feeling about this.
> > > thanks for any help you are able to throw my way.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > JOe Wrote:
> > > > yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of
> weekday
> > > > recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely
> > > > handy
> > > > for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!
> > > >
> > > > The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original
> ad
> > > > here) but i havent tried it out.
> > > >
> > > > I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software
> these
> > > > things work good.
> > > >
> > > > Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
> > > > difference.
> > > >
> > > > The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you
> find
> > > > it
> > > > cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or
> not!
> > > >
> > > > cheers,
> > > >
> > > > JOe

[tony_h]

chuck wrote:
> Thanks for your input, I also cannot justify spending an extra $500
> for a Topfield, the technology going into these devices is constantly
> changing, within 1-2 years you might be able to get a Topfield with
> High Def, Ethernet Ports, Wireless and a DVD-Burner. Then I would be
> willing to pay extra $500 or more, for now, I just need a unit that
> does the basics for a resonable price, The Opentel seems to be the
> best choice at the low end for $500.

Most people who have purchased the Topfield (some for as low as $800 if you
shop around, look at the Topfield and dtvforum.info forums) have been most
pleased with their purchase. All the other PVRs have some big
disadvantages. Think about it like this. A semi-decent STB (i.e. not a
Teac DVB350 or 400) costs about $300. It is worth the extra $300 the
Topfield costs, as it will record 2 things at once. How often do you go
out and there are 2 things you want to put in the timer at the same time?
Also, although I suppose the Opentel doesn't count here because it has 2
tuners, it is great to be able to record and channel surf at the same time.
And come 2008, you won't have analogue to fall back on while you are
recording (applies to single tuner PVRs only). I guess if you can't scrape
up the extra money, then the Opentel looks to be the pick of the bunch, but
I would search for some reviews on it before making the same mistake that
Strong 5290 purchasers made!
This is a pretty good comparison on the PVRs avail up to not so long ago:
http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~asha1/untitled2.jpg

Most people who bought anything else wished they got the Toppy...
Regards
Tony
--�
http://tonyspage.abock.de for some Topfield info including turning
those recordings into DVDs, adding features with the open source TAP
environment etc...

[murderofcrows]

haven't tried watching pre-recorded whilst recording but i believe you can. something else i just remembered is that something i have noticed is that when the HD is working it is a bit noisy - nothing terrible but noisier than i was expecting - it makes that kind of fast tickiing noise that you might hear your computer making when the drive is working. i wasn't aware of this before purchasing but it does not bother me anyway - you would only really notice it if you are recording something with the tv switched off - i.e. in a quiet room - i haven't found it loud enough to distract me whilst watching a show but caveat emptor nonetheless.
i figure the same re: purchasing something better in a few years time. i think something like what you mention will be available at some point AND for 500 bucks.

Thanks for your input, I also cannot justify spending an extra $500
for a Topfield, the technology going into these devices is constantly
changing, within 1-2 years you might be able to get a Topfield with
High Def, Ethernet Ports, Wireless and a DVD-Burner. Then I would be
willing to pay extra $500 or more, for now, I just need a unit that
does the basics for a resonable price, The Opentel seems to be the
best choice at the low end for $500.
To clarify on one point, you mentioned that you can watch one channel
while recording another. Can you watch a pre-recordrd program while
recording at the same time? (I think that makes sense) This is the
main reason I wish to purchase the Opentel.
Also I thought Kristal were the importers of the Opentel PVR's?



murderofcrows <murderofcrows.1f18r6@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message news:<murderofcrows.1f18r6@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>...
> hi,
> after i sent my last post i played with the set some more. the
> recordings i had made were from channel 10 - and i didn't realise that
> all channels except for channel 10 are playing fine. so it was the
> original boradcast that was dodgy - this, however, i believe is not the
> set since i live in richmond, melbourne, and i have seen various
> reports of dodgy digital reception for channel 10 in my area
> (ironically, all the channels are broadcast from the channel 10
> building in south yarra but 10 is the only one to be bad). strangely
> enough, i got the box to retune for channels and now i seem to be
> getting good reception on all channels. yay.
> in answer to your questions: yes you can watch one channel whilst
> recording another.
> and yes, you can time shift. it doesn't automatically do it whenever
> your watching tv like i believe some pvrs do but all it requires to
> activate is the hit of one button. you can't time shift and watch
> another channel at the same time - but if you wanted to do this then
> you can easily just hit the record button instead and then switch to
> another channel. also - when time shifting it seems that you can't
> rewind if you want to repeat a bit that you missed for example - i
> don't know if other pvrs do this but before this i was using my
> computer and i could with that. bit disappointed to discover that i
> can't with this.
> another poster has mentioned the topfield. i seriously considered the
> topfield before making this purchase but in the end, even though
> without trying one i believe they are the superior product the cheapest
> i have seen them going for is about 1k and i just can't justify that
> kind of money. if you can i don't think you'll be unhappy with it.
> having been aware of the pros and cons of the opentel before purchasing
> - i can say now that i am satisfied with my purchase. maybe one day i
> can get a 'toppy' for 500 bucks and then i'll make the switch.
> and to answer another post; no i didn't buy from kristal - i have heard
> that they are selling opentel units with dodgy receivers....?
>
> chuck Wrote:
> > Hi...Are you still having problems with your opentel, I was
> > thinking of getting one myself and wanted to ensure the pvr is able to
> > record and playback without a problem before getting one.
> > also
> > I am mainly interested in a Hard Disk PVR to watch a prerecorded
> > program while recording a program currently being shown on TV.
> >
> > Also being able to utilize timeshifting, I want to be able to watch a
> > movie 30 min in, fast forward the commercials and catch up to the live
> > broadcast.
> >
> > Can anyone confirm the opentel is able to perfom the 2 basic functions
> > without a problem or should I be looking at an alternate PVR.
> >
> > thanks
> >
> > murderofcrows <murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in
> > message news:<murderofcrows.1evvsa@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au>...
> > > So I finally bought one off ebay for $490 (inc. p&h). luckily i was
> > > prepared for the crappy manual so i didn't get too frustrated trying
> to
> > > muddle through the terrible english et al.
> > > i have tuned it in and watching live tv seems to be fine;
> unfortunately
> > > after recording - playback seems to be very glitchy - as if i am
> > > getting bad reception. i was not monitoring the recordings live but
> i
> > > think it is unlikely that i was receiving poor reception during the
> > > broadcast. i suspect this may be hard drive related; it's as if the
> > > hard drive can't write dast enough perhaps. anyway, anyone else had
> > > this problem? any suggestions to fix it? it's bad enough that
> watching
> > > recorded shows is not possible. don't know if it is a hardware error
> or
> > > something i can fix by playing around with the settings. i have only
> > > tried recording two half hour episodes so far so will continue to
> > > monitor it but i don't have a good feeling about this.
> > > thanks for any help you are able to throw my way.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > JOe Wrote:
> > > > yeah the main drawbacks I have found so far are the lack of
> weekday
> > > > recordings, there isnt a 30sec FF button (which would be extremely
> > > > handy
> > > > for ads). Also the manual is utter crap!!
> > > >
> > > > The 32 schedules was info i got from kristal (who put the original
> ad
> > > > here) but i havent tried it out.
> > > >
> > > > I did a google on it, and a guy said with the latest software
> these
> > > > things work good.
> > > >
> > > > Yeah topfield would be nice, but there is a significant price
> > > > difference.
> > > >
> > > > The opentel for $500 delivered was the cheapest i found. IF you
> find
> > > > it
> > > > cheaper, post it here - I'd be keen to know if i got a bargain or
> not!
> > > >
> > > > cheers,
> > > >
> > > > JOe