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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    Melbourne
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    11,997

    Default Digital Video Recording

    Is there anyone that has a lot of knowledge on these that could recommend a decent brand? I am looking at the TF6000DVRt by Topfield at the moment.

    A quick google search buried me with junk, I'd appreciate a link to an Oz site. Looking for something that would be:

    2 tuner
    200gb (ish)
    Wireless 802.11 b/g capable
    electronic program guide subscription compatibility
    usb or wireless update capable
    HD capable (low priority)


    Thanks in advance for any help.

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  3. #2
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    Dec 2005
    Location
    Canberra
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    3,260

    Default

    Build your own using standard computer parts (and a twin tuner TV card) and free software like Myth-TV or Media Portal.

    Last time I looked, it seemed that the Australian TV stations consider their program listings 'copyright' and don't allow them to be used for electronic program guides - not that the commercial networks seem to be able to stick to their advertised times anyway.

    I was weaned off live TV years ago by the way that Prime(?) would happily change the start time of the program I wanted to watch (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) to suit whatever else it was running. (Cricket is running late, your program will be screened next week. Football finished early, sux2beU, you've missed 30 minutes of Buffy). So its been about five years since I last sat down to watch TV....I'm all DVDs and torrents these days.

  4. #3
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    Aug 2003
    Location
    Ipswich
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    Default

    Have a look at www.digitalnow.com.au
    Station-rat

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Romsey Victoria
    Age
    63
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    3,854

    Default

    I have the Topfield and thinks it pretty damn good.

    It is very well supported and there 100's of add in programs to do everything from enhance your remote, to allow remote control of your unit, download TV guides etc.

    http://www.topfield-australia.com.au/

    Also, checkout the forums for the real goss.

    Chris
    Photo Gallery

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Location
    Drop Bear Capital of Gippsland (Lang Lang) Vic Australia
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    74
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    6,518

    Default

    The leaders in these fields are relatively unknown to most consumers as they are not the 'big name' brands.
    All stems from satellite technology (digital TV is the same, just terrestial) and some of the top names out there are Emtech, Humax, Topfield and Strong.
    They should be a good starting point.
    Stupidity kills. Absolute stupidity kills absolutely.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Bendigo Victoria
    Age
    80
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    16,560

    Default

    Am going thru the same excercise at present, very frustrating!

    www.dtvforum.info provides a lot of user feedback

    The models I am aware of:

    Topfield as per your post, also 5000 model

    Arion 9300

    Digicrystal 9070 (true 2 tuner, ie record 2 channels, watch a recording)

    Humax

    There is also DGTec, but has a bad rep

    Strathfield stocks Digicrystal, Arion I have only seen on Ebay, as well as Humax.

    Bets reputation is Topfield, price to match.

    Hope this helps

    Fred

  8. #7
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    Jan 2005
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    Melbourne
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    Default

    thanks for the info everyone, I think I'll be busy for a while

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Perth W.A
    Posts
    9

    Default

    Hi Groggy & Big Shed

    Another product which is about to hit our little country is called

    Beyonwiz

    this product was developed by a couple of tech's that used to
    work for Topfield
    Should be available soon
    Looks really good

    http://www.beyonwiz.com/main.php

    Hope this helps
    Steve

  10. #9
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    Melbourne
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    11,997

    Default Decision made

    Thanks for all the help and ideas.

    From what I have seen this area is really growing and changing. I've decided to get the Foxtel unit for the short term and do a bit more research on building my own unit for the longer term (Beyonwiz does look good though!).


    Thanks again to all.

  11. #10
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    Jan 2005
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    Melbourne
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    Default

    Thought I'd post a little feedback.

    I got the Foxtel IQ unit.

    Cost - $195 installation and payment for the box plus 14.95 pm thereafter. HOWEVER, I read in the February APC that Foxtel have dropped the up front fee and you now only pay the $14.95pm. SWMBO will be talking to Foxtel tomorrow and I suspect someone is in for a bad day.


    Performance is very good (its my first PVR) and it is simple to use. I can pause a tv show that is airing live, then press play and it will replay the bits I've missed. It has been told to record This Old House and a few other WW shows that I used to miss .

    Finally, these things need to be a little more complicated as SWMBO and SWMBOette have figured out how to record every soap known to man .

  12. #11
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Pakenham, outer Melb SE suburb, Vic
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    54
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    4,158

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Groggy View Post
    Finally, these things need to be a little more complicated as SWMBO and SWMBOette have figured out how to record every soap known to man .



    The beatings will continue until morale improves.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Sydney
    Age
    75
    Posts
    83

    Default SD Set Top Box with 160GB HDD

    Too late for Groggy but may be of interest to others.
    On sale this Thursday, 25/1/07 for $229.

    www.aldi.com.au
    Most people who think know that I'm crazy.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Big Shed View Post
    Am going thru the same excercise at present, very frustrating!


    Strathfield stocks Digicrystal, Arion I have only seen on Ebay, as well as Humax.


    Fred
    Arion PVR is imported by MetaTronics
    www.metatronics.com.au

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Bendigo Victoria
    Age
    80
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    16,560

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by RobP View Post
    Too late for Groggy but may be of interest to others.
    On sale this Thursday, 25/1/07 for $229.

    www.aldi.com.au
    Even though it hasn't got twin tuners, I went and got one of these, to see what they were like. I fully expected that I wouldn't be impressed, but I am!

    Compact little unit, breeze to set up and I LOVE the pause Live TV function. Timing events are easily entered and edited, all in all a much easier unit to use than my existing Strong SD STB. I think this one is a keeper and will tide me over till I can get everything I want in one box (Twin tuner SD STB, 160Gb+ HDD and DVD Recorder). Haven't found one yet.

    Watching Bathurst will never be the same again! I can do my own replays and FFWD thru the moronic ads. Ditto the cricket.

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Sydney
    Age
    75
    Posts
    83

    Default

    Hi Fred
    Does it have component or S-video out or just composite?
    Cheers
    Rob
    Most people who think know that I'm crazy.

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