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SD STB with IDE HDD option for PVR functionality - $49.95 + $9.95 shipping from DealsDirect

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SD STB with IDE HDD option for PVR functionality - $49.95 + $9.95 shipping from DealsDirect
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PTeaEarlGreyHot on 20/08/2008 - 13:57 dealsdirect.com.au (548 clicks)

Add an IDE HDD up to 400GB to turn this STB into a PVR. Whether you use this device as a set-top box or your own personal video recorder, at this price you can’t go wrong!

Standard-Definition Set Top Boxes are so cheap nowadays, you'd almost be called crazy not to have one. However before you go out and buy yourself one, you might want to check this awesome product out. Behold! The DVX Set Top Box (DVX555U)! With the DVX555U, you can install your own Hard Drive and record your favourite TV shows in digital standard definition! It's so easy to use, it's amazing how we got by without it! It has it's very own built-in Electronic Program Guide (EPG) so setting up a timed recording is super easy… only a few press of the buttons on the remote and you're set! Great for the kids who can't stay up late to watch the latest movies on TV, or simply for those that have no time to watch TV and don't want to miss out on all the good shows.

All you need to get started in recording is a computer hard drive. However, with IDE Hard Drives being so cheap nowadays, you can pretty much have your own personal video recorder for the price of a good pair of jeans! Run out of space? No problem. You can choose to either format the hard drive or, install a new one in! Simple!

Whether you use this device as a set-top box or your own personal video recorder, at this price you can't go wrong!

Promotional pricing is back on until 4pm 3/09/08 AEST, then $69.95 + shipping.

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closed Comments

  • mgexiled on 20/08/2008 - 14:26

    i want one of these but with a HD set top box.
    anyone know where to get one cheap?
    sorry if this is off-topic - good post btw you get a thumbs up

  • TeaEarlGreyHot on 20/08/2008 - 14:39

    Yeah, a twin-tuner HD STB with HDD option would be ideal but I'm VERY tempted by this one in spite of having 2 x Cheapie SD STBs already.
    BTW, the remote looks just like the one for my Conia STB so no doubt from the same factory in the "Olympic" nation.

    Cheers,
    [ :- { )

    • mawinmawin on 20/08/2008 - 15:30

      From the imgae, this looks like the one ozpete posted long time ago (strathfield sells this still, i believe they import or have some source). Check this site for his old post/comments.

      Edit: that link is http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/1309

      • TeaEarlGreyHot on 20/08/2008 - 15:45

        And posted also in May 2008 at SSq (with overpriced shipping) http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/4574.
        Interestingly, this thread also discusses using the DVX box to record HD TV (even though it can't DISPLAY the content) to HDD, then processing from HDD to PC / DVD as per instructions in the DTVforum link below.

        [ :- { )

  • TeaEarlGreyHot on 20/08/2008 - 15:34

    See also http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=63670&pid=10850… for instructions detailing how to copy and convert files from a DVX555U STB hard drive to a PC and then burn them to DVD.

    [ :- { )

  • bctransit on 20/08/2008 - 16:19

    can I confirm that this one can only record the TV signals, not for the AV input or pay TV, e.g. foxtel , is that correct?

    • mawinmawin on 20/08/2008 - 17:50

      Yes, it got input for RF (for TV) only.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2008 - 17:49

    Its only standard definition broadcast, you cant record AV or foxtel.

    the tuner is average, so if you have good reception its a little beauty, but if your reception is not good, then the recording breaks up. My Panasonic HD STB gets reception on channels that this box can struggle with., and the LG LCD HD TV also gets better reception.

    But for the price at $60 its very good value if you put in an old IDE HD that maybe sitting in a cupboard. The old deal at Strathfield - which may still sell the unit was $70.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2008 - 19:12

    I have one of these but find the EPG and menus are very slow.

    Not bad for a budget model but since having this I'm now looking for something that offers more.

  • mad__llama on 20/08/2008 - 23:00

    Great price for this budget PVR! I agree with ozpete:

    This unit has a very average tuner and you can expect to have some issues if you don't have good signal reception.

    The user interface can be very annoying at times but you get used to it.

    I also have the occassional glitch with mine where it sometimes skips forward a few seconds (sometimes up to a minute) on playback. Not sure if this has anything to do with the poor reception - anyone else experienced this type of problem? Please post if you have and managed to fix the problem. Having said that it only happens very occasionally.

    Apart from that I'm very happy with mine. Just look at the price, don't expect much and you won't be disappointed ;)

    • pauly on 21/08/2008 - 00:43

      I also have the occassional glitch with mine where it sometimes skips forward a few seconds (sometimes up to a minute) on playback. Not sure if this has anything to do with the poor reception - anyone else experienced this type of problem?

      Yes, this is related to the signal reception quality. This happens when there's a short period of skip due to bad signal, then the playback from the HDD will cause it to fast forward. If you 'rewind' it back a few seconds, you'll notice that you are able to retrieve the missing frames.

      Please post if you have and managed to fix the problem. Having said that it only happens very occasionally.

      Unfortunately, I guess the only way to fix it is to install a roof-top antenna. Rabbit-ears are just not strong enough for this unit :(

      Also, I find the main booking interface weird. When booking a recording on the top level, you can't press the "OK" button on the remote when selecting the various fields. You can only use the arrows to navigate through the different fields. Also, I find the remote layout a little strange, in particular the numbering location (0 is on far right).

      Anyhoo, I'm still very happy with my unit (from strathfield). But like everyone else said here, don't expect too much from it.

      • mad__llama on 22/08/2008 - 14:30

        Cheers pauly, good to know it's not just my unit thats dodgy. BTW I am running off a roof-top antenna. With a signal booster. Oh well

  • bender on 21/08/2008 - 17:34

    Is there a SD STB/PVR with two tuners and I can use a spare hdd?
    That is, you buy it without the hdd?

  • TeaEarlGreyHot on 21/08/2008 - 17:56

    Even if you don't have a "spare" IDE HDD, for an additional $50-$70 you have a 160GB-320GB SD STB/PVR (for a total of $110-$130).

    Or, see today's post http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/6147 for a $299 Twin Tuner HD STB / 160GB PVR from CoTD.

    Cheers,
    [ :- { )

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