Hi OzBargaineers…
Given than 500GB HDD's are around ~$70 from I.T. sellers we think this is a pretty damn good deal - A full featured HD Set Top Box with Twin Tuners (watch 1 channel, record another) with a 500GB HDD already built in for $89. The 1TB version is +$26.
The full specs are on our website. Let us know if we can be of assistance or answer any questions directly to our support team. I'll add to this description should any necessary info/questions arise below :)
Thanks all!
Thanks for the link Luke… might be worth noting this is "just arrived" stock and is latest h/w and f/w revisions, I tried one out a few days ago and have no hesitations in giving the thumbs up. WOW look @ their price - ouch! Cheers.
very good deal !
Is this the HDS500PVR?
Any media playback via USB?
Hi , yes and yes :)
What file formats for playback?
Hey Kirt, let me change that slighty… Yes its the HDS500PVR, as to USB playback it will record and playback from USB source (usb key / ext hdd) as well as internal HDD, but I think you were actually asking will it also play back files like .MKV, .AVI etc from USB? I will try to find an answer for you on that question, one would think so but I'll try to confirm one way or the other. Thanks.
EDIT: No info found on this Q, give us some time Kirt we'll have to set one up later this evening and check. Sorry for the delay. Maybe a previous/current owner watching this thread knows [yells out!] ? :)
you were actually asking will it also play back files like .MKV, .AVI etc from USB?
Yep ;)
I will try to find an answer for you on that question, one would think so but I'll try to confirm one way or the other.
Cheers.
HDS800 $45 at Deals Direct w'out hdd.
This HDS500 later model?
Well I just ordered the 1TB option can't wait to see how it goes against my current unit
Ok price but you can buy other bands for around the same on Ebay -
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=500gb+pvr&_in_kw=1&_e…
Put the 1TB version in the title,much better deal.
The 1TB unit I just purchased was $115 so a lot less than the lenoxx @ $165 = P&H $15 so this unit with P$H was $122.95 for the 1TB version :)
Oh and I think the Lenoxx has issues when trying to write to a large external drive, well mine does so this unit states it will write to external storage devices up to 2TB so will go great with my Seagate 2TB which kept collapsing with the Lenoxx
Our 1TB option is $115, still considerably cheaper than the eBay link there Luke :) Different model anyway. Those Telefunken's on eBay are K-Mart returns and have serious firmware issues, I know this because we were offered 2 batches - the lower priced K-Mart returns (tier 2 they call them) with minor issues/problems or the newer updated units they will be stocking, so be wary.
Agree,i deleted the link.Didn't realise you had the 1TB version in the options box.
The 1TB model is the stand out deal of the two and again should be in the title.
Hi Rep,
I presume this comes with the HDMI Cable like most units at the $100 end and above of the market?
Well I don't think I will get a response now which is a shame as I don't want to pay double shipping if I have to buy a HDMI cable. I hope they respond prior to shipping :(
all sorted thanks ESOLD :)
My parents have cable tv and use VHS still to record tv shows sigh :P
Was just wondering whether it's possible to somehow record cable shows to this?
Or does this only record free to air channels?
Thanks
Highly unlikely. Any unit will need either composite or component inputs, most PVR's only have outputs, especially at this price point. To record Pay TV you'll need to look into much more expensive (and obviously superior) units such as the Topfield Masterpiece 2400/2460 or Beyonwiz DP-P2.
Oh ok.
Thanks a lot mate!
If you throw in a packet of 2.27kg Snakes/Party Mix for Ozbargainers these would sell so bloody quick.
http://www.esold.com.au/lollies-2-27kg-real-fruit-juice-snak…
Twin Tuners (watch 1 channel, record another)
What about recording 2 channels at once?
And viewing already recorded content at the same time?
If it only records on one tuner at a time, it shouldn't be advertised as a twin-tuner PVR, so this is a pretty important question.
Also, does it support automatic start and end padding of recordings? Is there a manual anywhere that can be downloaded? Doesn't appear to have any kind of network port?
Clarified below that for this model, "Twin Tuners" means
Record one channel
Watch one completely different channel
This is different from the "Twin Tuner" TiVo which can
Record two completely different channels at the same time.
Play back previous recordings at the same time as recording on two channels.
Freeview compatible?
lol impossible…
I use ICE TV so I cant use a cheap PVR like this :(
If its not Freeview or Ice TV compatible then its likely the EPG is horrible
whats the benefit of freeview compatible? Doesn't that impose restrictions (eg not being able to skip ads)
Agreed: "FreeView compatible" discapacitating is to be highly avoided. Quality of EPG and also how well the EPG integrates with scheduling recording are separate questions.
What about recording 2 channels at once?
Is this a true twin tuner recorder. Where you can record 2 different tv channels, whilst playing back a previously recorded program?
Looking at what's written above. Watch 1 channel, record another makes this only a 1.5 not a true twin tuner model.
Hi Rep
I send a e-mail early from your web site. I ask what file format can this STB play/ RMVB file. Can you check that as you mention you will try AVI … , do you have RMVB file to test?
Thanks
I don't think it will record 2 and play or watch another specially at this price. I have been looking for a reasonably priced 2 Tuner unit for awhile and as I said I don't think it would do that at that price but if it does even more so a bargain. well for my use any way. :)
Not sure if this is same model but whirlpool has some info: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1778709
EDIT: didn't see model above my bad.
WOW Very impressed with the customer service now having emailed through their site, had everything sorted within 2 emails so as long as the unit arrives within a reasonable time and it works as described I will be one very happy customer specially knowing if you have an issue they respond super quick. Cheers "esold" :)
Just wondering how often pvr users record two channels at a time? Even if it's single tuner price seems good.
Very often, in my experience. The FTA channels like to run their popular stuff up against each other in the same time slots.
I'm sick and tired of retailers BLATANTLY trying to mislead consumers by selling their products as TWIN TUNERS - only for the poor saps to later find out that they're NOT.
To be a true twin tuner device it MUST be able to record 2 channels at once…….AND REALLY you should also be able to watch pre-recorded content at the SAME TIME as the two other channels are being recorded.
NOW, the retailer seems to have gone very bloody quite on this product so we'll see where this model sits in regards above but I'd be VERY surprised and impressed if it was a true twin tuner.
IMHO this will be a single tuner device - record one channel and watch a pre-recorded one at the same time - THATS SINGLE TUNER.
And seriously what is it with retailers who flog their items here as a BARGAIN and then are not able to answer basic and very obvious questions regarding them? If you don't understand the devices capabilities how can you tout it as a bargain??????
I'd like to think it's not the case this time but this particular retailer has a bad reputation for significantly overstating the capabilities of their products and I'd quite happily say this was consciously done to mislead consumers, or the retailer is incompetent. Not much of a choice. :-/
Anyway lets see if/when they respond to the many people who have asked this one very basic question that is at the heart of the product itself. :-)
Nikko, he has clearly stated that this device can TUNE IN on two SEPARATE TV channels, live at the same time. Can you single tuner do this. Well no it can't it can only tune in on one live TV station. If not it IS a twin Tuner, just not a twin recorder. You can recard ONE live show and watch the other competitors LIVe show (not pre-record) at the same time. It is a twin tuner, not a twin recorder. You aspertions are totally incorrect. Perhaps it should be as stated above be called a 1.5?
ditto, twin tunr means record 2 channels at once full freakin STOP!! my PS3 PlayTV $48 little box seems to do the what this CR@p unit does!! but, at least it my PlayTV has freeview with proper padding and EPG. ACCC where are you???!!!
Twin Tuner means it has 2 tuners, not that it can record two channels at the same time. It's probably either a software limitation or hardware limitation (maybe hard disk I/O since it's so cheap), that stop it from being able to record 2 channels at once.
I agree it should be clearly stated what it can and can't do with those twin tuners … but if it has two tuners, regardless of how they can be utilised, then it's still fine to advertise it as a twin tuner box.
My experience with cheaper PVRs that look good on paper, is that they're usually clunky and unreliable, with average to horrible UI's. I've never seen this particular one, but would assume it's in the same category.
I'm sick and tired of people getting worked up over pointless technicalities of non-existent standards. People can easily read the features which clearly states (watch one while recording another) and make up their mind if they want the product or not. Surely it's better than a single tuner (which I have) where you can only record what you're watching so they made a distinction. Big Deal.
Pointless technicalities? Its a central selling feature of the product - so much so they had it in the title of the post!!!
Non-existant standard? Well it may not be governed by a legislated code but you'd think the law of common sense might apply…….2 tuners? Ok - then OBVIOUSLY it can record 2 channels simultaneously whilst also playing back a pre-recorded channel - as that doesn't use the tuner hardware. Thats completely logical and yet appears not to be the case with this device.
If it's a pointless technicality why have around 5 people asked the same very basic question? Incidently the rep has been online this morning and hasn't replied to any of these people or clarified.
Yes, but what the retailer states it CAN DO is not the same as what they've stated that it is - i.e can perform single tuner duties but is sold as a 'twin tuner' device. Thats blatantly misleading.
I'm writing as I'm concerned the retailer is making misleading and contradictory claims, which may NOT fool me or you but I will guarantee you there's plenty of other less savvy buyers out there who these types of operators prey upon.
Sorry pal but you are either ignorant of this practice (something this seller has done a number of times on OzB) or you're just determined to be a classic 'troll' and that adds zero value to this thread or the OzB community. :-/
Rep is online now so we should get some answers.
He will know because as stated in his first reply -
"I tried one out a few days ago and have no hesitations in giving the thumbs up"
The Description from the Manufacturer is: Twin tuner: Watch one channel while recording another channel.
What an absolutely poor response, why even bother if you're not prepared to state anything more than what you've said earlier, WHICH people have flagged as contradictory to your claims. You're expecting people to hand of their money for these - pull one out and test it. Is that such a radical concept?
Gee…..a promising future in politics awaits you if the best you can do is to regurgitate what you've said earlier despite the fact people have repeatedly stated to clarify and provide more info.
Well allow me to interpret folks as you're not going to get a straight reply from these people……it's a single tuner, it'll record one channel and you can watch one you recorded earlier - absolutely nothing more. Maybe it's a good buy as a single tuner - but this retailer repeatedly misleads with their product claims. I'd be VERY cautious before purchasing anything more complex than those jelly snakes from them. ;-)
True 2 tuner devices allow to record two separate programmas at the same time.
Devices known to only allow recording of 1 program and be able to watch a different one are known as 1.5 tuner devices.
Now if my memory serves me right how many times has esales had it's rep account here on OzB suspended etc for 'sock-puppeting' and other various poster infractions???
I seem to recall this happening a few times?
To the layperson seems a fair question as you're asking folks to now 'trust you' about your product claims etc?
So has any esales staff or persons associated to esales had OzB discipline them for these or similar offences? :-)
I have a single Tuner STB which allows me to record a channel and watch that channel or watch another channel in that stream ie if I record channel 9 I can watch any on that band 9, 90 Gem or 99 Go, but not other channels such as 7 or 10. From what I have read this unit will allow me to record say channel, say 99 Go and watch channel 24 ABC 24hr news channel. I hope this is what I have bought and if so I am very happy with that and the fact I paid $115 with a 1 TB on board memory makes it to me a great buy as you can pay $100 just for a 1 TB External memory like Seagate (yes I know there are different bargains around for 1, 2 and 3 TB for $150 and such) but still this unit allowing me to watch any channel and record one with 1 TB internal memory is to me a good buy.
This seems cheap to me, especially you are getting a 500GB drive with it.
Nice post Chadparis - my concern is I've seen this poster and esold on a number of occasions post up some claims and then have to backtrack on them or remove them completely when scrutiny quickly showed they were overstating or deliberately misleading in their claims about the product.
FWIW how odd that single tuner PVRs would behave in that way (allowing watching of live TV only on same band they're recording on) - but FWIW I'd want a VERY SPECIFIC and CLEAR response from the seller stating that this can do what you want…….to me they've just said it will record on and playback one.
They've said nothing about whether the other one you're able to watch is live TV or recorded…..on same band or on any band.
So whether its even a stepup from your single tuner is open to speculation at this point.
Haha and lets not even worry about it actually being a 'twin tuner'. A tuner in the context of PVR's is defined as a recording device - hence this is clearly a very misleading claim…haha but I think I've already covered this in some detail. ;-)
Yes Nikko (thanks) if it does not do as I believe it should do and to me that is the way it is represented then I will have no problems in asking for a full refund. I have ordered one and I will be happy to come back to you after receipt and usage and let you know. As for recording 2 different channels and watching a per-recorded item, that is not something I am looking for at this time but I would say that if you are recording to the same file simultaneously and then also watching from the same file that might be an issue as even my computer slows down when copying files and reading others at the same time lol so a STB at this price would have limited software to be able to manage that sort of thing, well I think, I am no expert.
Hey guys, we always look after our customers so if there are any issues at all or you're not satisfied with the product or it doesn't do what you expect it to do we will offer you a full refund and return no problems at all! As for the twin tuner question, to be clear: you can record a channel and watch a completely different channel, that is from the distributors information directly as we called them yesterday to get clarification.
We sell many brands like Russell Hobbs, Pioneer, HTC (see today) but we don't set the spec or make the units, so we are governed as you guys are by the spec and information provided by the manufacturers and the distributors, so for Nikko to infer the "retailer" (us) deliberately mislead when all we do is duplicate and provide the exact specs from the factory/distro/manufacturer is (imho) a bit of a negative view of retailers in general. Distorting and misleading information will just bite us in the bum later on so it wouldn't be worth the time and effort (returns, complaints etc) anyway, if there is an error its always due to the information passed through to us, not created by us.
I hope this clears everything up. We're here to help, do business, make money and sell great products and great prices, that is our outlook and once again if anyone isn't 100% happy with their purchase - no problem, just contact us we'll definitely sort it out for you! Thanks all.
EDIT: This is exactly what my supplier invoice says letter for letter: "HDS500PVR 9324008014786 TWIN TUNER HIGH DEFINITION SET TOP BOX WITH 500GB BUILT IN HARD DRIVE".
Out of interest Nikko have you ever tried our sales and support? We have nearly 500,000 customers who purchase from us consistently, and I notice you've posted a few negative remarks on our items before. If you've had any issues in the past with us by all means contact our team and we can sort it out, anything at all. Thanks mate.
Way to side step (completely ignore)the question of the sockpuppeting suspensions you/esold have had on here.
You've never sold anything which I've felt compelled to buy. It's that simple.
My concerns are that the product isn't whats been stated and basically anyone that has even a vague knowledge of AVR tech will agree with that - as others have above.
Clearly the makers of this SINGLE tuner PVR have mislabelled it deliberately to help sales - its that simple. Folks on this thread seem to know what they're getting and look for that price some will think its a decent deal for a single tuner.
I've a separate issue with the misleading statements and claims I've seen you put in some of your posts. Like I said unless I've mistaken you've been pinged by the Mods for sockpuppeting and other offences here so 'nuf said eh. ;-)
Nikko, you're wasting your time… This product is sold to lemmings and only lemmings will buy it. Lemmings don't know the difference between 1, "1.5" or 2 tuners - they'll be happy enough if the thing just turns on (if it does, in a month time).
It's more interesting to know how much it costs to disguise an advertisement as reportage on "A Current Affair", and whether it's cheaper than "Today Tonight."
For all you regulars scratching your heads after reading Nikkos (+ other comments), asking what's the big deal? An owner of a single tuner can easily do the same thing as a 1.5 tuner. People have been recording whilst watching different channels since VHS video tape recorders! Its done by setting your device to record, then watch TV on the TV. (eg. change your TV's "AV input" from "AV1" to its inbuilt "Digital TV").
I'm very appreciative of Nikko's questions. I was about to impulse buy this product based off of Handlebert's initial post cause I'm looking for a "reliable" twin tuner under $150 for my Mum (due to her areas free to air being switched off a few weeks ago). Am super appreciative of the input from all the OzBargain technophiles who are taking the time to analyse this bargain cause its made me pause for thought. Plus I also learned something new, that there is such thing as a 1.5 tuner.
Bring on the haters, bring on the technophiles, its a community. Lets hear as many points. :)
Plus I also learned something new, that there is such thing as a 1.5 tuner.
The Tbox from Telstra is the classic example of a 1.5 tuner PVR…massive fail of a device that has 2 tuners IMO.
An owner of a single tuner can easily do the same thing as a 1.5 tuner.
… watch TV on the TV. (eg. change your TV's "AV input" from "AV1" to its inbuilt "Digital TV"
Yes, assuming that the TV has a digital tuner.
Guys, you need to be fair to compare apple with apple, not apple with orange. Whether the TV has digital tuner and PVR has one or two tuners are seperate issue.
I am working in TV industry, and to make it clear, tuner is only a module in your receiver (set top box, PVR, or digital TV). It tunes your receiver front end to the center frequency of a particular channel (ABC, SBS or commercials). If your receiver can be tuned to two different channel, for example, ABC and SBS, at the same time, then your receiver has two tuners. If your receiver can be only tuned to one channel at one time, for example SBS, even you can watch SBS30 and record SBS32, your receiver only got one tuner.
The tuner does not record the transport stream (actual program contents, for example, SBS3+SBS30+SBS32+SBS radio), but your recorder does. Recorder is also a module in your receiver. Whether your recorder module can record program content from more than one transport steam, it is the recorder capability issue, not tuner issue.
This PVR is the low end PVR, you can see it from the price. If you look for twin-tuner with dual-recording capability, or even quad-recording, you better look for high end PVR over $300, not this one for $89 or $115.
Hi,
More on the USB. If you record to USB, will you be able to watch that on a PC?
Cheers
Hi Casey2, Yes, If you have the correct codecs you can view on a PC.
Cheers, bought
Thanks, bought
handelbert, can you record from other sources? EG: Composite in.
order 'processing'. any received yet?
Manufacturer refurbished $89.98 delivered -
DGTEC HDD Twin Tuner PVR 320GB HARD DRIVE,
2 Channels Simulataneous Record.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320GB-HARD-DRIVE-TWIN-HD-TUNER-DI…
DGTec DG-HD1609 HD Digital STB with USB Recorder $37.00 delivered -
1 Channel Record With External Hard Drive (Does not come with hard drive)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DGTec-DG-HD1609-High-Definition-H…
well it would seem at this time that I stand corrected regarding customer service (product yet to be rated). When I bought the product and asked for the 1TB version I was sent an email saying (Appreciate your feedback. Your unit order: 37542 will be fitted with the 1 Terrabyte Hard Disk Drive as ordered and shipped out to you with a HDMI Cable included in the box as promised. Please, note that we fit the Hard Disk Drives to each unit and test it before it is shipped as part of our quality control.
Regards,
Pammie
eSOLD Support Team
http://www.esold.com.au) that they actually replace the 500MB drive with the 1TB HDD and would be sent after they did that.
I purchased the item on the 1st of August, as I had not received the item by the 9th, some 8 days for shipping from Sydney, a reasonable time to wait, I emailed them on the 8th and received this reply on the 9t, today:-There was a delay of a few days on these units as the Distributor Sent them to us without fitting the Hard Drives. we have had to send them back to get the Hard Drives fitted as our staff did not have the know how to do it. Apologies as it was an unexpected delay and not usual. The Units are all packed and being picked up today By Australia Post and will be with you next week. Usually most orders ship out withing 48 hours so this is not normal practice for us.
Regards,
Pammie
eSOLD Support Team
So now it seems that the manufacturer has made a mistake according to esold and sent the wrong units. So I guess the people that commented previously about poor customer service here on ozbargain were right as to me someone is lying about what actually happens with this unit if you want the 1TB version
so how come the units with 500gb hdd haven't been sent yet??
says 'processing'
Anyone bought one of these? Any idea what 'reserve' vs 'record' means?
Also, recording a show seems a bit hit and miss against the EPG, sometimes it only records about 3 minutes of the show. Caveat - I may not know exactly what I am doing.. Will contact the tech support email.
Manual is very poor.
As a positive, it does have an NES built in and you can load your own games onto it.
Do not buy from this company, I received the unit after many emails and lies like " I have to send it away to fit the 1GB drive" or "we change the drive here" or "sent us the wrong ones with the wrong drives" I get it and the manual is poor with no instructions, its learn by error, it died within a week and no back up from retailer even before it broke down… do not trust this seller under any circumstances.
Reviews here -
http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/lenoxx-twin-tuner-hds500pvr-…