Difference Between Expensive & Cheap Set Top Boxes?

[markannab]

In looking at buying a set top box, is there a particular difference in performance between a more expensive name-brands and a no-name one? I ask this since there are no moving parts - the parts that normally are sub-standard in cheap items. It just sits there sending/receiving signals.

Mark.

[edDV]

In looking at buying a set top box, is there a particular difference in performance between a more expensive name-brands and a no-name one? I ask this since there are no moving parts - the parts that normally are sub-standard in cheap items. It just sits there sending/receiving signals.

Mark.

Define "set top box". Do you mean an OTA tuner? Or a cable tuner? Or a Sat tuner?

[redwudz]

Generally the main difference I've seen is the quality of the circuit boards, connectors and power supplies. The cheaper ones may run quite a bit hotter than the better quality models. And usually excess heat means a shorter lifespan or possible future component problems. They may use exactly the same integrated circuit chips internally.

But that doesn't mean an expensive one is built better. It still pays to do some comparison shopping and see if you can find some consumer reviews.

[markannab]

edDV wrote: Define "set top box". Do you mean an OTA tuner? Or a cable tuner? Or a Sat tuner?

Thanks for both replies.

edDV, I'm new at all this. The stb that I'm after is the type for receiving digital signals such as ABC2 and a second SBS channel (in Australia), connected via, I think, the red, white, & yellow plugs (great with the terminology, heh?).

Mark.

[guns1inger]

Not a huge difference. Those based on Philips tuners seem to have less issues with Australian broadcasts. The biggest issue I have found is that many of them have scart connectors for anything other than composite, and RGB instead of component. This is because of their European origins. I would also steer clear of somewhere like Strathfield and head for JB HiFi instead. You should be able to pick up good SD STB for under $80.

[edDV]

I beg off Aussie over the air.

That French SCart system was designed by left bank artists that thought they knew the better solution for device connection.

Listen to guns1inger.

[TBoneit]

Being in the USA I still think it comes down to mor ethan price.

Remote? How convenient to use?
Does it feel cheap or quality?
Look for display models in your locale and compare the output. Compare how hot they feel after the store has been open a few hours. Do you really want a source of heat in your room?
Power usage? These days that can be a cost to run over a years time. In warm weather a hot running unit can cause the AC to run longer from the extra heat load it produces.
Can you live with the appearance.

In short look at the ergonomics as well functionality.

[guns1inger]

FWIW, all the settop boxes I have seen under about $600 look and feel pretty cheap. Even those that aren't really nasty looking feel cheap when get up close and personal.

I have a Wintal X10 PVR, which is small, has an 80GB HDD and records up to around 28 hours of SD TV. It has composite out with stereo RCAs, as well as a scart for s-video or RGB. It also has coax digital audio (another common feature, rather than optical). The biggest issue is no easy way to get the programme streams off the HDD into a PC. However I have it hooked up to my Pioneer 540H via s-video, and the quality is still very good. You can see it here : http://wintal.com.au/set_top_boxes/43121058.html

Wintal have a number of newer products which up the anti, but also the price.

[Bjs]

Units capable of decoding SD do not handle HD decoding (cheap)
Units capabable of both SD and HD decoding (Cost twice as much)

Then we run into others :

Twin tuners , for those who want to record one channel , while watching another (around $300+)

Then you come into PVR / DVR .

There price also reflects the choices made from the above selection and requirements .

----

Here : SW/S NSW AU , 12 channels

4 x abc , covering both SD and HD
4 x sbs , ditto
4 x digital audio broadcasting

2 x win ... lasted about a week , and not seen since .