Which HD Reciever to rdo EVERYTHING

[monkeylover]

Greetings to mods and members alike (my first post here so thought I should start with a friendly hello),

Complete newbie to this satellite lark, but sick to death of Sky and finding Freeview pretty limiting. Looking for a single receiver to let me do the following:

1. HD Output (definitely 720P, 1080P if possible)
2. HDMI, Component and digital audio connections all active at the same time (connect both Projector and TV in another room along with AV Recievers)
3. Will control a motorized 100cm dish
4. PVR compatible (either HDD onboard or ability to add one later)
5. Will receive Freesat on release with HD channels (I am being a bit hopeful here as I don't know whether any specification requirements have been confirmed)
6. Can be played with to recieve the "free" premium services "EASILY" (I am very comfortable on a PC and can follow any guide given, don't want to have to work out how to program the system myself though)
7. Is compatible with Digitalb HD Premium (happy to buy the card for this one if necessary, though also happy to play with my PC. Anyone with further comments on the new HD channels on this service and whether they are worthwhile, please get in touch)


To my very limited understanding, something like a Darkbox Rev 2008 HD may tick the required boxes, but I am a complete novice at this so give me a hand before I order 100's of pounds worth of junk

Basically I am looking for a full kit list so I can get good prices on the right stuff (any retailers on here please feel free to quote). I will then get a local sat company to instal the dish as a starting point and get playing.

[badgb21]

Hi
I have just got a Darkman 2008 HD box, motoised dish etc from Southern Satellites.
I was a complete novice too and it took a frustrating week to set the whole thing up, but now it's done and I've really learnt alot.
USALS are so easy and once you've found your satellite it's easy (ish)!
I think the Darkman does what your asking but I'm sure there are many technicians who will know exactly on here.
I have tried to write a set up guide from scratch for the Darkman HD. I've not had it checked over by anyone yet, but I'm willing to post it here in it's raw state if you are interested.
Let me know
Kev

[milli260876]

i think although i'm not positive HD transmissions are in 1080i as 1080p would be too big ...
BD HD DVD 1080p not tv, i think
Someone correct me if i'm wrong
Oh and dreambox
apparently a bit difficult, i am just starting myself but eff it...
In at the deep end that's my motto

[satdoc]

go for Darkman 2008 HD box does most things and still more being added

[kegnkiwi]

The new dreambox 800hd is due out on monday. It will do everthing everyone wants but unless you have had a linux box before it will take a little messing around with. For guys with experience then this is what we have been waiting for. But for a newbie looking to get everything up an running it might be a little too much. Other than the 800hd as above I would recommend with darkbox 2008 hd or tm6900

ki

[monkeylover]

Thanks guys, couple of questions back at you:

kegnkiwi: When you say the new Dreambox would suit previous Linux users I have had a play with Linux on PC's, but I have not got any experience with it on receivers. Is the complication the fact that you have to code for the box rather than nice user interfaces? I know what I am like so am thinking that I may end up regretting buying the more basic model once I get to grips with it.


badgb21: Had a look at your guide and it is definitely interesting. My sum total of experience is having aimed my own Sky sat in the past (one digi and one analogue). Was actually planning to get a responsible fitter out, but I had forgotten how much fun "finding" satellites is so may reconsider.

[Curious123]

If you can do telnet, ftp and know the difference between a null modem cable, RS232 port and an ethernet port than you can look after yourself on a dreambox.

[satdoc]

Will the new dreambox 800hd do 4.2.2 feeds as many of the football at the weekend is transmitted this way

[badgb21]

Hi MonkeyLover

The satisfaction of actually finding a satellite is great, especially if it takes about 3 hrs of your life! I was convinced my LNB or box was broken and I needed a fitter.
But if you set up a TV so you can see it, whilst pointing the dish and really take small movements with the dish (and select the correct signal meter on the box), you'll eventually get it.
(I did actually plug my Sly dish into the Darkman box to check the box was working ok.
I also first selected a Sly programme on the Darkman and copied the angle of the Sly dish and found a signal - as the Astra is a much stronger sat to find. By doing this the Eleveation and declination are close to spot on and all you then need to do is select you southern satellite (thor?) on the box and set the azimuth of dish to just off south. )
It's worth giving it a go regardless of which box you get.