Best Sd Box For Maleny Reception

[Serendigity]

I have been using a NextWave TDR-3190 for the past 15 month or so and it worked flawlessly. Unfortunately, it has just stopped working, nothing on the front panel when switched on, does not get warm when left on any more. I assume the power supply has failed. Has anyone else experienced a similar problem with this model, and is it an economical repair? It cost me $199. It had worked great in my area (Sunshine Coast hinterland in Maleny behind the SC Bald Knob transmitters). We are in what they term a fringe reception area, only getting the backlobe. Some people get reception, some don't.

I decide to replace it with a Wintal STB-X5A SD receiver from mail order. Has a three year warranty, and has a good Philips tuner. Specs available here: http://wintal.com.au/set_top_boxes/43121066.html

The unit arrived, cost me $87, which seemed a good price. I have tried it once for 3 hours and agian in differing weather conditions for another hour. I find that I am experiencing problems with SBS breaking up, visual pixelations and sound pops. All other channels are perfect. As I like to watch SBS this has me miffed.

I cannot return the unit economically to the retailer (the perils of mail order), so am hoping to on-sell to someone on the Sunshine Coast in a good reception area - anyone after a bargain - brand new, three year manufacturers warranty for $60?

Who can suggest an alternative SD model which will give me good SBS reception in a marginal backlobe area? I am wary of NextWave after the failure of my out of warranty unit...

Cheers,

Steve