Johnmw1 Posted May 27, 2008 Posted May 27, 2008 Hi, Am looking to get a new STB for my dad, but as there seem to be a few to choose from am not sure which way to go, but am sure that I want good PQ and ease of use as he is 89 yrs old. Was in GG the other day looking at the Topfield, but GG reckon the Teac was a better unit for PQ and use etc, would this be true or is it just sales pitch? Thanks John
pgdownload Posted May 27, 2008 Posted May 27, 2008 In general most 89yr olds have pretty poor vision - its unlikely they'd be able to tell the difference between SD and HD (many young people do once you step back a few metres). Also I assume he doesn't have a 50" HD TV either? Basically the PQ variation between STBs is pretty minimal anyway (they're all good) so just focus on having a SVideo or better still component output to maximise PQ. For usability, STBs are pretty simple devices. Afetr you've set it up they basically change the channel, volume and aspect ratio. Its hard to make that un user friendly So long as you're not scouting the real cheap STBs (and you're not) then it probably comes down to the remote more than anything. Also speed of channel change is something good to check on (<1 second is considered good). Finally you may wish to consider getting your dad a simple PVR (STB with harddrive) as connecting a VCR into the STB and co-ordinating that can start getting awkward. Read about them here Regards Peter Gillespie
mtv Posted May 27, 2008 Posted May 27, 2008 test skidoo, Please do not use threads to test, or increase your post count. See instructions HERE
RosePetal Posted May 27, 2008 Posted May 27, 2008 In general most 89yr olds have pretty poor vision - its unlikely they'd be able to tell the difference between SD and HD (many young people do once you step back a few metres). Also I assume he doesn't have a 50" HD TV either? Basically the PQ variation between STBs is pretty minimal anyway (they're all good) so just focus on having a SVideo or better still component output to maximise PQ.Peter Gillespie Perhaps he just wants access to the extra channels.
pgdownload Posted May 27, 2008 Posted May 27, 2008 Perhaps he just wants access to the extra channels.I'm not suggesting he not get a HD STB. Just that there's little point in making 'great PQ' a primary criteria in deciding what model.Regards Peter Gillespie
peterca Posted May 27, 2008 Posted May 27, 2008 I recently bought a Topfield TF7010HT, to replace a Strong SD box in my bedroom. Seems to work well, picture quality is good although the GUI is fairly ordinary. I chose the Topfield as it is a known brand rather than risk one of the many "no name" boxes on the market.
Johnmw1 Posted May 28, 2008 Author Posted May 28, 2008 Hi everyone thanks for the replies, Peter yes you are absolutely correct about his eye sight, but he does want the best that he can get and if that is going to be HD well then so be it he says. It just does not seem to matter to him that he will in all reality not notice the difference between HD & SD at his age. But yes I do take on board your comment about PQ over ease of use etc, and I suppose one important thing to think about is the remote control and how big or small or how easy it is for him to use given his old hands are not what they used to be. A PVR is certainly not an option for him as it's just too complicated for him these days. I put Foxtel on for him to give him a few more viewing options and he just does not watch it because he cannot work out how to turn it on, and each time he attempts to watch it I have to go through the whole routine each time, so it's a sad fact of getting old unfortunately. So given those options which would be a better STB to be looking at? Thanks John
pgdownload Posted May 28, 2008 Posted May 28, 2008 Few people know about more than the box they have. I'd go with having a play in store to decide now. You'll be hard pressed to make a wrong decision with any brand name HD STB. The Toppy STB is a nice piece of kit FWIW. Regards Peter Gillespie
RosePetal Posted May 28, 2008 Posted May 28, 2008 I'm not suggesting he not get a HD STB. Just that there's little point in making 'great PQ' a primary criteria in deciding what model.Regards Peter Gillespie Oh now I understand. Thanks for that.
mtv Posted May 28, 2008 Posted May 28, 2008 A HD box will provide extra channels over a SD box, even when viewed on any screen.
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