Paul1503559514 Posted November 18, 2008 Posted November 18, 2008 Hi all, currently tossing up a purchase between the three of these. From what I can gather, the HDX and PCH are essentially the same in terms of functionality and differ in case material, S-video differences and the memory card slot reader. The bigger comparison is either of those against the Tvix 6500 with a digital tuner. I have not been able to find any Youtube videos of the 6500 PVR menu and how well it interacts with the Aussie DTV program guide. If I get the 6500, it will replace my now ancient Panasonic HD STB and a modified Xbox, where as the HDX1000 or PCHA110 will only replace the Xbox. But the 6500 is about $250 more, so this is why I'm asking just how good the PVR menu and functionality really is. I already have an SD DVD/HD recorder, so I can record (SD) tv which doesn't make the 6500 so essential for recording purposes, but it would be nice to consolidate the number of devices in my cabinet. Cheers, Paul
renura Posted November 18, 2008 Posted November 18, 2008 Hi all, currently tossing up a purchase between the three of these. From what I can gather, the HDX and PCH are essentially the same in terms of functionality and differ in case material, S-video differences and the memory card slot reader.The bigger comparison is either of those against the Tvix 6500 with a digital tuner. I have not been able to find any Youtube videos of the 6500 PVR menu and how well it interacts with the Aussie DTV program guide. If I get the 6500, it will replace my now ancient Panasonic HD STB and a modified Xbox, where as the HDX1000 or PCHA110 will only replace the Xbox. But the 6500 is about $250 more, so this is why I'm asking just how good the PVR menu and functionality really is. I already have an SD DVD/HD recorder, so I can record (SD) tv which doesn't make the 6500 so essential for recording purposes, but it would be nice to consolidate the number of devices in my cabinet. Cheers, Paul Hi Paul, I think a lot of people have the same dilemma; as you have stated the main difference between the 6500A and the Popcorn Hour and its derivatives is that the 6500A has the added benefit that you can purchase it with a Digital TV tuner (soon with dual tuner too). The TViX 6500A has the ability to extract the 7-days EPG information from the DVB stream where available, it can also be set to import EPG info from IceTV if required. Another option worthwhile considering is the TViX 3300 which also can be purchased with a single (soon dual) DTV tuner and has also the ability to record from external sources (eg your PayTV box, video camera, security camera, etc). The only draw back with the 3300 (and 2230) is that it can not play H.264 and some mkv, etc files. So if you don't use play (or are prepared to convert these) files, then the 3330 is an even better and more integrated Player/PVR that the other models and it can almost substitute all other boxes in the living room. Personally, if I wanted an integrated NMP/PVR solution, I would go for the TViX 6500 or 3330, if only wanted a player, I would go for the Popcorn hour. I hope that helps. Cheers Renura
Rokkz Posted November 18, 2008 Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) Hi all, currently tossing up a purchase between the three of these. From what I can gather, the HDX and PCH are essentially the same in terms of functionality and differ in case material, S-video differences and the memory card slot reader.The bigger comparison is either of those against the Tvix 6500 with a digital tuner. I have not been able to find any Youtube videos of the 6500 PVR menu and how well it interacts with the Aussie DTV program guide. If I get the 6500, it will replace my now ancient Panasonic HD STB and a modified Xbox, where as the HDX1000 or PCHA110 will only replace the Xbox. But the 6500 is about $250 more, so this is why I'm asking just how good the PVR menu and functionality really is. I already have an SD DVD/HD recorder, so I can record (SD) tv which doesn't make the 6500 so essential for recording purposes, but it would be nice to consolidate the number of devices in my cabinet. Cheers, Paul I am about to decide on the Tvix 6500 or the HDX1000. The reason I have dropped the Popcorn 110 is the HDX uses the same firmware released weeks later with HDX logo, and IMO I believe the aluminum housing is a far better design than the popcorn at dispersing heat. Further more programs suitable for the popcorn are also compatible with the HDX. As far as the Tvix 6500 goes IMO, reading many forums, this unit appears a far more polished product. Although all three units use the same CPU, apparently in the past Tvix was fed up with the quality of firmware/codec problems realised by the makers of popcorn and then started developing there own, hence the reason certain formats where playable on the Tvix before the PCH and HDX. Networking, setup and ease of use also appears to be better, Menu Speed is also mentioned as being much faster and has 7.1 audio, display screen on the front looks good but is a personal choice, however I still think the HDX looks slick. The ability to turn the Tvix into a PVR is also something to consider as for another $105 you can purchase HD Tuner stick and there is also mention of a Dual HD Tuner stick becoming available by the end of the year. The standard GUI looks better than the Popcorn/HDX however they have the ability to run third party programs/flexibility in appearance(movie juke box). They also have the ability receive Internet streaming, youtube and using bittorent without your pc being on etc, however buffering video streams from the net has its problems. That’s said Tvix still has it bugs. HDX1000 $365.00 http://www.mediaplayersandmore.com.au/hdx1...5cc038c43af70a8 Tvix 6500A rev 2 $481.00 http://exatek.com.au/osc/product_info.php?products_id=129 (pick available in vic) HD Tuner to suit Tvix $105.00 if req Cheers Edited November 19, 2008 by Rokkz
Paul1503559514 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Posted November 18, 2008 Hi Paul,I think a lot of people have the same dilemma; as you have stated the main difference between the 6500A and the Popcorn Hour and its derivatives is that the 6500A has the added benefit that you can purchase it with a Digital TV tuner (soon with dual tuner too). The TViX 6500A has the ability to extract the 7-days EPG information from the DVB stream where available, it can also be set to import EPG info from IceTV if required. Another option worthwhile considering is the TViX 3300 which also can be purchased with a single (soon dual) DTV tuner and has also the ability to record from external sources (eg your PayTV box, video camera, security camera, etc). The only draw back with the 3300 (and 2230) is that it can not play H.264 and some mkv, etc files. So if you don't use play (or are prepared to convert these) files, then the 3330 is an even better and more integrated Player/PVR that the other models and it can almost substitute all other boxes in the living room. Personally, if I wanted an integrated NMP/PVR solution, I would go for the TViX 6500 or 3330, if only wanted a player, I would go for the Popcorn hour. I hope that helps. Cheers Renura Hi Renura, My Panasonic DVD/HD recorder can record from inputs, so that functionality is well covered. This discounts the 3330. I tend to agree with Rokkz with what I've read about the heat dissipation abilities of the aluminium HDX1000 as preferable over the PCH A110. So I think my choice is down to the HDX1000 or the TViX6500. What sort of time frame are we looking at for the dual HD tuner option on the 6500 and what sort of price difference over the single tuner? Are you able to make a Youtube video of the 6500's PVR functionality to give me some sort of idea on how it works - record from guide, playback etc? For a product like the 6500 where you can't easily go to see it in action, the next best thing is watching a demo on the web. I don't like to buy sight unseen. Perhaps this could be a worthy addition to your web site? Thanks for your advice, Paul
renura Posted November 18, 2008 Posted November 18, 2008 Are you able to make a Youtube video of the 6500's PVR functionality to give me some sort of idea on how it works - record from guide, playback etc? For a product like the 6500 where you can't easily go to see it in action, the next best thing is watching a demo on the web. I don't like to buy sight unseen. Perhaps this could be a worthy addition to your web site?No, unfortunately we don't have demo clips to upload on youtube or other sites. I will see if we can organise more screenshots though. As for the dual tuner, hopefully before Xmas.
1bigtv Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 Hi, Does anyone know if there is anything out there for Hdx1000 or Pcha110 like TViXiE. It looks great and if there is not, it may swing my vote to the TVIX for the more $.
Rokkz Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 Hi,Does anyone know if there is anything out there for Hdx1000 or Pcha110 like TViXiE. It looks great and if there is not, it may swing my vote to the TVIX for the more $. http://www.treasure-cove.net/moviejukebox.htm for popcorn and HDX1000 cheers
1bigtv Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 http://www.treasure-cove.net/moviejukebox.htm for popcorn and HDX1000cheers @Rokkz Thanks for that. Looks great, but very complicated. At least they have the option!
Rokkz Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 (edited) @RokkzThanks for that. Looks great, but very complicated. At least they have the option! Tis, however once setup the options are better than the tvixie, apparently you can search via director, actor etc. watch the movie on the link Cheers Edited November 20, 2008 by Rokkz
Paul1503559514 Posted November 20, 2008 Author Posted November 20, 2008 What wireless networking options are available for the TViX 6500?
renura Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 What wireless networking options are available for the TViX 6500? ftp://ftp.dvico.com/Manual/TViX/wireless_network.pdf DVICO are also about to release a USB Wireless adapter that while specifically designed for the 2200/3300 series, I believe will also work with the 6500 series.
WINEDS Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 ftp://ftp.dvico.com/Manual/TViX/wireless_network.pdfDVICO are also about to release a USB Wireless adapter that while specifically designed for the 2200/3300 series, I believe will also work with the 6500 series. Don't you think it is highly inappropriate for you to be posting in this thread given you sell the TVIX 6500 and PCHA110 but not the HDX1000?
renura Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 Don't you think it is highly inappropriate for you to be posting in this thread given you sell the TVIX 6500 and PCHA110 but not the HDX1000?No I do not think so at all, why would that be the case? you can see what we sell, nothing is hidden, and you can make your own mind about what to buy. I find your post highly inappropriate and irrelevant - indeed your inference that there might be something inappropriate with my posts approaches the offensive.
Paul1503559514 Posted November 20, 2008 Author Posted November 20, 2008 Don't you think it is highly inappropriate for you to be posting in this thread given you sell the TVIX 6500 and PCHA110 but not the HDX1000? No, not at all and I actually think Renura should be complemented on providing the unbiased information he posts. I believe he has picked up that I have narrowed down my choice between the HDX1000 or the TViX6500 yet I have not seen him post a single negative comment about the HDX in trying to sway my decision. He has simply stated factual information about the features of all the products I short listed to help me make up my own mind. I applaud your intentions in trying to identify sales people who may try to "steer" people towards their own products, however I do not believe this to be the case this time around, and to suggest it is "highly inappropriate" is probably being a bit harsh.
Paul1503559514 Posted November 20, 2008 Author Posted November 20, 2008 ftp://ftp.dvico.com/Manual/TViX/wireless_network.pdfDVICO are also about to release a USB Wireless adapter that while specifically designed for the 2200/3300 series, I believe will also work with the 6500 series. Do you know if this is wireless n? Not that I have an n router (yet) but would be good for the future when I do. The recommended adapter for the HDX1000 is b?/g/n.
sprogger Posted November 21, 2008 Posted November 21, 2008 Paul The USB wireless adapter sold by these guys is 802.11all three (nbg) for the HDX1000 (but as they say works with all NMT's with USB ports) http://www.mediaplayersandmore.com.au/tpwn...pter-p-243.html Cheers Sprogger
renura Posted November 21, 2008 Posted November 21, 2008 Do you know if this is wireless n? Not that I have an n router (yet) but would be good for the future when I do. The recommended adapter for the HDX1000 is b?/g/n.Hi Paul,The USB wireless dongle we are testing at the moment and that DVICO will release soon (as to ensure better compatibility with the TViX devices) supports 802.11g not n. Cheers Renura
Vortical Posted November 21, 2008 Posted November 21, 2008 No, not at all and I actually think Renura should be complemented on providing the unbiased information he posts. I believe he has picked up that I have narrowed down my choice between the HDX1000 or the TViX6500 yet I have not seen him post a single negative comment about the HDX in trying to sway my decision. He has simply stated factual information about the features of all the products I short listed to help me make up my own mind. I couldn't agree more Renura and samscoms should be commended for taking the extra step and conversing directly with owners and possible owners.
WINEDS Posted November 21, 2008 Posted November 21, 2008 No I do not think so at all, why would that be the case? you can see what we sell, nothing is hidden, and you can make your own mind about what to buy. I find your post highly inappropriate and irrelevant - indeed your inference that there might be something inappropriate with my posts approaches the offensive. Hardly irrelevant or inappropriate mate. The conflict of interest is blatantly obvious. And I am sorry if that approaches the offensive for you but it is a fact.
DigitalFog Posted November 25, 2008 Posted November 25, 2008 You guys might want to consider waiting for the new Mediagate MG-800HD believed to be released in December...details in the link http://www.mediagateusa.com/forum/viewforu...5b1a9a5e604a855
Paul1503559514 Posted November 25, 2008 Author Posted November 25, 2008 There is always a new device just around the corner. Looks like a worthy competitor to the HDX1000 and PCHA110.
Guest Annaeus Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 I think a lot of people have the same dilemma ...Renura I think that sums it up. A dilemma: none of the products quite do it all, except if one builds a bespoke media centre - then there can be noise issues and the issues of the video output - and expensive video card .... I have a TVIX 4310 that I purchased about 16 months ago. I went for it because of the large number of different file formats it could play - and also it receives and records SD/HD TV - and functions as a smart settop box from a good CRT I have. I can archive important recordings, and save them (via Video Redo) to MPEG. I wanted something I could put my music on in good lossless (FLAC) or lossey (Ogg) format. It also uses NTFS rather than the older FAT system - so the recordings are one file. I can also take programs I have downloaded (but not available in Australia yet - when they are I buy the DVDs; I need to say that) and play them. It also plays DTV programs I've recorded on my computer in MPEG format. It works, more or less. Overall, I have been very happy with it and would consider a 6500, with the dual tuner... but I have one gripe with the TVIX. I live in Canberra and it has trouble with all SBS channels - the picture pixelates and freezes. This happened once on the ABC as well. The SBS problem can also be seen in the quality / signal strength - which hovers round 96% and about 24 db. All the other channels are 100% and 30 db. And yes, I have checked the antenna which is QUAD cable to the antenna itself. The Toppy and the Computer have no trouble. So, I think it is the TVIX. To give them credit, Lako took it back, put in a new turner - but same problem reappeared. I suspect it is a tuner - software - SBS mismatch - I've seen references to similar problems in Adelaide for Ch 10. I also bought a Topfield 7000 for she-who-is-obeyed and it has worked fine - but it has limited file compatability. Touch wood (Being Chrissy, I need to say that, because we have already killed a microwave and a washing machine in this, the "conspiracy of electro-mechanical objects against the bank balance season", but I digress; just doing my bit for the country). With the new HD programs being broadcast - the quality is not for me so important - but the content is - I'd like a way of picking up SBS. Sure the computer can do it; but sometimes I like to have the bloody thing turned off. So, what I would like is something like the TVIX, with dual turners, but which picks up SBS. Maybe the 6500 will do it (a bit pricey ATM) - but it has the same tuner as the 4130. So I'm not sure what to do. My rant for the day. A.
ocujos Posted December 28, 2008 Posted December 28, 2008 Annaeus, If you're happy with your player, why not put together a cheap, dedicated PC for TV recording? If you buy your TV tuner/s from Renura it will come with free DNTV scheduller (same as Web Scheduller). I use DV Scheduler which is free and also based on Web Scheduler. It is the best DVB recording software there is: full stop. It does a much better job than any other HTPC/TV Recording software I've used (and I've used all of them). Your player can then play the recordings via a network share off the PC. If I want to keep any of the recordings, VideoRedo will convert it to an MPG file which I then archive on a DVD. I have three tuners in my HTPC and DV Scheduler manages all of my TV recording nees. My Popcorn Hour player connected to my HD LCD TV plays the TV recordings via a wired network connection. This way you get the best of both worlds.
Jason_0990 Posted April 23, 2009 Posted April 23, 2009 Annaeus,If you're happy with your player, why not put together a cheap, dedicated PC for TV recording? If you buy your TV tuner/s from Renura it will come with free DNTV scheduller (same as Web Scheduller). I use DV Scheduler which is free and also based on Web Scheduler. It is the best DVB recording software there is: full stop. It does a much better job than any other HTPC/TV Recording software I've used (and I've used all of them). Your player can then play the recordings via a network share off the PC. If I want to keep any of the recordings, VideoRedo will convert it to an MPG file which I then archive on a DVD. I have three tuners in my HTPC and DV Scheduler manages all of my TV recording nees. My Popcorn Hour player connected to my HD LCD TV plays the TV recordings via a wired network connection. This way you get the best of both worlds. Htpc use a spare computer which many of us have. Use xbmc which costa ya nothiong at all. Its what I did before buying the dvico. Col of salesmart back when I was buying and was not sure which way to leap asked if I had an old computer and to try xbmc which I did. Was good for a few months but in the end the old computer was starting to play up a bit so went for the dvico. Salesmart has a new media player with keyboard for $299. It uses the sigma 8635 and the specs look very similar to the popcorn hour except with an added keyboard. It does not play blue rays like the dvico though. If the op has a computer why not use xbmc or if they already have ms media center use that and connect up to a tv. Cheapest option and nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Jim_26 Posted May 4, 2009 Posted May 4, 2009 Hi,Does anyone know if there is anything out there for Hdx1000 or Pcha110 like TViXiE. It looks great and if there is not, it may swing my vote to the TVIX for the more $. Mediagate hd800 looks similar and is cheaper.
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