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Topic:
What's the best STB for HDTV?
This thread has 9 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Sunday August 4, 2002 at 08:18
Darnitol
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I live in Dallas, Texas, where I can get more than twice the HDTV programming over the air than I can over satellite. So I'd like to go with an OTA STB. Who can recommend the best choice?

Thanks,
Dale
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Post 2 made on Sunday August 4, 2002 at 09:10
John Pechulis
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Dale, believe it or not, the cheapest OTA receiver we use with good reception and picture, is the RCA DTC-100 satellite/OTA receiver.

Plus it has all the discretes you will need to integrate it into an automated system.

JJP
OP | Post 3 made on Sunday August 4, 2002 at 09:40
Darnitol
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John:

I'm new to the world of HDTV. Of course I've seen a zillion references to the DTC-100, but since it's essentially "first generation" technology, I wasn't sure if it still warranted a purchase today. I know that there have been many upgrades and mods to the 100. There's the "169" mod I keep seeing referenced, but never can seem to get any info about.

So, you wouldn't shy away from a 100, even with all the new wizz-bang HDTV STBs out there?

Thanks!
Dale
I'm a member of the Remote Central community, just like you! My comments here are my own, and in no way express the opinions, policies, or plans of Universal Remote Control, Inc.
Post 4 made on Sunday August 4, 2002 at 09:49
John Pechulis
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Dale, I haven't seen another receiver out there that:

1) Has all the necessary discretes

2) Is in the price range of the DTC-100

IMHO, there isn't a receiver out there that has the performance and features at the price of the DTC-100.

Sure, they may be better performing OTA receivers out there, but most aren't integration friendly, and cost a heck of a lot more. JMHO

JJP
OP | Post 5 made on Sunday August 4, 2002 at 11:44
Darnitol
Universal Remote Control Inc.
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Oh... my TV, a Marantz PV6480W, has composite inputs. I can't recall if the DTC-100 has composite out or only RGBHV.

Also, I'm really attracted to the various HTPC options for tuning HDTV. I've been looking at AccessDTV, which looks best because it offers true Tivo-like timeshifting, with pause, commercial skip, and so forth. As far as I can tell, HiPix and MyHD only do programmed or one-touch recording, like a VCR. The downside to AccessDTV seems to be that it's the only one that you can't easily control with a Pronto. So now I'm really wondering which way to go. Any experience with these boards in an HTPC?

Thanks,
Dale

This message was edited by Darnitol on 08/04/02 12:01.10.
I'm a member of the Remote Central community, just like you! My comments here are my own, and in no way express the opinions, policies, or plans of Universal Remote Control, Inc.
Post 6 made on Sunday August 4, 2002 at 14:43
John Pechulis
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I can't help you there Dale. I'm not too familiar with the HTPC world.

JJP
Post 7 made on Monday August 5, 2002 at 06:05
Steve13
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Dale-
If discreets are important in your buying decision, the DTC-100 is a good choice. However, almost all of the second generation (and some third generation) receivers are in about the same price range now.

I'm going to assume that you meant to say your TV has component inputs, not composite. You can't do HDTV via composite!!

The output on the DTC-100 is RGB, via a 15pin, VGA style connector. If your TV doesn't support this type of connection, you'll need to invest in a converter (transcoder) to convert the signal from RGB to component. This will add about $100+ to the cost of the DTC-100, putting it right in line with many of the other second gen receivers.
OP | Post 8 made on Monday August 5, 2002 at 08:05
Darnitol
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Dadgumit, I just reread my post. I DID type "composite." Yes, of course it's got component inputs.

My TV has a VGA connector, but it's not VGA-style--it's actualy VGA, for hooking up a computer. I'll check to see if it's got RGBHV inouts. If it does, would I be able to just get a cable of some sort to break the signal out into the five RCA jacks?

Dale, the HDTV dork
I'm a member of the Remote Central community, just like you! My comments here are my own, and in no way express the opinions, policies, or plans of Universal Remote Control, Inc.
OP | Post 9 made on Monday August 5, 2002 at 17:12
Darnitol
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Does anyone have any opinions of the Samsung SIR-T150 Tantus Digital HDTV Decoder?
I'm a member of the Remote Central community, just like you! My comments here are my own, and in no way express the opinions, policies, or plans of Universal Remote Control, Inc.
Post 10 made on Monday August 5, 2002 at 17:56
Matt Reiland
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I have a DTC-100 but I think the reigning champ for STB is the Zenith but it won't matter soon because a whole bunch should be out at the end of the year when the DirectTV/Ecostar mess is handled


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