I have to upgrade my DSS receiver (Sony SAT-B1) due to a component failure. Anybody have any advice on what to replace it with? I looked at a Sony SAT-B3 and liked it, with one exception...It took WAY too long to react to a page-up/page-down request on the guides. MUCH worse than my 4-generation old SAT-B1 (which I find odd since one would think performance would have increased, not decreased).

I've heard Hughes are good units as well. I'm also hearing all kinds of rumors about new DSS models coming out in the Sony line soon.

Any advice/opinions welcome,

Bob

Tonight I did a quick test drive on the 3 main DSS units on the market, Sony, RCA, and Hughes.

Some observations:

1) Only the Sony gives detailed program information in the guide. Hughes and RCA require another keystroke to bring up a separate screen (and then you have to hit another key to get back to the guide).

2) Only the Sony allows for a (near) full screen visible view after changing/selecting channels. The RCA and Hughes leave a big nasty "informational bar" over about 30% of the top of the screen for about 3-5 seconds.

3) The Sony unfortunately does NOT have options for the guide view. The RCA and Hughes offer the ability to select viewing the picture (pip-style) while surfing the guide OR to instead have a full-screen guide. The Sony only has the pip-style. Also, the Sony changes the picture with each selection you are on while guide surfing. The RCA allows the picture to remain that of the one you were previously watching when you began surfing the guide.

Overall I believe the Sony was the best. I have heard they are coming out with a new model in only a few weeks, so maybe they will have enhanced some of the shortcomings. But first of all they need to reduce prices - and fast. The single LNB model RCA and Hughes are going for $50-$100 while the Sony is running considerably more at $150.

Anyone with any comments (or correction/clarification) on the above, please feel free to speak up.

Bob

I agree with bob in his choice of receivers. But bob is a little incorect with his info. The sony does allow you to us the surf guide while watching your previous channel. The problem is that most display units don't have the feature turned on. Again, go with the Sony.
Scott

Bob, which models did you do the comparisons on?
Scott, can this be done on my current SAT-A3? I hate that annoying "non-feature" while surfing the guide!

Dennis, I agree with you. This feature in question is only capable on sonys newer models. (A50 and the B50). It is shown as bob explaned in a pip corner or 1/4 of the screen. But in my mind something is better than nothing.

I have a Sony A50 and B50 model.
I think you can only use the index feature to surf logos while viewing the current program in a PIP window. Am I missing a feature? I dont think you can use the General Guide to surf While watching the current channel in a window.
Thanks.

Somebody please clarify/confirm JOEC's claim above. What he claims is what I suspect as well. I could find no way to surf the guide while watching the current channel in the "PIP window".

Thanks,

Bob

Joec is correct.

Although the Sony's have the easiest to read guides and some neat features these units are pretty slow at changing channels with a noticable blank between channels. The RCA 4280 also suffers from this slowness. If your looking for speed the Hughes is clearly the fastest unit at changing channels, but it does not have as many neat features as the Sony or RCA.

-Jeff

I have the RCA DRD480RE and it has a problem where occasionally the amount of red in the picure shifts for a fews seconds. I am also having a problem where the picture freezes for about 2 seconds. From surfing the WEB it appears that this is a problem with the current generation of RCA small form factor boxes. I'm going to call my retailer to see If I can trade for Sony box...joe