Thread: Review: Sonicview SV-HD8000

Originally Posted by jwwbrennan

Since posting a comment that the inherent bugs in this product were only mildly annoying compared to its limitations due to poor programming I purchased a V2 8PSK Module. That addition has elevated its status to the most annoying chunk of equipment still in use in my house. The board was purchased specifically for LBP but didn't help. One new feature is the loading of the 8PSK module as default thereby screwing up many other channels until it is set to the internal unit. It is a good unit gone bad from my point of view.

The older firmwares don't have this bug and correctly save whatever selection you make in the External Module menu, even after a reboot. I don't remember off hand since what version that it doesn't save anymore but will try to find out when I have the chance.

I guess the "coders" were asked to make 8psk Turbo module default based on the importer's assumptions about the STB usage pattern, and to avoid delay in channels switching. However, the STB owner should be given a fare chance to correct such assumptions by saving Internal Tuner as default.

As to inability of the 8psk module based on a Broadcom demod to process some signal streams, good examples of popular channels "screwed up" would help. I assume, under "inherent bugs" you mean popping caps in earlier versions of the STB Power Supply, earlier 8psk boards overheating, and loud internal fan with low airflow capacity. It's all fixable however with some user effort.

I have not had any hardware problems such as overheating but think the unit is an example of lost revenue resulting from poorly tested firmware. I always recommend purchasing other products that follow the traditional flow; design-test-sell rather than the costly silly loop; design-sell-test-sell-test-sell...

Originally Posted by pwrsurge

The older firmwares don't have this bug and correctly save whatever selection you make in the External Module menu, even after a reboot. I don't remember off hand since what version that it doesn't save anymore but will try to find out when I have the chance.

The LPB channel mentioned in jww post is in dvb-s2 "standard" 8PSK demodulation, and I'm not sure if the A-1 add on board for the sonicview 8000 supports that format. I am personnally still looking to yet find concrete proof (based on testing) that it supports regular 8PSK demodulation as it does for Turbo 8PSK, but with dvb-s2 system and not just dvb-s Turbo 8PSK.

A few interesting true fta channels (i.e., NBC AMC 1 (103 W)) are now broadcasting in dvb-s2 "standard" 8PSK format.

I am only interested in TRUE FTA, and i'm wondering if the present 8PSK add-on module of sonicview 8000 (or a different one, if it exists) supports DVB-s2 8PSK (not only Turbo 8PSK) broadcasts. I have searched in many places, and I couldn't find clear information on this subject. I'm certain that sv 8000 able to tune MPEG 4 HD, but I was not able to tune dvb-s2 8psk (modulation) with either MPEG 2 or MPEG 4 (SD and HD).

Before I go ahead and acquire an module (like the A-1), I need to find out if this same module that supports Turbo 8PSK (and I have no interest in hacking dick or bev) can support standard dvb-s2 8PSK. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Several STB importers offer 8psk Turbo add on boards for their STBs. Sonicview is one of them, and at least 3 generations of such add on module were offered over time for SV 8000HD, all based on different Broadcom demodulator chipset models with varying capabilities. However, NONE such board supports DVB-S2 standard (at least in firmware), since it is not required for their presumed purpose, and would impose extra requirements on the STB (such as DVB-S2 tuner and blindscan capability), it can't handle.

Btw, what sat and TP transmits LPB channel, and who is the content provider?

Originally Posted by zamar23

Btw, what sat and TP transmits LPB channel, and who is the content provider?

Louisiana PBS...they post the coordinates on their website

LPB Web

pilot is set to off

Originally Posted by skipticum

I am only interested in TRUE FTA, and i'm wondering if the present 8PSK add-on module of sonicview 8000 (or a different one, if it exists) supports DVB-s2 8PSK (not only Turbo 8PSK) broadcasts. I have searched in many places, and I couldn't find clear information on this subject. I'm certain that sv 8000 able to tune MPEG 4 HD, but I was not able to tune dvb-s2 8psk (modulation) with either MPEG 2 or MPEG 4 (SD and HD).

GoSatellite, where I bought it, states FTA 8PSK capability on their website ("The Sonicview 8000 HD 8PSK module board enables the Sonicview 8000 HD to receive high definition DVB (8PSK) free to air channels"). Now when I look at mode selection in the transponder list there are DVB QPSK, Turbo 8PSK, Turbo QPSK, DVB-S2-8PSK, DVB-S2-QPSK. I am ordering a larger dish in an attempt to get Louisiana. If that works I will post here. If it fails I will have a serious talk with GoSatellite.

Its nice to have dummy UI options to encourage buyers, and Sonicview is not the only one in that category - just read through AZBox section threads. As a first step of your interesting adventure, I'd suggest you to find out, what model of 8psk Turbo add on Board you have installed in your SV 8000HD receiver? When you look at it under the STB cover, take a note of the exact model of Broadcom labeled chip soldered on it, and also of all other chips on that Board you can read legibly. Let us know your finding pls.

Keep in mind however, 8psk modulation is often opted for by broadcasters using
DVB-S2

signal broadcast standard, but it is not a part of that standard, and can be used to broadcast DVB-S compliant signals as well. In fact, its widely used to broadcast DVB-S signals, while using some variants of FEC Error Correction algorithms, like Turbo FEC.

Anyone can suggest, what stations accessible from NA currently broadcast in DVB-S 8psk? Also, what one can possibly do to GoSatellite website, if Sonicview site for example claims for the STB to support DiSEqC 1.1, while it does not so far? Having said that, reports suggest this box performs very well in a majority of tasks it was designed for.

Originally Posted by zamar23

Its nice to have dummy UI options to encourage buyers, and Sonicview is not the only one in that category - just read through AZBox section threads. As a first step of your interesting adventure, I'd suggest you to find out, what model of 8psk Turbo add on Board you have installed in your SV 8000HD receiver? When you look at it under the STB cover, take a note of the exact model of Broadcom labeled chip soldered on it, and also of all other chips on that Board you can read legibly. Let us know your finding pls.

Keep in mind however, 8psk modulation is often opted for by broadcasters using signal broadcast standard, but it is not a part of that standard, and can be used to broadcast DVB-S compliant signals as well. In fact, its widely used to broadcast DVB-S signals, while using some variants of FEC Error Correction algorithms, like Turbo FEC.

Anyone can suggest, what stations accessible from NA currently broadcast in DVB-S 8psk? Also, what one can possibly do to GoSatellite website, if Sonicview site for example claims for the STB to support DiSEqC 1.1, while it does not so far? Having said that, reports suggest this box performs very well in a majority of tasks it was designed for.

LPB is broadcasting in dvb-s2 8psk format (and so others like NBC at 103.0 W), and jwwbrennan may be out of luck here. Nevertheless, it is still intersting to see the result of his testing. You never know!

I personally wish Sonicview gets busted by Dish for the IKS side of its business, and hopefully, if that ever happens, force them to pay more attention to the TRUE fta side of the business (like providing support for dvb-s2, 8psk, 4:2:2).