Looking for receiver recommendations

[dfecarter]

I've been using a rather reliable Fortec Mercury on my 3' KU dish for a year or so. Am wondering if there's another receiver that might be a bit of a step up I could play with. My requirements are blind scan, Digital of course , KU and C band, either a card slot, or capability to pull in a wider range of signals, hence a few additional channels. Looking for Recommendations both HD PVR and SD only. Will probably stay with SD since there isn't much HD programming now. Had consdiered the GEOSATpro DSR100C but don't need that much rel channels plus I can't seem to buy Iredeto service here in the US. I gather Coolsat, Pansat, etc. are all quality receivers but am interested in your opinions. wouldn't a box that is capable of automatic software/firmware updates be a good thing, i.e , that get info updates directly from Sats? Guess I want one with more features but not compromise and scanning capablity. thanks in advance.

 

[Anole]

As a SD PVR, the Visionsat IV-200 has a pretty good reputation.
If you want to wade through the review, we have a very complimentary one here on the forum.
They are no longer in production, and quite reasonable.

 

[SatelliteAV]

The GEOSATpro DSR100c has an option for adding the religious channels in the set-up, but only if you select the Glorystar function instead of the Advanced User menu setting. Otherwise, it is a feature packed FTA receiver that is also capable of firmware updating via the G19 KU satellite. You will find that the tuner is much more sensitive than the Fortec Star Mercury II.

To give you an idea of the increased sensitivity. Last weekend I was experimenting with a mini-BUD set-up on SatMex 5 and 6 using a GEOSATpro 1.2M, C1 LNBF and a Mercury II. Only 3 transponders would lock and one was marginal with constant pixelization. With no changes other than swapping receivers, the DSR100c solidly locked on 8 transponders. The previously marginal transponder produced a 48% Signal Quality on the DSR100 (which reliably locks at approx. 35% SQ).

Yes, I may be biased, but the DSR100c and its big DVR capable brother the DVR1100c receivers are strong performers with very good user reviews. Personally, I would suggest that you keep the Mercury II as it is a great receiver and purchase a HD receiver when the time is right.

 

[dfecarter]

Thanks guys, will look over the link on Visionsat and Brian your points are well taken. The reason why I've never thought of FTA programming in HD is because my Directv service is for nice HQ viewing, my FTA viewing is more a curious hobby but i ought to give it more though.
Then again, down the road the prices will undoubtedly drop on HD FTA receivers as the amount of HD programming grows. So I could pick up another SD receiver now for fun and perhaps enhanced reception and save or perhaps sell my fortec on ebay or this site even.

 

[RedSavina]

Brian,

Your comments sparked some questions of my own. Rather than hijacking this thread, I have posted them here.

Thanks!

 

[dfecarter]

Has anyone ever used a Finepass FP5800 Satellite Receiver from Galaxy Mktg.? Claims it'll unscramble Viacess channels.

 

[madmadworld]

HD or not

Has anyone ever used a Finepass FP5800 Satellite Receiver from Galaxy Mktg.? Claims it'll unscramble Viacess channels.

the only sub i know of in the States is GlobeCast World TV
Galaxy 19 at 97.0°.
don't know your budget, but buying another SD box is not going to get you anymore stations than the Fortec Mercury.
upgrading just for a PVR fuction only really.
i have a DTV sub, but the FTA games and other stuff i get look a bit better on my boxes.
the only upgrade is to what HD box. IMHO

Pansat 9200 HD <$300 w/S-2 board $400+
SV-8000 HD good PVR $265 <
Azbox Elite or Premium does S-2 & 4:2:2 but no blind $290 - $350 +

good luck

 

[AcWxRadar]

DfeCarter,

I am not sure how to take your last post, but...

If you want a really great receiver, that is excellent for SD FTA reception and easy to use and works great with USALS or DiSEqC 1.2 for a motor and has lots of potential for the future FTA market and is just an all around EXCELLENT receiver, go with the Coolsat 5000 or Coolsat 6000 model or the Fortec Star models (I can vouch for the Dynamic at least).

Be very careful of what you are seeking for. There are many models out there that are based on the hacking enterprise. You do not want one of these receivers as they are generally set up to do only that. That does you no good. Get a receiver that is good with true FTA signals, like the ones I mentioned previously.

All of the pirates are dumping their Coolsats on the EBay market now and you can pick them up for a song. Don't let these deals pass you by, they are great receivers! And if you can pick one or more up at a price and shipping cost at less than $60, you have a great deal!

Just try one of these to start with, you won't be disappointed! If you get a defective one, that will be odd and we can probably help you doctor it up unless it is a major hardware problem.

Just go for it and try it. Almost everyone who is into FTA knows that these older Coolsats are exceptional and for the price, well you just cannot beat them.

RADAR