AZbox question

[badpistacio]

I read that the only difference between the Elite and the Premium model is the wireless networking capabilities that the Premium has. Does anyone know if there are other differences? I'm a fan of fewer cat5's running through the crawlspace so now I'm thinking Premium instead of Elite.

 

[Lak7]

Premium has External Power Supply and Internal Hard Drive connection.

 

[Mr Tony]

Isn't the premium in short supply too?

 

[AcWxRadar]

Isn't the premium in short supply too?

Yes, I find it very difficult to find the Premium in stock at any of the outlets.

Also, I believe that the Premium has TWO USB ports, which is very handy. Am I correct that the Elite has only one USB port?

Beyond the items that have already been listed here so far, the Elite and the Premium AZBox are otherwise identical, including the firmware (software or image files are interchangeable between the two).

The WiFi capability is awesome! I have two computers set up to work with my Premium AZBox, my laptop and my desktop. This is really nice as if you are transferring movies (recorded files) via WiFi / FTP, it really bogs my laptop down considerably for quite a time. With both PCs able to communicate to the AZBox, I can use the other PC to do other tasks. In my own opinion, the extra cost of the WiFi feature alone is well worth it.

RADAR

 

[Mr Tony]

The Elite has 2 USB ports. I use one hooked ot a HDD and the 2nd is when I update the software

 

[AcWxRadar]

The Elite has 2 USB ports. I use one hooked ot a HDD and the 2nd is when I update the software

Excellent, so the two do not differ in this regard. And I use the USB ports in the same manner. The rear USB remains connected to the external HDD and the front USB is for updating via USB drive as it is more convenient to access.

Then the differences are:

Elite: Internal power supply - external HDD only - wired network only. Lower cost, easier to obtain.

Premium: External power supply - internal or external HDD or both - wired or wireless networking. Higher cost, more difficult to obtain.

RADAR

 

[Lak7]

Isn't the premium in short supply too?

Plenty on EBay now.

 

[knowmiddlename]

The Elite has 2 USB ports. I use one hooked ot a HDD and the 2nd is when I update the software

I chose the Elite model over the Premium model because of wireless networking technology's "planned obsolescence." Also, the Elite consumes less power and runs cooler because it does not contain a hard drive :up

 

[B.J.]

The Elite has 2 USB ports. I use one hooked ot a HDD and the 2nd is when I update the software

I wish they had put the 2 USB ports a little further apart. I have a hard time getting my thumb drive in there if there is a cable attached on the other port.

It also would have been better if they had put one of the 2 ports on the front. My Diamond 9000 has USB on the front, and it's very convenient (except that a thumb drive seems to block the IR receiver from where my chair is located). I guess I should just use a USB hub so I don't have to get behind the receiver.

 

[zamar23]

Just buy on EBay a short extension USB cable to solve both issues.

 

[Mr Tony]

BJ
I agree. They should have put one USB port on the front for updates.

 

[AcWxRadar]

I wish they had put the 2 USB ports a little further apart. I have a hard time getting my thumb drive in there if there is a cable attached on the other port.

It also would have been better if they had put one of the 2 ports on the front. My Diamond 9000 has USB on the front, and it's very convenient (except that a thumb drive seems to block the IR receiver from where my chair is located). I guess I should just use a USB hub so I don't have to get behind the receiver.

BJ
I agree. They should have put one USB port on the front for updates.

This is one of the advantages with the Premium model. One USB port is on the back and that is nice as the cable for an external USB HDD is hidden from view behind the receiver in "the jungle".

The other USB port is located on the front panel behind the secret door for the card slots. This is really convenient for updating firmware and plug-ins or transferring other files, movies, pictures and music, etc.

Definitely an advantage if you are going to be using the second port a great deal.

RADAR

 

[knowmiddlename]

Future firmware will add the capability to upgrade over the LAN. The Firmware Upgrade selection in the Setup menu has an Ethernet option saying, "Coming Soon!"