Clear up something about the MiniMe for me, please: is it still in production, or are they going to run out soon? When I wanted a box that was network-capable, the MiniMe's software was still pretty rough (poor blind scan, etc.), so I went with the Amiko instead even though the Amiko's media player leaves a lot to be desired. (Not the nice IPTV system that Joe has put together, but the box's own video and music file player.) It sounds like the MiniMe might finally be reasonably bug-free, but I don't want to spend money on a receiver that might disappear any time, because I don't trust anyone to keep supporting the software if it does!
Of course the AzBox miniMe American Edition is still in production as it was only released back in November of last year so it's not even a year old! There would certainly be no purpose for us to organize a contest if it was in fact no longer in production. We will continue to release firmware updates for this model while it remains in production and even for a few years after production ends.
I understand why you are confused as certain individuals such as Rick Caylor have been spreading misinformation in regards to AzBox. Specifically, Mr. Caylor wants people to believe that all AzBox models are no longer in production as he's still stuck with hundreds of Premium HD Plus units. He is trying to prevent people from realizing that there is still a current AzBox model available since he would be forced to slash the prices of his remaining Premium HD Plus inventory.
If you notice on his website, he tries to hide the fact that the AzBox miniMe American Edition even exists as you surely noticed that he has a discussion forum for every official AzBox HD model
except the AzBox miniMe. In fact, I have personally seen posts made on his forum in regards to the AzBox miniMe American Edition deleted mere minutes after being made. Furthermore, other popular brands that he's not selling such as GEOSATpro and Amiko don't even have a forum at all!
Don't get me wrong as the Premium HD Plus was a very successful model for AzBox. However, it was released way back in early 2010 and as everyone knows, most technology in this day and age tends to have a production lifespan of approximately 3 years.
I won't lie in saying that NO FTA receiver out there currently in the market or in the future will ever be 100% bug free and this includes the AzBox miniMe American Edition. Even subscription satellite provider receivers have bugs and LOTS more resources are invested into development of those units. However, the most important thing you should be looking for when shopping around for a FTA receiver is an direct open line of communication with the people involved in North American based firmware development and support along with the release of firmware updates on a regular basis in order to enhance the unit with FTA hobbyist use in mind.
Best regards,