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Well folks, here are my first impressions of my new Coolsat 8000HD receiver arrived today by FedEx from sat-sales.com.
UPDATE: I'm adding a description of the my setup and cables used between components.
I've never used a Coolsat brand receiver before and this was a very poor first impression. I can only hope this is not their best work and that their other receivers enjoy a good following.
Any comments and input appreciated.
Thanks.
There are a lot of problems with this unit out of the box.
In this post:
1. Summary of initial issues/observations
2. Detail of the issues
3. Detail of the menus of the unit
Summary of issues
-----------------
1. The free DiSeqC switch cited in the dealer's order page was missing in the
shipment.
2. No documentation whatsoever is included in the unit.
3. Loose screw inside unit (easy fix).
4. Satellite antenna input port includes label "DVB-S2" !!!
5. No clear way to switch between ATSC and DVB tuner.
6. VSB, QAM64 and QAM256 are the only modulation types that can be selected
anywhere (no mention of QPSK or 8PSK). See the menu detail below.
7. No USB port exists on the receiver as stated on the order page.
8. A scan of the US UHF TV broadcast band found no ATSC channels.
Detail of the issues
--------------------
My setup (not high end but it all works):
A Sony KV34 Digital TV
34" 16:9 Widescreen Tube
Inputs:
DVI
Component
S-Video
Composite
S/PDIF (fiber optic audio)
Conventional RCA R/L
Samsung HT-DB600
Integrated DVD Surround Sound Receiver
Outputs:
Component
S-Video
Composite
S/PDIF
Conventional RCA R/L
Inputs:
Component (for passthru to the outputs)
Motorola HDT100
ATSC Digital TV Tuner
Outputs:
Component
S-Video
Composite
S/PDIF
Conventional RCA R/L
Connections used:
HDMI->DVI connection between 8000HD and TV
S/PDIF fiber optic audio between 8000HD and HT-DB600
Conventional RCA R/L between 8000HD and TV
When used:
Component between HDT100 and TV
S/PDIF fiber optic audio between HDT100 and HT-DB600
The unit was advertised with a price of $448.00 with free shipping and was to include a free 4x1 DiSeq switch which was not included with the shipment.
The unit came with HDMI, component and composite video cables which was a nice touch. The package also included a multi-functional remote.
Either the documentation was removed somewhere after it was shipped from the Korean factory or the manufacturer never included the documentation to begin with. In any case, this is not helpful given the unique dual tuner configuration. As indicated later in this posting, it is not immediately intuitive from the menu setup how to select between the two tuners. The outside of the box echos the common list of features listed on several web sites already. The logos that appear on the outside of the box include "HD TV", "HDMI", "EPG", "TELE TEXT", "OSD", "MPEG", "Dolby Digital BITSTREAM OUT", "DiSeqC1.2", "DVB Digital Video Broadcasting", "HDTV". Descriptions in both English and French are listed on the box. In English:
-MPEG 2 & MPEG 4 Support High-Definition (ATSC Only)
-Digital Terrestrial (ATSC) & Satellite Set-Top-Box (TX Combo)
-Multiple Video Outputs- HDMI, RGB, Ypbpr, S-Video & CVBS
-Selectable output for 1080i, 720p, 576p & 576i format
-Tunes and decodes all 18 ATSC broadcast formats
-Dolby Digital (AC3) 5.1 Channel Surround Sound via optical
-16:9 High Definition Flat Widescreen
-USB 2.0 port for SW update
-Multi-lingual audio and digital closed caption support
(I'll spare you the french- you get the idea).
The next problem encountered with the receiver was the sound of a screw rattling loose inside the receiver when removed from the shipping box.
After carefully removing three small machine screws on the back face of the unit and removing the cover, two circuit boards were found. One was a power supply board and another was the receiver board itself which included two small RF shielded boxes, presumably one was the ATSC tuner and the other was the satellite DVB tuner. One female F connector mounted at the back face of the unit labeled "Dish In" (presumed to be the DVB tuner) was connected to one tuner and "Signal In" (presumed to be the ATSC tuner) was connected to the other tuner.
One curious label at the back face of the tuner, directly beneath the satellite antenna input, was the label "DVB-S2." I was not aware that this receiver supported DVB-S2.
The loose screw noted above turned out to be the fourth anchor screw to the power supply board. This screw was easily secured and the cover was replaced and secured.
Next, with the unit powered off of course, the satellite connection coming from my 4x1 DiSeq was connected to the "Dish In" input and an terrestrial antenna cable was connected to "Signal In". There is also a "Loop Out" connection but not used since this is the only satellite receiver being used for this test. Given the lack of success with these connections, perhaps "loop through" connections are warranted, passing the "Loop Out" port into the "Signal In" with both the satellite and terrestrial receivers somehow connected in common through a multiswitch???? Any ideas????
I've worked previously with PanSat, PowerSat and Geosat brand receivers and found their menu setups easy to learn. I found the menus on the Coolsat 8000HD impossible. There is no obvious way to switch between the ATSC and DVB tuner. Note also in the scan menu detail below that only VSB, QAM64 and QAM256 are options- no mention of QPSK/4PSK or 8PSK! This would seem to be the closest possible option anywhere in the menus of how to select between tuners but this would not appear to be the case. A quick look at the wikipedia article on DVB-T (the terrestrial digital TV broadcast standard in use in Europe and other points outside north america) describe the use of OFDM (also used for WiFi) over QAM, 16QAM and 64QAM. This would explain the 64QAM in the terrestrial scan parameters but don't know why they're using 256QAM unless it was merely implemented in the chipset they selected for the product and it was decided to pass this capability through to the user for some future application.
Once powered on, the receiver proceeds to a blue screen with an image of the planet earth.
The receiver has no initial channel setup in memory so the first obvious operation is to open the menu and scan somehow but the way to do this was not obvious. The menus are very minimal and described below. The main menu offers five submenus. Each submenu is show below followed by a colon ( : ) and the choices presented under that menu.
Also noted on the unit: There is no USB port as advertised on the sat-sales.com order page for this unit. The US UHF TV band was scanned, using the center frequency for channels 14 (471250 KHz) as the start and 69 (801250 KHz) for the end with a 6000 KHz step size, selecting "VSB" for the modulation type. No channels were found. Perhaps other search options might work such as using the bottom edge for the start (470000KHz) and the top top of the band with a smaller step size but it is difficult to know a priori what would work. In any case, the default frequences found for this were in the UHF terrestrial TV broadcast band.
There is no mention of DiSeqC anywhere in the menus.
It would appear from all of this that a firmware upgrade is warranted. The designated repair center for this unit will be contacted monday morning for further direction on all of this.
Main and Sub Menu selections
----------------------------
Installation: Auto Scan
Manual Scan
-Auto Scan:
Start Frequency (KHz): (enter using 0-9 keys on remote)
End Frequency (KHz): (0-9)
Step Frequency (KHz): (0-9)
Scan Mode: Free
CAS
Free+CAS
Service Type: TV
Radio
TV+Radio
Modulation: VSB
QAM64
QAM256
-Manual Scan: Frequency: (0-9)
Scan Mode: Free
CAS
Free+CAS
Service Type: TV
Radio
TV+Radio
Modulation: VSB
QAM64
QAM256
System Setting: A/V Output Setting
Language
Time Setting
Security Setting
OSD Setting
-A/V Output Setting: TV Screen: 16:9
4:3
4:3 Letter Box
Dolby Digital(DD): Enable
Disable
Digital Audio: Dolby Digital(DD)
PCM
-Language: Display: (A generous assortment of languages to
choose from)
Audio 1: (Same)
Audio 2: (Same)
-Time Setting: Time Mode: TDT
User Mode
Day light saving: Enable
Disable
Start day: "03/Last/Sun/02"
[this is not user editable]
End day: "10/Last/Sun/03"
[this is not user editable]
Following fields appear only when "Time Mode" is set to "User Mode"
Year: (0-9, YYYY format)
Month: (1-12)
Day: (1-28,29,30 or 31)
Hour: (0-23)
Minute: (0-59)
-Security Setting: Password: New
[apparently selected to choose a new password from default '0000']
Rating: View All
7
12
15
18
-OSD Setting:
Banner Display Time: (0-9 Seconds)
Screen Saver: 60 min
120 min
Disable
5 min
10 min
20 min
30 min
OSD Mixweight: High
Low
Middle
Channel: Reservation [use of these menus not possible- when tried,
Delete unit reports: "No Channel Installed. Please scan
first]
Advanced: Reset Factory Default [this selection should be obvious to the reader]
Status: System Information: Model ID: 4600C146
H/W Version: 1.00
S/W Version: 1.00.0A
Loader Version: 1.08
UPDATE: I'm adding a description of the my setup and cables used between components.
I've never used a Coolsat brand receiver before and this was a very poor first impression. I can only hope this is not their best work and that their other receivers enjoy a good following.
Any comments and input appreciated.
Thanks.
There are a lot of problems with this unit out of the box.
In this post:
1. Summary of initial issues/observations
2. Detail of the issues
3. Detail of the menus of the unit
Summary of issues
-----------------
1. The free DiSeqC switch cited in the dealer's order page was missing in the
shipment.
2. No documentation whatsoever is included in the unit.
3. Loose screw inside unit (easy fix).
4. Satellite antenna input port includes label "DVB-S2" !!!
5. No clear way to switch between ATSC and DVB tuner.
6. VSB, QAM64 and QAM256 are the only modulation types that can be selected
anywhere (no mention of QPSK or 8PSK). See the menu detail below.
7. No USB port exists on the receiver as stated on the order page.
8. A scan of the US UHF TV broadcast band found no ATSC channels.
Detail of the issues
--------------------
My setup (not high end but it all works):
A Sony KV34 Digital TV
34" 16:9 Widescreen Tube
Inputs:
DVI
Component
S-Video
Composite
S/PDIF (fiber optic audio)
Conventional RCA R/L
Samsung HT-DB600
Integrated DVD Surround Sound Receiver
Outputs:
Component
S-Video
Composite
S/PDIF
Conventional RCA R/L
Inputs:
Component (for passthru to the outputs)
Motorola HDT100
ATSC Digital TV Tuner
Outputs:
Component
S-Video
Composite
S/PDIF
Conventional RCA R/L
Connections used:
HDMI->DVI connection between 8000HD and TV
S/PDIF fiber optic audio between 8000HD and HT-DB600
Conventional RCA R/L between 8000HD and TV
When used:
Component between HDT100 and TV
S/PDIF fiber optic audio between HDT100 and HT-DB600
The unit was advertised with a price of $448.00 with free shipping and was to include a free 4x1 DiSeq switch which was not included with the shipment.
The unit came with HDMI, component and composite video cables which was a nice touch. The package also included a multi-functional remote.
Either the documentation was removed somewhere after it was shipped from the Korean factory or the manufacturer never included the documentation to begin with. In any case, this is not helpful given the unique dual tuner configuration. As indicated later in this posting, it is not immediately intuitive from the menu setup how to select between the two tuners. The outside of the box echos the common list of features listed on several web sites already. The logos that appear on the outside of the box include "HD TV", "HDMI", "EPG", "TELE TEXT", "OSD", "MPEG", "Dolby Digital BITSTREAM OUT", "DiSeqC1.2", "DVB Digital Video Broadcasting", "HDTV". Descriptions in both English and French are listed on the box. In English:
-MPEG 2 & MPEG 4 Support High-Definition (ATSC Only)
-Digital Terrestrial (ATSC) & Satellite Set-Top-Box (TX Combo)
-Multiple Video Outputs- HDMI, RGB, Ypbpr, S-Video & CVBS
-Selectable output for 1080i, 720p, 576p & 576i format
-Tunes and decodes all 18 ATSC broadcast formats
-Dolby Digital (AC3) 5.1 Channel Surround Sound via optical
-16:9 High Definition Flat Widescreen
-USB 2.0 port for SW update
-Multi-lingual audio and digital closed caption support
(I'll spare you the french- you get the idea).
The next problem encountered with the receiver was the sound of a screw rattling loose inside the receiver when removed from the shipping box.
After carefully removing three small machine screws on the back face of the unit and removing the cover, two circuit boards were found. One was a power supply board and another was the receiver board itself which included two small RF shielded boxes, presumably one was the ATSC tuner and the other was the satellite DVB tuner. One female F connector mounted at the back face of the unit labeled "Dish In" (presumed to be the DVB tuner) was connected to one tuner and "Signal In" (presumed to be the ATSC tuner) was connected to the other tuner.
One curious label at the back face of the tuner, directly beneath the satellite antenna input, was the label "DVB-S2." I was not aware that this receiver supported DVB-S2.
The loose screw noted above turned out to be the fourth anchor screw to the power supply board. This screw was easily secured and the cover was replaced and secured.
Next, with the unit powered off of course, the satellite connection coming from my 4x1 DiSeq was connected to the "Dish In" input and an terrestrial antenna cable was connected to "Signal In". There is also a "Loop Out" connection but not used since this is the only satellite receiver being used for this test. Given the lack of success with these connections, perhaps "loop through" connections are warranted, passing the "Loop Out" port into the "Signal In" with both the satellite and terrestrial receivers somehow connected in common through a multiswitch???? Any ideas????
I've worked previously with PanSat, PowerSat and Geosat brand receivers and found their menu setups easy to learn. I found the menus on the Coolsat 8000HD impossible. There is no obvious way to switch between the ATSC and DVB tuner. Note also in the scan menu detail below that only VSB, QAM64 and QAM256 are options- no mention of QPSK/4PSK or 8PSK! This would seem to be the closest possible option anywhere in the menus of how to select between tuners but this would not appear to be the case. A quick look at the wikipedia article on DVB-T (the terrestrial digital TV broadcast standard in use in Europe and other points outside north america) describe the use of OFDM (also used for WiFi) over QAM, 16QAM and 64QAM. This would explain the 64QAM in the terrestrial scan parameters but don't know why they're using 256QAM unless it was merely implemented in the chipset they selected for the product and it was decided to pass this capability through to the user for some future application.
Once powered on, the receiver proceeds to a blue screen with an image of the planet earth.
The receiver has no initial channel setup in memory so the first obvious operation is to open the menu and scan somehow but the way to do this was not obvious. The menus are very minimal and described below. The main menu offers five submenus. Each submenu is show below followed by a colon ( : ) and the choices presented under that menu.
Also noted on the unit: There is no USB port as advertised on the sat-sales.com order page for this unit. The US UHF TV band was scanned, using the center frequency for channels 14 (471250 KHz) as the start and 69 (801250 KHz) for the end with a 6000 KHz step size, selecting "VSB" for the modulation type. No channels were found. Perhaps other search options might work such as using the bottom edge for the start (470000KHz) and the top top of the band with a smaller step size but it is difficult to know a priori what would work. In any case, the default frequences found for this were in the UHF terrestrial TV broadcast band.
There is no mention of DiSeqC anywhere in the menus.
It would appear from all of this that a firmware upgrade is warranted. The designated repair center for this unit will be contacted monday morning for further direction on all of this.
Main and Sub Menu selections
----------------------------
Installation: Auto Scan
Manual Scan
-Auto Scan:
Start Frequency (KHz): (enter using 0-9 keys on remote)
End Frequency (KHz): (0-9)
Step Frequency (KHz): (0-9)
Scan Mode: Free
CAS
Free+CAS
Service Type: TV
Radio
TV+Radio
Modulation: VSB
QAM64
QAM256
-Manual Scan: Frequency: (0-9)
Scan Mode: Free
CAS
Free+CAS
Service Type: TV
Radio
TV+Radio
Modulation: VSB
QAM64
QAM256
System Setting: A/V Output Setting
Language
Time Setting
Security Setting
OSD Setting
-A/V Output Setting: TV Screen: 16:9
4:3
4:3 Letter Box
Dolby Digital(DD): Enable
Disable
Digital Audio: Dolby Digital(DD)
PCM
-Language: Display: (A generous assortment of languages to
choose from)
Audio 1: (Same)
Audio 2: (Same)
-Time Setting: Time Mode: TDT
User Mode
Day light saving: Enable
Disable
Start day: "03/Last/Sun/02"
[this is not user editable]
End day: "10/Last/Sun/03"
[this is not user editable]
Following fields appear only when "Time Mode" is set to "User Mode"
Year: (0-9, YYYY format)
Month: (1-12)
Day: (1-28,29,30 or 31)
Hour: (0-23)
Minute: (0-59)
-Security Setting: Password: New
[apparently selected to choose a new password from default '0000']
Rating: View All
7
12
15
18
-OSD Setting:
Banner Display Time: (0-9 Seconds)
Screen Saver: 60 min
120 min
Disable
5 min
10 min
20 min
30 min
OSD Mixweight: High
Low
Middle
Channel: Reservation [use of these menus not possible- when tried,
Delete unit reports: "No Channel Installed. Please scan
first]
Advanced: Reset Factory Default [this selection should be obvious to the reader]
Status: System Information: Model ID: 4600C146
H/W Version: 1.00
S/W Version: 1.00.0A
Loader Version: 1.08
72 Replies
·
27242 views
Staff member
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
Additional tabs provide:
OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
2161 Replies
·
937255 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
This thread is a place to discuss the 4K events that appear on channel 540. We are getting, at this point, one college football game a week. Let's hope there is more coming.
1933 Replies
·
299543 views
Hmmm, I'm not seeing anything like those events in our Hopper 3 guide for tonight or Saturday.
I went into the Tools menu and requested a Guide Update. I'll try looking at it after the update completes.
edit — I now have the 148-01 4KFox events for Saturday, but not anything for 148-02 or 148-03 which don't even show as available channels. I do have 148-04 4KUSA.
As I recall you have the Flex package. Do you sub to multisport? -02 is FS1 and -03 is ESPN. -01 is Fox so you would get that if you sub to locals.Hmmm, I'm not seeing anything like those events in our Hopper 3 guide for tonight or Saturday.
I went into the Tools menu and requested a Guide Update. I'll try looking at it after the update completes.
edit — I now have the 148-01 4KFox events for Saturday, but not anything for 148-02 or 148-03 which don't even show as available channels. I do have 148-04 4KUSA.
Even though it didn't work out for the Hoosiers, this event recorded and I was able to watch it in full 4K HDR.
Timer is set to Record the Series. Thanks, Bobby!
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68586 Replies
·
2676521 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
I'm surprised Walmart hasn't banned this guy from all of their stores. He has been on their CASE the past few months.
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f3zr37ekgKM?feature=share
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f3zr37ekgKM?feature=share
35 Replies
·
396 views
Unless the specific product or its packaging is known at the time of weighing, estimating the tare weight for a PoS system is a tall order.
I'm pretty sure that produce bags can't get any thinner.
You certainly don't want to put unbagged produce on a belt, scale, or in a clerk's hands (gloved or not).
I would think that all the packaging would already be accounted for ... they weigh the container, subtract that from the scale, then add the product , so its weighing the Product onlyUnless the specific product or its packaging is known at the time of weighing, estimating the tare weight for a PoS system is a tall order.
I'm pretty sure that produce bags can't get any thinner.
You certainly don't want to put unbagged produce on a belt, scale, or in a clerk's hands (gloved or not).
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8XjBdqOb-0
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Day at The Apple Store Los Angeles!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8XjBdqOb-0
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Day at The Apple Store Los Angeles!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
·
6 views
Why are ViP922s So rare? like its crazy how ebay has none, i checked everywhere, also, i got a ViP222k now, which is actually activated!
32 Replies
·
897 views
I remember this in the news too...
www.nbcnews.com
$14,000 spent on rented rotary phone
A widow rented a rotary dial telephone for 42 years, paying what her family calculates as more than $14,000 for a now- outdated phone.
www.nbcnews.com
That is a misnomer. In the old days you subscribed to telephone service. That included the telephone line and one telephone. An extension cost $1 a month extra. So that $14,000 over 42 years was for the service not the leased telephone. There is no way they paid $28 a month for 42 years for a leased telephone.I remember this in the news too...
$14,000 spent on rented rotary phone
A widow rented a rotary dial telephone for 42 years, paying what her family calculates as more than $14,000 for a now- outdated phone.
Lifetime Supporter
I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.
145 Replies
·
3746 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yn1fIBkbJDQ
Direct YouTube Link - Glenn's Pick of the Week: The Vevor Automatic Tape Dispenser
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yn1fIBkbJDQ
Direct YouTube Link - Glenn's Pick of the Week: The Vevor Automatic Tape Dispenser
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
8 views
I haven't posted in almost 17 years. Over the air, sat, offline, anything-but-the-internet is still one of my avid pursuits. Been playing with offline tv viewing and offline web browsing. I have great appreciations for this site still being here. It's so hard to find public communities that haven't sold out to social media company.
4 Replies
·
83 views
Welcome back, as you can see we branched off into a bunch of things since Satellite is what it is now, so lots to talk about here. 