DVB-S2 Blind Scan Receiver?

[geekt]

I've been pricing various receivers, trying to find a cheap starter receiver that will get DVB-S2 with blind scan, and frankly I'm losing heart a bit. It seems like I have two options, about double my budget, to $1000...or MORE...or start considering just starting with a receiver that's not S2 capable, or perhaps just not capable of blind scanning S2.
So, I ask you:
Should I double my budget, and wait a bit longer, getting something like an AZBox, which seems like overkill for a first box?
OR
Is there another receiver that's S2 blind scan capable that's a better price for a starting receiver?
OR
Should I forget it, and get a different receiver?

My requirements are:
PVR/DVR capable, as I am HORRIBLE at remembering to watch shows at specific times, and prefer to watch them when I want to.
MPEG2/4 since I believe many more channels will switch to MPEG4
Blind Scanning
Linux preferably, just because I like the idea that it's a bit more customizable
Ethernet, because at the very least I'd like to be able to update channel lists etc from over an ethernet cable, and I consider null modem cables and such ancient (preferably the ability to download the videos over the network, as I understand that it's possible to record a 4:2:2 show and watch it on your computer)

 

[stanleyjohn]

Wow!! Even at $500 that would buy you a top of the line AZ-box.A sathawk/solomend/openbox can do all exept 4:2:2 video broadcasts and that would set you back less than $200.If you want it all then i would say go with a AZ-box.

 

[crossbow]

The DVBWorld 2104D will do all of your requirements for just a little more than your budget, but you need a PC with a descent video board. For a STB the Openbox S-9 HD PVR will do all except 4.2.2 chroma feeds for less than $200.

 

[brentb636]

And nothing you can buy, will be perfect. Mostly these boxes fall down on PVR performance, which is why many of us have several receivers. If I want a good recording, I use my PC and a DVB card to record it to the PC. The PC is much more reliable than the scheduling clocks on the various receivers, has unlimited space, and records hi bit rate HD just fine.

Be flexible, and you'll be happy !

 

[Phottoman]

Where can I get info on DVB card and connecting my PC to my new Plasma TV? Is there a recommended specific DVB card?

I have a BluRay player for streaming Netflix, will this help me in connecting my PC to the TV?

Boy, when the question box opens, there are QUESTIONS.

Photto

 

[stanleyjohn]

I have heard that DVB worlds new PC turners are pretty good with fast blindscan.

 

[geekt]

Wow!! Even at $500 that would buy you a top of the line AZ-box.A sathawk/solomend/openbox can do all exept 4:2:2 video broadcasts and that would set you back less than $200.If you want it all then i would say go with a AZ-box.

Well, my budget of $500 includes the dish. I originally considered a budget of under $400, but I raised it to allow for a better dish, and motor. I was looking at the Sathawk and boxes that are said to be pretty much the same, but was a bit worried with it's blind scan. Some have reported that it doesn't pick up all channels on S2 with the blind scan. Perhaps that's just because they need to tweak the alignment a bit? Does it pick them up better if you scan V vs H separately?

I was thinking if I can't find something better, that's likely what I will get for now, and wait until a newer receiver I will enjoy more will come out.

The DVBWorld 2104D will do all of your requirements for just a little more than your budget, but you need a PC with a descent video board.

I forgot to mention that I'm only interested in STB's. I use my computer for work mainly. My current computer isn't made for gaming or anything heavy. It's made to run very cool so it doesn't heat up the room. I would need to build a box specifically for FTA if I got a USB/PCI solution, and when considering all the parts, that's likely further out of budget than an AZBox, and would come with it's own headaches.

 

[geekt]

Where can I get info on DVB card and connecting my PC to my new Plasma TV? Is there a recommended specific DVB card?

I have a BluRay player for streaming Netflix, will this help me in connecting my PC to the TV?

Boy, when the question box opens, there are QUESTIONS.

Photto

You can easily get a dual video card that supports HDMI/DVI, and then you just run the cable to your HDTV. You may need to run a seperate cable for audio though.

 

[brentb636]

I've noticed lately that there are a few cards that have dual output, with DVI output, both video and audio. Shop for those features, although I have an older Nvidea 8500 and do quite well with HDMI output to the TV and separate audio cables.