Moving up to FTA HD and have some questions.

[coinmaster32]

1. Is the Gbox any good?
2. What is a good HD box that will do s2? I have a Openbox S9 and I don't like it.
3. Should I get a c or c/ku lnbf? The ones that voltage switch like the dmx741.

Can you set up most hd free to airs to scan the entire arc at once?

Thanks

 

[Anole]

1. Gbox is quite good. (see writeup in the Hardware Review department)

2. S2: well in addition to the SSO, there are several AZbox (we have a whole forum for 'em)
If you're gonna consider a used receiver there might be a couple more worth talking about.

3. C or C+Ku? Lotta ways to go. Depends a lot on your dish, how many receivers you want to run, etc.
On a decent 8' or bigger BUD, the dual band LNBFs do good. Ku's a little tricky to fine-tune.
Single-band (C-only) ortho mode feeds do very well , and the C+Ku models are just outrageously priced.
For low cost, or just starting out, I don't think you can beat dual-output C-only LNBFs: C2 or 242.

 

[Mr Tony]

1. yes
2. what is the issue with the SSO?
3. depends on the dish size. Some folks have separate C & KU Band setups

 

[PopcornNMore]

You don't like the Openbox S9 HD PVR receiver!

It displays awesome video (SD & HD), supports DVB-S2, AC3 audio and retails for under $150.

 

[Mr Tony]

but considering the OP's posts it seems like he complains a lot about things

complaining that Directv HD doesnt look like Blue Ray on a 22" TV
http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-forum/249461-directv-hd-quality-sucks.html

complaining that Directv's family package sucks
http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-forum/249721-directv-family-package-sucks.html

 

[coinmaster32]

I don't mind the openbox s9's features, but its built like crap. I like quality stuff. That's why I have a $150 norsat LNB, but its a pita keeping a analog c band receiver hooked up just to switch polarities.

I like the looks of the Geosatpro C2, but with a lo stability of 1 MHz, it kind of scares me. Is the whole body aluminum? I had something like that, and the whole inside of the throat rusted out and made it unusable. Also it was so drifty I would have to rescan because the if freq changed on me.

So if it is aluminum, I will go with that, if not I will look out for a dual c band feedhorn and add a 2nd norsat and a 13/18 switch for bouncing back and forth between h and v.

 

[Mr Tony]

I like the looks of the Geosatpro C2, but with a lo stability of 1 MHz, it kind of scares me. Is the whole body aluminum? I had something like that, and the whole inside of the throat rusted out and made it unusable. Also it was so drifty I would have to rescan because the if freq changed on me.

My Geosat C2 has lasted 3 Minnesota winters....take it for what its worth

 

[SatelliteAV]

The GEOSATpro C2 is the heaviest cast LNBF on the market. Never have seen one rust.

If you want the best quality and willing to pay for it, why are you considering a $25 LNBF? Go for a dual feed with a 2nd KU LNB! Don't even attempt to compare an apple to an orange..... LNBFs are a great inexpensive option for the hobbyist, but they will not have the performance of a well constructed feedhorn and quality LNBs.

 

[coinmaster32]

My Geosat C2 has lasted 3 Minnesota winters....take it for what its worth

Is there any channels you can't get with it because of the lo stability?

 

[Tron]

I don't mind the openbox s9's features, but its built like crap. I like quality stuff.

Sadly, nearly all consumer FTA receivers are going to be built in a similar fashion to the Openbox. These are all made in China or (at best) Korea, none of them are going to win any awards for solid construction (or even bug-free operation). If you want commercial grade stuff, you'll have to shell out thousands for broadcast-grade gear.

 

[Mr Tony]

Is there any channels you can't get with it because of the lo stability?

sure there are channels I cant get but its more due to the dish size (6 foot) and not the LNB. The LNB is very stable even when working out in -20F temps

 

[brentb636]

Coinmaster, It's hard to figure out what you want. If you want the best stuff, then go for orthomode units and spend the $$$ . They will perform better than a $30 lnbf. Pendragon has posted some interesting results on a 6 ft dish, including receiving the DVB-S2, 8psk 9/10 FEC feeds. Most of us can't spend the $$ to have the very best, and enjoy the incremental benefit gained from the best . We tend to think in terms of "bang for the buck", as opposed to absolute performance. Trying to equate , in some fashion, inexpensive hardware with world class hardware, just doesn't make much sense.