Set top boxes

Be prepared audiovision 2/2011 - Review details: Seven satellite receivers were reviewed including four without a hard drive, which cost between 200 and 300 euros, as well as three receivers which include a hard drive and range in price from 300 to 420 euros. Test criteria were image quality and sound quality as well as channel switching, operating noise and features.

10 HDTV Sat receivers reviewed PC-WELT 10/2010 Plus - There’s no doubt about it - HDTV is the TV of the future. Most HD channels are available via satellite. ‘PC WELT’ tested out ten HDTV satellite receivers which record onto hard drive and are priced between 130 and 270 euros. Review details: Ten HDTV set top boxes were tested. Among the test criteria were features (reception unit, recording programmes, playing recordings on a PC ...), image quality (HDTV/ SDTV visual test, resolution of HDTV/ SDTV signals, image noise ...), sound quality (distortions, background noise, audio test ...), operation (initial installation, channel navigation, electronic programming guide ...), energy usage as well as service (length of guarantee, service hotline, internet site).

Fresh out the oven Video-HomeVision 3/2011 - No two set-top boxes are the same. Various different features mean that everyone is able to find a device which is best suited to his/her needs. We tested out four brand new models. Review details: Four set-top boxes were tested including two satellite and two hybrid receivers. They were rated on image and sound quality, features, operation and workmanship.

HD+ in a practical application test HiFi Test 2/2011 - You can only watch private TV in HD via satellite with HD+. We took a look at six of the latest receivers. Review details: Six HDTV satellite receivers for HD+ were reviewed including one entry-level device and five upper class devices. The test criteria were image and sound quality, features, build quality and operation.

HD+ in a practical application test Sat Empfang 1/2011 - Satellite operator SES ASTRA’s encrypted HD+ broadcaster finally went live in November 2009 and, despite all the pessimistic comments, its programming has now been expanded to include six channels whilst an ever increasing number of manufacturers are releasing their own HD+ satellite receivers. We took a look at six of the latest models. Review details: Six receivers were tested including one entry-class receiver and five top class receivers. Test criteria were picture, sound, features, build quality and operation.

(Pan)Opticum Video-HomeVision 5/2011 - The Opticum Sat receiver offers an affordable way to get started with HDTV. It’s aiming to win over customers with multiple connection options and an additional DVB-T receiver. We’ll reveal just how well the device performed in a practical and a laboratory test.

Sharp, sharper, HD+ Video-HomeVision 9/2010 - More and more manufacturers are bringing out satellite receivers which also allow you to watch private TV channels from the HD+ range of programming. We took a closer look at five such models in our test labs. Review details: Five satellite receivers were tested. Test criteria were image quality (sharpness, reception levels, image error ...) , sound quality (digital, analogue/ HDMI, sound, analogue output/ scart), features (connections, hardware, functions) as well as operation (on-screen menu, remote control, installation ...) and processing (impression, material).

Smart and reliable Heimkino 6-7/2011 - The number of cable HDTV channels is constantly growing. Whilst public TV programming is not encoded, the majority of private broadcasters can only be received with the aid of a smartcard. We took a look at the CX 70 from Smart; a device which can also be used as a hard drive recorder.

A compact dream HiFi Test 3/2011 - The DM 800 HD se is hardly any bigger than a DVD case, which means it will fit into even the smallest of corners. Its 12 volt port enables this HDTV satellite receiver to also be used in caravans and portable homes.

Virgin Media Tivo: set-top box TV recorder Computer act!ve 2/2012 - It boasts many of the same features as the V+, but Virgin Media's new set-top box is far more intelligent.

Web duel Video-HomeVision 12/2010 - The latest satellite receivers also allow you to access the world wide web, providing you with a special web portal which often has a very extensive range of channels on offer. And this is why we’ve decided to create a new category: the hybrid receiver. Review details: Two hybrid receivers were reviewed. Test criteria were picture and sound quality, features, operation and processing.

First look: TechniSat DIGIT ISIO S1 INFOSAT 3/2011 - With its DIGIT ISIO S1 model, German manufacturer TechniSat is bringing out its first hybrid receiver which combines straightforward twin HD satellite reception and extensive video recording features with connection to the world wide web. ‘INFOSAT’ took a closer look at this multitalent.

HDTV for everybody? SAT+KABEL 9-10/2010 - The release of affordable HD receivers was announced at the AngaCable exhibition early this summer. Now they’re finally on the market. ‘SAT+KABEL’ put the devices through their paces in a practical application test. Review details: Four TV receivers were tested.

Full resolution Sat Empfang 3/2010 - The main German broadcasters have all been available in HD quality via satellite since the end of 2009. In order to be able to receive the picture in full resolution, you will require a special set-top box which is compatible with the ‘HD+ platform’. Here you can find out about all the different devices you can use to enjoy Formula One, blockbusters, or even TV series, in HDTV quality. We took a look at four models for the job. Review details: Four HD Sat receivers were tested. Test criteria were image quality (sharpness, colour fidelity, reception), sound, features (hardware, software) as well as workmanship and operation (installation, daily use, remote control).

First look: Opticum HD 9600 Prima INFOSAT 7/2011 - Manufacturer Opticum is re-releasing its successful 9600 series. ‘INFOSAT’ took a closer look at the Opticum HD 9600 Prima single HD set top box model which comes with a faster Full-HD chipset.

BT Vision The Gadget Show 11/2011 - In an attempt to keep up with other service providers, BT have launched Vision. Is this latest on demand TV service up to much?

Something for everyone Sat Empfang 2/2010 - The launch of HDTV via cable and satellite on the main German TV channels has meant that home cinema fans no longer have to settle for SD. If your flatscreen TV does not have an integrated HDTV receiver, you’ll have to use a set-top box. ‘SAT-Empfang’ took a look at what the market has to offer and tested out six models from various different price classes. Review details: Six HDTV set top boxes were reviewed, including an entry-level model, three top class models and two from the reference class. Test criteria were image quality (sharpness, colour fidelity, reception), sound, features (hardware, software) as well as workmanship and operation (installation, daily use, remote control).

HDTV, Youtube, internet radio Sat Empfang 1/2011 - In our last edition, we were very impressed by the set top box from Polish manufacturer ‘Ferguson’. That’s why we asked if we could also test out their other HD model. We’ll reveal just what the ArivaLink has to offer.

Something for everyone Heimkino 5-6/2010 - The launch of HDTV via cable and satellite on the main German TV channels has meant that home cinema fans no longer have to settle for SD. If your flatscreen TV does not have an integrated HDTV receiver, you’ll have to use a set-top box. ‘HEIMKINO’ took a look at what the market has to offer and tested out six models from various different price classes. Review details: Six TV receivers were tested. Test criteria were image (sharpness, colour fidelity, reception), sound, features (hardware, software), processing and operation (installation, daily use, remote control).

The HD+ pioneers audiovision 2/2010 - It’s time, yet again, for another new device: if you want to watch private HD programming you’ll need a certain satellite receiver. We tested out the first available models. Review details: Five HDTV satellite receivers were tested with 1 being rated “very good”, 3 “good” and 1 “sufficient”. Among the test criteria were image quality (picture resolution, colour decoding, visual test ...) as well as sound quality (digital sound quality, distortions, audio test ...) and features.

Multifaceted Heimkino 12/2010 -1/2011 - As well as 3D, HbbTV was also one of the main attractions at 2010’s IFA exhibition. HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Brightband TV) provides additional interactive services via the web to accompany the TV programme you are watching. The Inverto Volksbox Scena 6n can already be used to access these services. Here you can find out just what this HDTV set top box can do.

Sharp TV pictures from space CHIP Test & Kauf 10/2010 - There are a large number of HDTV channels currently on offer, especially via satellite. The number of HD receivers is also constantly growing, but not all devices are able to receive every channel. This review will tell you what you should be looking out for. Review details: Ten satellite receivers without a hard drive were tested. Test criteria were features, image quality, ergonomics, energy efficiency as well as documentation/ service.

Finally: plenty of HD to feast our eyes upon digital home 1/2010 - Public broadcasters have got their HDTV channels up and running just in time for the beginning of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. But now there are plenty of other channels that are also available in high resolution. ‘digital home’ took a closer look and reveals which HD programming you can receive where. Review details: Five HDTV set top boxes were tested. They were rated 1.4 and 1.5. Among the test criteria were image (sharpness, colour fidelity, reception), sound and features (hardware, software).

Three HD+ receivers INFOSAT 7/2010 - If you’d also like to enjoy freeview HD programming from HD+ Platform channels in all their high-resolution glory, there is now a fantastically wide range of HD+ receivers available. ‘INFOSAT’ tested out three of the latest models. Review details: Three HD+ receivers were reviewed.

Dion VSTBAW10 TrustedReviews 7/2011 - If you have an old telly without a built-in Freeview tuner, the Dion VSTBAW10 is a cheap and easy way of getting your fix of digital TV despite its lack of full HD support.

Virgin Media TiVo PC Pro 6/2011 - Even though TiVo has amassed a considerable following in the US, it had never managed more than a slippery foothold in the UK market. While this was partially due to its high price, it also had much to do with the popularity of Sky's pay TV. However, after having made a new contract with Virgin Media, TiVo is hoping to give the UK market another shot.

Sharp picture Heimkino 8-9/2010 - HD is now also making a huge mark on cable television. The main channels are being transmitted in HD quality and without encryption; services offered by private broadcasters are mostly encrypted. We took a look at the Kathrein UFC 960, a device which is able to receive free-to-air channels and can also decode Pay-TV programming using its Conax card and CI module.

First look: TechniSat TechniStar K1 INFOSAT 1/2011 - TechniSat is bringing out a new HDTV cable receiver, in the shape of the TechniStar K1, which is capable of receiving cable packages thanks to its integrated Conax decryption system. What’s more, the device is kitted out with a CI+ interface which enables you to receive a whole range of Pay-TV packages when you use it with the corresponding CI+ module. ‘INFOSAT’ took a closer look at this new cable box.

The HD+ format trap PC Praxis 6/2010 - Almost all of the latest TVs come with a cable TV or DVB-T receiver - but outer space is where HDTV is king. This has become all the more relevant now that private broadcasters are also transmitting their programmes in HD quality via satellite. We’ll reveal which sat receiver is the best choice for watching satellite TV in your own home. Review details: Four satellite recorders and eight satellite receivers were tested. Test criteria were image quality, features, build quality as well as operation and energy use.

Recommended by our readers More information about Set top boxes can also be found at samsung.com. Send us more suggestions for helpful sites.

Notification
We notify you free of charge about new tests on the topic of: Set top boxes. Your e-mail address: Submit