What DSTV PVR to buy?

[Tacet]

I'm looking for a PVR for my parents - I don't ever watch TV, so I'm not up to date on what's available on the PVR side.

Application:
SD video - it will replace their old tape recorder that broke down. I want to stay future-proof, so I want to be ready for HD. They might consider going dual-view once they realize what it is, but I doubt it. DSTV simply repeats everything for them, in any case.

Question:
Suggestions as to a decoder/PVR? What is the latest - the DSTV HD PVR 2P, or the DSTV HD PVR? What are the differences between the two.

TIA!

[Quantum Theory]

HD PVR 2P (Pace) and HD PVR 2U (UEC) are the only models available and they have the same specs. The 2U was just released, so might still have some teething problems. I would go for the Pace. It's been the best HD PVR so far.

[mika1000]

the hd pvr 2p is the worst decoder on the market. it contantly freeze, reboot, got sound problems, often completely unresponsive.

the diffirence between the hd pvr 2p and the hd pvr are 2 tuners. the 2p can view 1 and record 1. the other can view 1 and record 2.

the 1132 got no problems on the other hand.

bought a 2p and 1132 on the same day. the 2p is my worst buy of all times. read the dstv forum.

you dont get dualview decoders anymore, been discontinued abot 3 to 4 years ago.

you only get xtra-view where two decoders are linked via a heartbeat. read about that on the dstv forum as well.

[Nuro]

the hd pvr 2p is the worst decoder on the market. it contantly freeze, reboot, got sound problems, often completely unresponsive.

Weird. My 2P has been solid since I bought it in April.

[Quantum Theory]

mika1000 sounds like a real expert... Have you done the flash reset procedure mika? It will cure most of your problems.

[MOwrt]

mika1000 sounds like a real expert... Have you done the flash reset procedure mika? It will cure most of your problems.

Flash reset?

[isie]

Flash reset?

Like so

To everyone experiencing this, try the factory reset procedure... Please note that this will change some of your XtraView and RF output settings to default. If you do not know how to change these back to your custom settings, please get your installer to assist.

Here is the procedures for the different models:

(please note that you have to press the buttons on the front panel of the decoder, until you are asked for a PIN)


Pace 4 Tuner:

Press TV guide on the decoder in & hold for 10 seconds
Release then press Exit
Release then press OK
Release & a green screen will appear asking for a pin code (1649)
Select Reset Factory Defaults from the list & confirm

UEC 4 Tuner:

Press TV guide on the decoder in & hold for 10 seconds
Release then press Shift
Release then press Exit
Release then press OK
Release & a green screen will appear asking for a pin code (1649)
Select Reset Factory Defaults from the list & confirm

Pace 2 Tuner:

Press the TV/Audio button in & hold for 10 seconds
Release then press the UHF button
Release then press the Pause/Play button.
Release & a green screen will appear asking for a pin code (1649)
Select Reset Factory Defaults from the list & confirm

@qauntum i think you should post a new theead on the flash reset info and ask them to make it a stiky

[Quantum Theory]

Flash reset?

It's been discussed here many times.

[MOwrt]

Like so




@qauntum i think you should post a new theead on the flash reset info and ask them to make it a stiky

Thanks
Will try this tonight

[McGuywer]

@ Quantum Theory,
What if it says your decoder has been locked or something like that? (I entered the wrong PIN a couple of times).
Would you be able to assist me or should I contact DStv?

[Superjakes]

@ Quantum Theory,
What if it says your decoder has been locked or something like that? (I entered the wrong PIN a couple of times).
Would you be able to assist me or should I contact DStv?

I think it's a different PIN - this is the one to use when you want to change settings, and not the one you use when you want to keep your kids from watching your age restricted recordings.

Question - will this procedure delete any recordings?

[Quantum Theory]

Thanks
Will try this tonight

Just take note of the first 2 lines. Your RF and XtraView setting will default.

Also take note, that the first part of the procedure is on the front panel and not the remote.

[Quantum Theory]

@ Quantum Theory,
What if it says your decoder has been locked or something like that? (I entered the wrong PIN a couple of times).
Would you be able to assist me or should I contact DStv?

You need to call DStv.

[Quantum Theory]

Question - will this procedure delete any recordings?

No, but settings will default.

[Tacet]

Mmm, except for Mika, do the rest of you also feel that the 2p is still a bit buggy?

@Mika - thanks, you basically gave all the info I needed. The 1132 seems like a bit of overkill for my parents, but if the problems with the 2p are common then I'd rather be safe than sorry.