I got my HD PVR up and running.
The actual service won't be available until the 8/08 because of software update issues.
I'm still getting pictures on most channels... somehow... even though I havn't phoned in to activate the smartcard or anything.
For those of you who have installed their decoder and are experiencing the same phenomenon; go to channel 1010 on your HD PVR to see their "HD coming soon" promo channel. You get a taste of the picture quality that we can expect with various teaser type adverts and mini documentaries.
I'm very satisfied with the picture quality... I have to remind myself that this is LIVE BROADCAST and not a DVD. The picture quality is better than DVD quality... but the truth lies in the details.
Obviously, this depends heavily on the quality of your HDTV, home theater system, cables and seating position.
The HD footage is true HD... ie 720p.
You notice the higher resolution as a softer and more lifelike image. No overpowering reds and blurry white/black "blocky" appearance. There's a slow-mo display of the Euro 2008 final where you see extreme close-ups in super slow-mo and you notice that you can actually see the player's sweaty pores and count how many crow's feet he Spanish coach has! Amazing detail!
Hard to imagine it's a broadcast! I can't wait for the Olympic opening ceremony!
As for the std broadcasts... Even more good news there! As a test, I connected the HD PVR via Component, Composite and HDMI to my system.
The difference is staggering.
I connected the decoder via a SCART-Component adapter and I assume the decoder enables progressive scan when you select this format in the menu. This picture quality is what I'm used to when watching DSTV on my big screen.
The composite quality is SHOCKING in comparison!
I then tried the HDMI format and was blown away! The decoder upscales the std images to a very watchable quality!
If anything, this is the BEST reason to get the HD decoder. Let's face it... One or two HD programs per week does not warrant the financial outlay. But your regular viewing is now much better quality! Across the board!
If you had to buy an amp or video processor that upscaled video to 720p with HDMI you're going to be paying much more than R2500!
I made the assumption as I bought the decoder that the broadcast quality would not be 720p but I am EXTREMELY OVERJOYED to announce that I was categorically wrong!
The picture quality is amazing!
And this is all before we get to sound quality and improved menu, searching, and favourite features! I'm glad I bought the guy!
Some observations that might prove helpful:
> You do need a minimum of 2 LNB's coming from your dish.
> If you're unsure of your wiring... get a professional to install. It's not as easy as you think... If you wire up the multiswitch incorrectly, the decoder will not function!
> If you are a first time DSTV customer, DO NOT get this decoder... wait for the dual view version to come out.
> If you already have a SD PVR, this decoder makes sense. Since you only get the improved picture quality via the HDMI connection, you can only view it on whichever TV the decoder is next to. Even if the decoder was dual view, this would not change... you will only get one HD viewing environment.
> Get a composite to RF modulator and connect the TV 1 of your additional decoder to it into your RF system. When you get the multiview setup working you'll be able to have 3 satellite channels via RF... THATS MORE THAN ENOUGH! even for a family with more than 3 TV's.
I do not want to state the obvious but I will anyway:
> ONLY GET THE HD DECODER IF YOU HAVE A HD READY TV or are planning to get one! (goes without saying but you'd be surprised how many people were grilling the sales people at multichoice over this one)
If you have any specific questions regarding installations drop me a PM... I did it all myself and managed to get it working! So i consider myself and expert now ;p !
